Idol Chatter & Voice Views

By MARK FRANKLIN

American Idol has inspired so many unofficial and unsanctioned spin-offs, it’s tough to keep track of them all.

By now, if you follow Idol at all, you’ve heard about “Stripper Idol.”

Oh, yeah, the Palazio Men’s Club in Austin, Texas, holds the competition each Thursday. Gals — amateurs we’re told — dance topless for one minute. They’re judged on audience applause. The winner struts away with $500.

Freemantle Media North America, which owns American Idol, isn’t amused. They’ve filed suit alleging a trademark violation. Apparently it’s not just the nature of the competition that has them hot and bothered. It’s the logo, too. Indeed, Palazio’s MySpace page — does anyone not have a MySpace page these days? — shows one promo for the competition that looks an awful lot like the famous blue oval American Idol logo.

The most complete story I’ve read on the issue was published Monday by the Dallastown Morning News.

In it, you’ll read how “Stripper Idol” emcee “Kinky” Kelly Jones says Freemantle can’t lay claim to the word “idol” because it’s biblical “and “has been around for thousands of years.” Club Operations Manager Scott Stevenson told the Dallastown Morning News: “I didn’t know you could copyright an oval.”

Here’s the link to the story. And here’s a link to a commentary on the topic published Dec. 26 in the Austin American-Statesman.

You’ve got to love the timing of this story going national — I mean, in the same week American Idol decides to feature Bikini Girl in its first show of the season. Priceless.

One tug of a string and Bikini Girl would have been suitably unattired for “Stripper Idol.” But instead of being told to put some clothes on, Bikini Girl gets a golden ticket to Hollywood. Gee, and Idol owners are worried someone might think they sponsor “Stripper Idol.” Go figure.

Against that backdrop, On-Line Publishers announced this week that it’s looking for contestants for another unofficial spin-off, the fourth annual PA State Senior Idol competition.

It’s a contest for Pennsylvania residents 50 and over and it isn’t limited to singing. Amateur comedians, magicians and others are welcome as well. Dancers, too. But no strippers.

Five audition rounds are planned, including Tuesday, April 14, at the York Little Theatre, 27 S. Belmont St.; and Wednesday, April 15, at The Heritage Hotel Lancaster, 500 Centerville Road.

Our newspaper has covered the local auditions in the past. It’s a fun, wholesome event. So if you’re the right age and have a talent, why not sign up?

Fifteen finalists will compete for the Senior Idol crown at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater in Lancaster on June 8. Fame and fortune might not await the winner. But a limousine trip to a Broadway show in New York City does.

You can learn more about the competition and check out past performances here.

Heck, they’re even planning a March 18 Senior Idol Rewind show.

Now, how much more American Idol like can you get?

So, is a trademark challenge in Senior Idol’s future?

Somehow I doubt it.