Newton, E! make Vegas a reality
'Entertainer' search
Oct 15, 2004
E! Entertainment Television is joining up with Las Vegas fixture Wayne Newton to find the city's next superstar performer.
The cable network said Thursday that it has greenlighted "The Entertainer," a new 10-episode reality drama series featuring Newton that's set to debut in January.
The elimination-style series will feature 10 performers -- including male and female vocalists, illusionists, comedians and specialty act performers -- competing in performance challenges. Each week, Newton and a team of judges will whittle down the contestants until one winner remains. The last remaining contestant will perform alongside Newton during the series finale and also get the chance to become a featured performer in his Las Vegas show.
"Las Vegas has become the entertainment capital of the world, and Wayne Newton deserves much of the credit for this reputation," E! Networks president and CEO Ted Harbert said in a statement. "We are thrilled to join one of the world's most loved entertainers as he searches for the headliner of the future."
"Entertainer" is the third new E! series -- following "Jackie Collins Presents" and "Fashion Police" -- that's been greenlighted under Harbert, who became head of E! Networks in July.
"I believe this show will fill a much-needed void in the training ground of onstage performers that no longer exists," Newton said in a statement. "It is a win-win for our audience, talent, our town and entertainment."
Newton has performed more than 25,000 live shows in Las Vegas alone. He also has recorded 160 albums, with hits including "Danke Schoen," and has appeared in more than 30 films and TV shows.
"Entertainer" was created by Lee Brownstein of Kandor Entertainment, who will executive produce along with Howard Barish of Kandor, Larry Tanz of LivePlanet and Newton.
The cable network said Thursday that it has greenlighted "The Entertainer," a new 10-episode reality drama series featuring Newton that's set to debut in January.
The elimination-style series will feature 10 performers -- including male and female vocalists, illusionists, comedians and specialty act performers -- competing in performance challenges. Each week, Newton and a team of judges will whittle down the contestants until one winner remains. The last remaining contestant will perform alongside Newton during the series finale and also get the chance to become a featured performer in his Las Vegas show.
"Las Vegas has become the entertainment capital of the world, and Wayne Newton deserves much of the credit for this reputation," E! Networks president and CEO Ted Harbert said in a statement. "We are thrilled to join one of the world's most loved entertainers as he searches for the headliner of the future."
"Entertainer" is the third new E! series -- following "Jackie Collins Presents" and "Fashion Police" -- that's been greenlighted under Harbert, who became head of E! Networks in July.
"I believe this show will fill a much-needed void in the training ground of onstage performers that no longer exists," Newton said in a statement. "It is a win-win for our audience, talent, our town and entertainment."
Newton has performed more than 25,000 live shows in Las Vegas alone. He also has recorded 160 albums, with hits including "Danke Schoen," and has appeared in more than 30 films and TV shows.
"Entertainer" was created by Lee Brownstein of Kandor Entertainment, who will executive produce along with Howard Barish of Kandor, Larry Tanz of LivePlanet and Newton.
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