Early version of American Idol?

Question

I'm trying to find a show that I can compare American Idol to. I was thinking about comparing it to star search. Does anyone happen to know if a type of talent show was on air maybe in the 1950's or so?

Answer 1

The closest show to American Idol would probably be Ted Mack's Oiginal Amateur Hour. There were lots of other variety shows, too:
Milton Berle
Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour
Your Show of Shows
Perry Como Show
Colgate Comedy Hour
Your Hit Parade
Jack Benny Show
People Are Funny
George Gobel Show
AND ALSO...
Arthur Godfrey
Ed Sullivan
Dinah Shore
Lawrence Welk
Red Skelton

Here are the basics on Ted Mack's Show, and the link is below:

Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour
1/18/1948 - 9/26/1970

Ted Mack's talent show made the rounds to all four networks over time.

As far back as 1934, Major Bowes' Original Amateur Hour was a hit on radio. In 1946, Ted Mack who had previously supervised the auditions, took over. When the show first went over to TV, it was still named for Major Bowes.

A zillion acts apeared on the show but surprisingly few became big names. The way the show worked was you sent in a postcard to vote for your favorite.

Answer 2

Hope this helps.My gosh I can't believe I remember this but it was called The Ted Mack Amateur Hour.

Answer 3

Why does it have to be that old??? How about the show that Ed McMann did that alot of stars were on.........I cannot believe I can't remember the name........Oh I did Star Search........

Answer 4

The Gong Show...