But here in Canada, where our lagging industry relies more heavily on safe bets and all leading roles seemingly go to Paul Gross or Jason Priestley, what's left for the slew of talented, multicultural performers flooding talent agencies across the country?
Merle would like to see it set up in three parts: old, historically significant performers; new talent; and the top current acts.
Marc Shaiman, who wrote the music and lyrics, and Scott Wittman, his collaborator on the lyrics, say they adapted working versions of "Hairspray" to highlight the performers' particular talents, which often meant beefing up their parts.
The vast gulf between their perspectives comes through loud and clear in their comments as judges on "Idol": while Carey often focuses on a performer's talent, for Minaj, talent is malleable, and there's always a workaround, an angle, a way to win over audiences.
It boasts the highly publicised aerial technology to give the performers flight, the talent of director Julie Taymor (who also directed The Lion King), and music by Bono and The Edge.
"ITV is thrilled this exciting and bold sitcom, with stellar performers and writing talent is to join the increasing slate of new look comedy shows on the channel," said Myfanwy Moore, ITV comedy commissioning editor.
The group, described as a "mix of local voices, renowned performers and emerging talent", includes Richard Bremmer, who played Voldemort in the first Harry Potter film, and Melanie La Barrie, who played Mrs Phelps in the West End hit musical Matilda.
Johnston Press is to reintroduce pay reviews after an 18-month freeze, but has warned that a dramatic change in policy means "performers and top talent" will get rises some of staff could get nothing.
Her spokeswoman told The Associated Press that Ms. Boyle, right, was scheduled to rejoin a live tour of "Britain's Got Talent" performers at a Monday-night concert in Glasgow, after missing earlier stops on the tour over the weekend.
