When I dreamt up the idea of Pop Idol, I always saw it is a global concept

Simon Fuller

His company, 19, will keep the format where thousands of hopeful singers are whittled down by critical judges, with the public then asked to decide who wins.

As in the UK version, the winner will get a contract with record company BMG, and if the show is a success, they are likely to become instant stars.

"When I dreamt up the idea of Pop Idol, I always saw it is a global concept, and I'm so delighted to see it being made for America," Fuller said.

There had been reports that the deal would make Fuller $50m (�35m) - on top of the millions the UK show has already generated.

Simon Cowell has become famous as a Pop Idol judge

The line-up for the judging panel for the US version has not been revealed - but record executive Simon Cowell has said he has had talks to reprise his UK role.

He became the judge that viewers loved to hate, making scathing comments about the contestants' talents.

The first auditions for participants will take place over the next few months.

"America is full of incredibly talented performers looking for their first break," according to Gail Berman, Fox's president of entertainment.

Record-breaking

"With this new series, we will fulfil a lot of dreams and let our viewers make someone a superstar."

The final� of the UK version was a national talking point, attracting more than 13 million viewers and a record 8.7 million phone votes.

The winner, Will Young, smashed the record for the fastest-selling single in UK history when his debut release sold 1.1 million copies in its first week just two weeks after the show finished.

The runner-up, Gareth Gates, looks set to come close to that total with his cover of Unchained Melody, which is almost certain to go to number one in the charts on Sunday.

International success

Talent search shows have had success in the US before - pop group O-Town came out of the show Making the Band, but the groups formed on two series of Popstars have not yet made the big time.

Several countries have already screened their own versions of Pop Idol - including Spain, where the show broke the record for the biggest ever TV audience.

France's Star Academy has also been a hit, while the third series of Popstars in Australia is currently searching for just one winner.

Pop Idol will follow successful UK TV exports including Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and The Weakest Link.