X

Report: Google in talks with 'American Idol' creator

Sources say Google-Simon Fuller deal could change music and entertainment distribution.

Elinor Mills Former Staff Writer
Elinor Mills covers Internet security and privacy. She joined CNET News in 2005 after working as a foreign correspondent for Reuters in Portugal and writing for The Industry Standard, the IDG News Service and the Associated Press.
Elinor Mills

So, what could Google execs be talking about with the man who created American Idol and X Factor?

The United Kingdom's Guardian online reports that Google has been in discussions for about a year with Simon Fuller. Fuller worked with the Spice Girls and managed David Beckham in addition to creating popular entertainment shows like Pop Idol.

The report cites unidentified sources close to Fuller saying the deal could "revolutionize the way entertainment and music are distributed."

Asked for comment, a YouTube spokesman said: "Simon Fuller has a promotional branded channel on YouTube and we don't comment on rumor or speculation."

How about a "Real World Google" or "Dancing with the Googlers"?