Fox is closing in on a deal for a celebrity spinoff of American Idol, reports Variety. "Idol" producers FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment are behind the project, which Fox reality guru Mike Darnell said would be broadcast as a 10-episode "event" over the course of two or three weeks. The series - dubbed Celebrity Idol - will feature 10 well-known faces competing for charity, with the winner getting $1 million for his or her pet cause.

While there's no official airdate yet, Darnell said the series could air "sooner rather than later," and an early fall or November sweeps premiere seems logical.

When asked about the participation of judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, as well as host Ryan Seacrest, Darnell said it's "our hope that the judges and Ryan will do the show."

"We're going to go for the biggest talent possible," Darnell added, promising a very "open policy" toward casting. "We're looking for people who can sing but aren't known for singing."

There will be no celebrity auditions or weekly results show; likewise, the judges will have no say in who goes forward. Viewers will still vote by phone, but results will be given on the next performance episode, with one celebrity leaving each night.

Darnell added that they hope this will become an annual event.

sounds like a cool idea, but i really doubt there will be any big artists

the only Celebrities i see doing the show are the ones who desperately need publicity, like.......

It would be awesome of real celebs did do this. But, it's FOX... let's not assume the impossible.

Real celebrities like....

At least 33% of them will be from other Fox shows.

I don't mind that, if it's from current FOX shows. I don't care to see Bud Bundy from Married...With Children or Thomas Calabro from Melrose Place.

I'm waiting for an "American Actor" reality show, where essentially the exact same process as on American Idol occurs, except everyone is "acting" for the top spot, not singing. That would be the sweetest show ever. I'm biased of course, because I'm an actor, but I would watch that show forever. I love acting. They could have monologues, and then pair people up for 2-actor scenes, and in the final 10 or 12 each week have a different style of acting.

*Continues Dreaming*

PEACE, Mike

Next Action Star was that show. Except for the audience voting. It was bad, and no one watched it. Vivianna was funny enough: "Don't blow your nose at me, because I'm Pinnochio and I'll break your nose and shove it up your ass." Oh crazy delusional reality show contestants....