The "Idol" Spin-Off...

So here’s the scoop on that search for the best undiscovered band that Ryan mentioned on tonight’s show…

The producers of “Idol” will launch “The Search for the Next Great American Band” this fall on FOX.

According to “TV Guide,” auditions will take place throughout the country for bands that will compete for a recording contract. After the auditions and a paring down by judges (not Randy, Simon or Paula), 10 semi-finalists will perform and viewers will vote for their favorites.

There will be no age restrictions and the groups will have to perform “a variety of musical genres” during the competition.

Though I’m sure FOX won’t call this one a spin-off, I’d say that it definitely is. I think FOX would’ve done well to remember the last time they tried an “Idol” spin-off. Anyone remember “American Juniors”?

That’s what I thought…

We’ll hear much more about this next week when FOX announces its primetime schedule…