Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Newton gathers, gauges talent for ‘The Entertainer’ cable contest

It's not that he doesn't enjoy those types of shows. Frankly, he doesn't have the time to watch them.

"I'm generally working six nights a week. And really, on my night off, I tape '24' and those things I totally enjoy watching," Newton said in a phone interview from Los Angeles.

The man is so busy, he squeezes in interviews when he can, such as conducting this interview shortly after attending the Golden Globes.

Still, earlier this year, when Newton was first approached about having his own reality series, "The Entertainer," by TV producer Lee Brownstein, he didn't balk.

Instead, Newton found himself interested in the concept of the series, a high-concept talent show with the winner receiving a one-year, million-dollar headlining gig at the Las Vegas Hilton.

"I had only two caveats," Newton said. "One, that Las Vegas had to be treated with the dignity and respect I think it deserves and not get into anything I think is derisive.

"Two, that I was not a dream killer and that anything that I would say to another performer would be based totally and completely in the line of respect and credit these performers deserve."

Once Brownstein agreed to the stipulations, Newton insisted on one more.

"I had final say on who was chosen," he said. "Certainly, anyone who understands that venue would be me."

The two set about developing the show. After shopping the concept around, it didn't take long to land a home for the series: E! Entertainment Television.

"The Entertainer" premieres at 10 p.m. Sunday on E!, Cox cable channel 36, where it will air in hourlong installments over 10 weeks.

As it turned out, many performers were thrilled by the prospect of having their own Las Vegas show. More than 25,000 hopefuls auditioned in New York, Atlanta, Nashville, Chicago, Los Angeles and Las Vegas for a shot at being "The Entertainer."

The field eventually was narrowed to a group of 10, which includes six singers, three comedians and a magician.

Each week Newton puts the cast through various challenges to determine which performer is best suited for the title of "The Entertainer." In the first episode, for instance, after dividing the finalists into groups of two, each team is told they have one hour to develop and perform a show for an audience.

The motive behind the test is to see just how well each performer responds to the pressure of creating a show at the last minute -- something Newton has done many times in his career.

"In terms of the things that we put these performers through, it's all based on what I have been through myself ... knowing that anything that could happen will happen," he said. "I just think that so much more goes into being 'The Entertainer' than just your ability to sing or act or dance or do a magic trick."

Newton will also serve as a mentor to the winner, while having him or her perform in his Stardust show for a short time before moving on to the Hilton.

Whoever claims the title of "The Entertainer," Newton remains confident in their abilities to be worth the million-dollar contract.

"There's no question in my mind at all that the person that is ultimately chosen will, without a doubt, be a big star," he said. "I also have no doubt that, with added TV exposure, seven to eight of the 10 people will become major stars."

Brent Zacky, executive producer of development for E!, said he is proud of the show and confident of its appeal.

"It's easy to pigeonhole this program as 'American Idol' or 'The Apprentice,' " he said. "The difference is we've got the talent of 'American Idol' in different (situations). You also see the cast living together and competing against each other.

"I think it combines the best of many, many shows."

Zacky said he especially enjoyed working with Newton.

"You never know what to expect with big stars, but he's a regular guy," he said. "He's amazingly eloquent and everything he says is very heartfelt.

"This is not Hollywood-speak. He's a tremendous person and I feel very lucky to have worked with him."

Not surprisingly, Zacky is willing to discuss a second season of "The Entertainer."

"If the show's a big hit, you can bet we'll be doing many more of them," he said. "I have every confidence in the show."

archive