Local pol to rename Ridge sing-off post-legal notice from “Idol” producers

June 29, 2015 Meaghan McGoldrick
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The show must go on. In fact, it’s about to get a bit more personal.

In the wake of legal notice from producers of the recently cancelled Fox reality show “American Idol,” State Senator Marty Golden is inviting local residents to help rename “Brooklyn Senior Idol,” a long-standing Ridge tradition coming up on its ninth go-around.

According to Golden’s office, the local pol – who sponsors the competition yearly – received notice from the firm, Holmes Weinberg, PC, representing FremantleMedia North America, the producers of “American Idol” demanding that the Ridge-based competition cut ties to the Idol trademark.

The letter read, “While our client appreciates your enthusiasm for the American Idol and Idol brands, as a federal trademark owner, FremantleMedia cannot allow the unauthorized use of the Brooklyn Senior Idol Mark in connection with talent competition service,” furthermore ordering that organizers “[c]ease using the Brooklyn Senior Idol Mark in connection with your talent competitions and remove…any advertisements, promotions, signs or other material containing the Brooklyn Senior Idol mark.”

“You could imagine the surprise in receiving this letter but this won’t stop us,” said Golden in a statement. “The show must go on and I thought it would be great fun to ask Brooklynites to help me rename the contest.

“We have been awed by the talent of our seniors in the past, and this year’s event, despite a new name, will be just the same,” he went on. “Brooklyn’s talented seniors will make you laugh, cry and celebrate at the show regardless of what we call it.”

Last year’s show-down saw f14 local seniors vying for the title, with the crown ultimately going to newcomer Anthony Neve. The local resident wowed a star-studded judges panel (including Bobby Valli and former Senior Idol champ Tommy Anderson) with his rendition of “My Way” by Frank Sinatra and took home the $500 grand prize.

To participate, singers 50 years or older must audition prior to the main event. Both the auditions and the competition are held at Xaverian High School (7100 Shore Road). Proceeds from the event, which was founded 10 years ago by AARP Chapter #5055, help fund Xaverian’s music program.

Those interested in auditioning for this year’s event or in helping to rename it should contact Golden’s office at 718-238-6044.

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