Shanghai cable channel, Orient Satellite Television, has
launched nationwide auditions for its "American Idol"-type contest,
"Cheer Up! Good Men".
Beginning April 10, auditions are being conducted in Shanghai,
Wuhan, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang, and Guangzhou until June 30.
Any Chinese man over the age of 18 is eligible to participate.
On July 1, 30 region-level winners will compete in elimination
rounds until the final on August 12. The man with the most votes
from TV viewers and judges will be crowned "Super Good Man".
The contest aims to find China's most charming man who combines
traditional morals with modern flair.
Reality television shows took off in China in 2000 with the
introduction of endurance programs based on the hugely successful
"Survivor" series. Singing contests like "Super Girls", based on
American Idol, have also become exceedingly popular.
(Xinhua News Agency April 13, 2006)