Oh, the Humanity!

By Sora Song

Just when you thought reality TV couldn't sink any lower, on May 17 the WB will launch a show that takes a diabolical spin on American Idol. Created by Mike Fleiss (The Bachelor), Superstar USA duplicates Idol's format, down to the three-judge panel--this one includes rapper Tone-Loc, has-been pop star Vitamin C and snappish TV producer Chris Briggs--but judges kick the able singers off while promoting the earnestly talentless, off-key William Hung types. None of the contestants are clued in to the hoax until the end. "What's extraordinary is to see people who are convinced that they're going to be the next pop star go up there and just stink up the joint," says Fleiss. "It's incredible. I'm grateful for it." The winner--or at least the longest-serving loser--is rewarded with a $100,000 recording contract. Isn't the public humiliation of it all a little too mean? Says Fleiss: "Too mean? Nah, that never crossed my mind. Too funny, too compelling, I did think at times." And you thought Simon Cowell was cold.