Golden Invites Local Residents to Help Rename Senior Musical Contest in Wake of Legal Notice From American Idol

Brooklyn – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn), who has for the past seven years co-hosted “Brooklyn Senior Idol”, is inviting local residents to submit suggestions to rename the show in the wake of a legal letter from the firm representing American Idol.

The letter from the firm, Holmes Weinberg, PC, representing FremantleMedia North America, the producer of American Idol, states “While our client appreciates your enthusiasm for the American Idol and Idol brands, as a federal trademark owner, FremantleMedia cannot allow the unauthorized use of the Brooklyn Senior Idol Mark in connection with talent competition services. Cease using the Brooklyn Senior Idol Mark in connection with your talent competitions and remove…any advertisements, promotions, signs, or other material containing the Brooklyn Senior Idol mark.”

This year's Fall show is currently in the early planning stages, with auditions set for September and the contest set for early October. Residents wishing to submit a nomination to help decide the new name for the popular Brooklyn senior show, are encouraged to email Senator Golden at golden@nysenate.gov. All nominations, which are due by July 31st, will be reviewed and a winning name announced in August.

Senator Marty Golden stated, “You could imagine the surprise in receiving this letter but this won’t stop us. The show must go on and I thought it would be great fun to ask Brooklynites to help me rename the contest. We have been awed by the talent of our seniors in the past, and this year’s event, despite a new name, will be just the same. Brooklyn's talented seniors will make you laugh, cry and celebrate at the show regardless of what we call it.”

Those interested in auditioning this year for the 8th annual show should contact Senator Golden's office at (718) 238-6044.