In the wake of COVID-19, it seems there are many new and unique shows in production, including a daily news show produced by American Idol alum Clay Aiken. The memorable season two contestant is tapping into the RuPaul’s Drag Race fandom for his new show by featuring drag queen commentators and correspondents. Aiken is seeking to get more people engaged in current events by creating a news show as entertaining as it is informative. Based on the lineup of drag queens involved in the project, he has achieved his goal.
Aiken was a contestant on the early days of American Idol on one of the show’s best seasons. Though he came in second to winner Ruben Studdard, Aiken’s popularity was undeniable. He has had a successful recording and Broadway career, but in recent years has become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and political activism. Aiken has even gotten involved in politics personally and ran for the House of Representatives in 2014, though he lost to his Republican opponent. But Aiken isn’t done with the entertainment world yet, and his new show sounds like a hit in the making.
According to Deadline, Aiken is an executive producer on the new show NewsBeat. The show will feature RPDR season six winner Bianca Del Rio and RPDR alum Nina West as anchors and political analysts tackling news topics and issues of the day. Drag queens Lady Bunny, Delta Work, and Lyle will also serve as correspondents who will interview politicians and newsmakers in pre-taped segments. Deadline reports the pilot episode will include interviews with James Carville, Touré, and Scottie Nell-Hughes.
Aiken commented that it was important for him to find a way to make politics and current events something that captivated viewers while also presenting a serious news show. “We wanted to find a way to keep people really informed—give them important news and objective information—and still keep it entertaining and engaging. We wanted to make the news appointment TV again without needing to sensationalize it or scare or depress folks. NewsBeat is really about facts first, but it is also about making the news interesting again.”
The American Idol alum’s new project certainly sounds like something viewers would take a shine to, and with the help of a few talented drag queens, NewsBeat is shaping up to be a news show that’s as enjoyable as it is informative. Many RuPaul’s Drag Race queens have been branching out with their own shows, and Aiken’s news show looks like a novel way to keep drag fans up-to-date on current events. Aiken has come a long way from the singing sensation he was on season two, and his show is his most recent in a long line of hits.
Source: Deadline