Pop Idol

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Shows like the UK's Pop Idol and its copy, American Idol, have created a new kind of casting couch. Nowadays, many aspiring young performers compete for roles by entering a contest on TV. The latest in a series of talent shows that bring the winner a part in a hit musical is called I'll Do Anything. Produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the show is looking to cast the starring roles of Oliver and Nancy in a West End production of the musical Oliver! Lloyd Webber, who has written the music for hit shows like Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats and Phantom of the Opera, is the mastermind behind the show and two others like it, which were hits on BBC last year and made stars out of the winners. Today is Lloyd Webber's 60th birthday.

Previous:	Pony Express
Next:	Pope John Paul II

From our Archives: Today's Highlights, March 22, 2008