Editorial: Long live ‘American Idol’

Friday, May 26, 2006 | 7:17 a.m.

With Fox's "American Idol" having peaked at 43 million viewers during its last half hour Wednesday evening, it is only right that at least some credit for this phenomenal success be paid to Major Bowes and Ted Mack.

In 1934 Major Bowes introduced his show, "The Original Amateur Hour," on New York radio. It was picked up by CBS and carried nationally until Bowes died in 1946. ABC radio picked it up again in 1948 and a new medium, television, also gave it a shot. Ted Mack, who had worked with Bowes as a director and talent scout, became the host.

The show lasted on radio until 1952 and on television until 1970. An early entrant on the radio show was 19-year-old Frank Sinatra, who appeared as part of the musical group, the "Hoboken Four." His fame was clinched when he said, "I'm Frank - I'm looking for a job ... how about it?"

According to www.originalamateurhour.com, nearly 50 stars got their start on either the show's radio or television version. Among them were Pat Boone, Gladys Knight, Ann-Margret, Joey Bishop, Beverly Sills, Maria Callas and Connie Francis. Back then, it took a while for winners to be chosen. Viewers sent in their picks by postcard.

"American Idol" is a fun, clean show and its producers must hope it lasts as long or longer than its predecessor. But as those on "The Original Amateur Hour" used to say, " 'round and 'round she goes, and where she stops, nobody knows."