Channel 5 nabs American Idol from ITV2

British commercial broadcaster Channel 5 has nabbed the rights to American Idol from ITV2.

The Northern and Shell-owned broadcaster will air the show on its 5* channel after acquiring the rights for the next two seasons of the US talent format from FremantleMedia Enterprises.

The series previously aired on the digital spin off of ITV. However, 5* will launch the twelfth season of the show from 2013. It will launch in the same week as it is aired in the United States on Fox.

American Idol, which is produced by FremantleMedia and Simon Fuller’s 19 Entertainment.

“American Idol is immense. We believe it’s going to be a defining show for 5* building on an already impressive schedule,” said Katie Keenan, head of acquisitions at Channel 5.

Justin Hatfield, SVP, sales for UK, Eire and Scandinavia, FME said, “American Idol is one of the world’s biggest and most established entertainment brands. The series has won over audiences globally with its mix of top talent, performances and superstar judging panel. We look forward to working with 5 *on what promises to be another smash hit series.” 

American Idol is the latest high profile US acquisition for Channel 5 following its purchase of FremantleMedia’s comedy drama The Wedding Band and Warner Bros’ Dallas.