MySpace Idol?
In an effort to revamp the dying social network and make its focus solely music, Justin Timberlake is mulling a talent competition a la “America Idol.”
Timberlake — who became part-owner of MySpace last week — will reveal his plans during an Aug. 17 press conference, says his manager Johnny Wright.
“Whether it becomes a talent competition or something like that, those are things that we will still flesh out,” said Wright. “We definitely want to bring the industry back to MySpace to really look at the talented people that have put their faces there.”
Timberlake’s business partner is Specific Media, which purchased MySpace from News Corp. for $35 million just hours before announcing his involvement on Wednesday
That same day, MySpace laid off more than half of its employees, approximately 450 people.
As part of his new position, Timberlake will be the creative force behind the company and will have his own office and staff.
“There’s a need for a place where fans can go to interact with their favorite entertainers, listen to music, watch videos, share and discover cool stuff and just connect,” Timberlake said. “MySpace has the potential to be that place. Art is inspired by people and vice versa, so there’s a natural social component to entertainment. I’m excited to help revitalize MySpace by using its social media platform to bring artists and fans together in one community.”
