American Idol says Brooklyn can keep Senior Idol competition name

August 6, 2015 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

State Sen. Marty Golden has entered into a truce with the producers of “American Idol.” Eagle file photo by Paula Katinas

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“Brooklyn Senior Idol” lives after all!

The talent contest for senior citizens that state Sen. Marty Golden holds each year will go on this year with its original name intact after lawyers for “American Idol” backed off their threat of legal action.

Golden, (R-C-Bay Ridge-Southwest Brooklyn) who had planned to change the name of his talent show to avoid getting dragged into court over copyright infringement, announced on Tuesday that the lawyers representing the FOX Broadcast Company’s “American Idol” had contacted him and said all was forgiven.

The agreement means that Senior Idol will go on as scheduled in October.

“I thank ‘American Idol’ for reaching out to my office in light of the attention we brought to the issue of the name of our highly regarded ‘Brooklyn Senior Idol’ talent show,” Golden said.

Earlier this year, Golden had received a cease and desist letter from a law firm representing FreemantleMedia North America, producers of “American Idol,” advising him to stop using the name “Senior Idol” for his contest or face possible legal action.

“Senior Idol” was too similar to “American Idol,” the FOX show’s high powered lawyers warned Golden.

“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 services. Cease 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,” the letter read.

The talent contest that Golden holds every year is open to singers who are 50 or older. The show, which takes place at Xaverian High School in Bay Ridge, serves as a fundraiser for the school’s music program.

In past years, celebrities like radio personality Joe Franklin have served as MCs and judges.

After FreemantleMedia North contacted him, Golden decided that the show would go on, but under a different name. He announced that he was soliciting ideas for a new name for the Brooklyn contest.

Now, a new name is not necessary. “The Southwest Brooklyn community is looking forward to the October show and although we have received many suggestions for new show titles, we have decided that we will continue to call our talent show ‘Brooklyn Senior Idol,’” Golden said.

Golden said a legal contract has been signed allowing for the Idol brand to be used for the Eighth Annual Brooklyn Senior Idol this October.

“This show has become a very special annual community event, and now the show and the name will be a tradition that is together kept alive. So now, let’s get ready for a great show in partnership with Xaverian High School, with the proceeds benefitting the school’s music program,” he said.

Auditions are scheduled to take place in early September. The finals will take place on Friday, Oct. 2, at Xaverian High School, 7100 Shore Road. Tickets are $10 and available for purchase at the door.

For more information, email Golden’s office at [email protected] or call 718-238-6044.

As for “American Idol,” the show is on its last legs. Next season will be its 15th and last season.

The show, which has produced music superstars like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, has seen its rating slip in recent years.