A new reality show modelled on the Pop Idol format (known as American Idol in the US) will select a member of the public with qualifications to run for the presidency of the United States.

America's Federal Election Commission recently issued a "positive advisory opinion" saying that the show would not violate federal election laws. Showtime, a premium cable channel, then gave the show the green light. Showtime's president of entertainment, Robert Greenblatt, said:

"The ideas upon which this country was built – that anyone can run for public office and each voice counts – seem to be a thing of the past. This show, which is designed to find the ideal 'American candidate' from out of obscurity, will try to change all that. In the hands of these extraordinary producers, I think it will have amazing relevance to our country in a presidential election year – and who knows, maybe our winner will actually decide to enter the race."

The show will debut with twelve contestants. Over a ten-week run, the contestants will face off in a "series of challenges designed to test their presidential mettle and to show viewers what really goes on in the making of a presidential candidate." Audience participation and polling will vote off contestants until the final show, when the two remaining contestants face off directly. One will then emerge as the "American Candidate."