After "On the Lot," I'm a little wary of Fox dipping its toes into any new reality markets. But so far, it sounds like "The Next Great American Band," the "American Idol" crew's search for a new group to rule the airwaves, is keeping it all in the "Idol" family with its host and judges.

Host Dominic Bowden may be a newcomer to American TV, but he's well-known in New Zealand for hosting "New Zealand Idol." And judge Ian "Dicko" Dickson has pretty good music bonafides (he worked in promotions for Oasis and LL Cool J), but he's made his mark as the outlandish, Simon Cowell-esque judge on "Australian Idol." Joining Dicko at the judges' panel will be Goo Goo Dolls singer/songwriter John Rzeznik and Prince protege Sheila E. It may not be the strongest group ever, but really, if you'd heard back in 2002 that Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul were judging a reality show, wouldn't you have thought that would be dead in the water, too?

Here's how the show will work: After auditions, the judges will pick 10 semifinalists to perform weekly in front of a live audience. The competition will include both original music from the bands and covers of various styles. Voting will start at the end of each show, and the eliminated band will be announced at the start of the following week's episode.

Given that the show's airing on Fridays at 8 p.m., I can't imagine it would be as popular as an "Idol" or even a "So You Think You Can Dance." Are any of you curious to check it out?

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