By Esme Mazzeo , Staff Writer
As if Simon Fuller and 19 Entertainment don't have a big enough presence in the TV industry, the millionaire television producer and his company have now begun their conquest of the World Wide Web. "If I Can Dream" can best be described as a cross between "The Real World" and "American Idol."
Six strangers, all aspiring to have careers in the entertainment industry, including 19 year old "American Idol" cast-off Alex Lambert of Texas, 21 year old Justin Gaston, an aspiring singer songwriter best known for his 9-month stint as Miley Cyrus' boyfriend, if not his appearance on the sixth season of "Nashville Star," Amanda Phillips, a 23 year old aspiring actress/model, Kara Kilmer (21) and Ben Elliot (22) aspiring actors, and Giglianne Braga, 20, an aspiring high fashion model, live in a house together, where about 60 cameras catch their every move.
Mr. Fuller and his team hook the Hollywood hopefuls up with auditions and gigs to help them further their careers, with the ultimate goal being for each individual to become successful enough in their field to move out. There is no ultimate prize (unless you count the free designer clothes, Gibson guitars, and photo shoots with world famous photographers that they are given, among other things). While the occupants of the house do (obviously) have to work on their craft, the hard part of networking is done for them, in exchange for their privacy. In edition to the live feed on the show's official website (IfICanDream.com) 30-minute episodes, which include footage of what's done outside of the house, are produced every Tuesday and broadcast on Hulu. Fuller is obviously relying a great deal on the Idol audience to make this project a hit. Reigning American Idol Kris Allen has stopped by the house, and every Thursday night, the most recent cast off of ‘Idol's' ninth Season drops by to hang out with the ‘Dream'-ers, and answer Twitter questions that come in from fans (the house has a huge screen witch broadcasts Twitter feed for the 20-minute Q&A session each contestant has with viewers every day).
"If I Can Dream" live feed is not exactly the most exciting option anyone has to occupy his or her time (unless you enjoy watching people sleep in and play guitar all day), but it is addictive nonetheless. The whole project really is fascinating. Fuller has found a way to integrate Hollywood hopefuls with celebrities, social media, and America's strange desire to watch every little bit of people's private lives all into one package, and once you catch a glimpse, it's hard to look away.