Cool Britannia

The latest buzz is Gary Barlow, of Take That, is trying to be the next Simon Cowell. These rumors are simply another media-frenzied war. Is it possible that perhaps someone can idolize one or want the same things as that person without copying them or trying to take over their career?

The rumors started with Barlow starting a label with Cowell’s arch nemesis, Universal. It’s not secret that Barlow is a talented and successful songwriter. He has worked with many big name artists including Donny Osmond, Atomic Kitten, Charlotte Church, Blue and Lara Fabian. Barlow also penned two solo albums and many of Take That’s biggest hits.

Barlow has admitted he is scouting new talent for his label and wants to boost some local artists to pop stardom.

“I am at a lot of shows. I go mainly to small bars. I don’t wear a disguise but I’m at the back keeping it low-key. It’s mostly in London but now and again I’m in Manchester,” Barlow was quoted.

The latest development is the talks between Barlow and the BBC. His pitch? A reality show searching for a boy band to sign to his label. Not the most original idea, but I think it’s obvious he’d know what it takes to be in a successful boy band. It’s ten years later and Take That is still ruling the charts.

Now, I would agree with the gossip tabs if maybe the show was solo artists going through various rounds of auditions (most painful for us viewers) to make it to the top 12 soon to be voted off by weekly viewers… sort of like this little show called American Idol. If anything, please call him P Diddy, he’s the one that does Making the Band… to scout talent for his label….