The show “Idol: The Musical” was dubbed a “satirical musical comedy” and sought to send up Simon Cowell and fellow judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. But it seems this noble aim left American theatregoers cold.
Producer Todd Ellis confirmed that he had decided to close the show with immediate effect owing to a lack of advance ticket sales and a rash of poor feedback from preview audiences and critics.

The $60-a-ticket show had already experienced a fair share of bad luck. Preview shows began in early July but, four weeks later, the original cast had been replaced without explanation and, with opening night rapidly approaching, ten new actors began a fresh series of ill-fated rehearsals.

Cowell goes from strength to strength

In stark contrast to Ellis’ satirical production, Cowell’s star remains firmly in the ascendant. Earlier this month, the X-Factor mainman announced he intended to make a movie set behind the scenes of a TV talent show. The flick, provisionally titled Star Struck, will tell the story of 10 contestants in a Pop Idol-style singing contest.

Back in the more familiar territory of US prime time TV, Cowell’s most recent series of American Idol was massively successful, drawing a peak audience of 41 million Stateside viewers. 17-year old Jordin Sparks became the show’s youngest ever winner and joined previous winners Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard on the road to US pop chart domination.