BET Brings Back the Apollo with Jamie Foxx as the Host

 

 

By: Kirsten West Savali, Your Black World

Who doesn't remember the Sandman coming out and kicking would-be singers off the stage in embarrassing fashion? What about the lovely Kiki Shepard? Let's not forget about the beautiful dancers electrifying the aisles, as the theme music prepared audiences for the Apollo Theatre experience:

"It's Showtime!"

Black Entertainment Television (BET) is counting on that nostalgia to attract viewers to the new Showtime at the Apollo---now simply named Showtime---set to air on the network next year with the hilarious Jamie Foxx as the host.

Foxx has no worries about the now competitive field of reality television, such as American Idol, So You Think You Can, and American's Got Talent. The Apollo brand is far ahead of the pack and relying on audience participation provides instant gratification for viewers:

“The Apollo did it long before ‘American Idol,’ except the audience was the judge," says Foxx.

Showtime at the Apollo aired in 1987 and continued to run through 2002. Taping for the new episodes begins this week.

Weigh in, YBW Family. Will you be watching the new Showtime?