Simon Fuller on American Idol's 'Incredible Decade'

PR Newswire

LONDON, Jan. 11, 2011

LONDON, Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Simon Fuller, the man behind the Idol franchise, celebrates his creation's 10th American anniversary. American Idol, the very representation of the Idol success story, has enjoyed a stream of accomplishments; from its staggering viewing figures to it being the birthplace of many popular artists. Commenting on his franchise's achievements Simon Fuller notes,

"I just can't believe we are celebrating our 10th season. It has been an incredible decade and the success we have enjoyed has eclipsed all of our wildest dreams. This anniversary season is all set to be the most enjoyable of all, we have had the most successful auditions in our history and are spoilt for choice with great talent. Our two new judges Jennifer and Steven, two enormous stars in their own right are going to have an incredible time judging this amazing crop of talented people on their debut season. With plenty of other positive changes coming, there is a renewed energy and enthusiasm in Idol world."

Simon Fuller is one of the most dynamic and influential people in the entertainment business. Creator of the TV shows that define our generation and sculpt the future of our entertainment industry, Simon Fuller's XIX Entertainment has made him the most successful British manager of all time. With figures in the media, music and sport spheres and with big names like The Spice Girls, David Beckham, Andy Murray and Cathy Dennis in his arsenal, it's no wonder iTunes have hailed Simon Fuller as the king of the digital revolution.  

Fuller is a man whose reputation precedes him. Creator of the world famous Idol franchise, which has over 100 versions worldwide and is considered by many to be the basis of our current and future pop culture, he is also the co-creator and executive producer of the Fox TV reality show, So you think you can dance, as well as successfully introducing Little Britain to the United States.  In 2010 Simon Fuller was announced as Executive Producer of Bel Ami, a new movie starring Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman, Christina Ricci and Kristen Scott Thomas, which is set for release this year.

Fuller looks forward to another year of Idol success and tonight attends the celebrated Fox Teen Choice Awards 2011.  

SOURCE XIX Entertainment

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US homeownership at lowest in decade

The United States' homeownership rate is at the lowest level in more than a decade, hampered by a rise in foreclosures and weak demand for housing.

The percentage of households that owned their homes was unchanged at 66.9 per cent in the July-September quarter, the Census Bureau said on Tuesday. That's the same as the April-June quarter.

The last time the rate was lower was in 1999, when the rate was 66.7 per cent.

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The nation's homeownership rate was around 64 per cent from 1985 through 1995. It then rose dramatically during the Clinton and Bush administrations, hitting a peak of more than 69 per cent in 2004 at the height of the housing boom.

After the housing bubble burst, the rate has been declining gradually.

About 18.8 million homes, or 14.4 per cent of all houses and apartments, were vacant, according to the government survey. That was down slightly from the second quarter of the year, when 18.9 million houses and apartments were vacant.

About 2.5 per cent of all primary residences were vacant and for sale and 10.3 per cent of all year-round rental units were listed as vacant and for rent.

AP

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