The next time Paula Abdul judges an audition, she'll be able to do it from her living room.
The former "American Idol" judge launched the beta version Monday of AuditionBooth.com, which invites users to submit auditions — and talent seekers to watch them — from anywhere. The site aims to allow people to audition from "beyond New York and L.A."
Hawking your talents online is nothing new — Justin Bieber, for one, got discovered, in part, through YouTube. But Abdul's pedigree as a judge for "Idol" and the site's focus on auditions could position it to become, if not the next great source of breakout talent, at least a fun place to kill a few hours.
The site — which includes blog posts from Abdul on how to audition — is partnering with Telemundo, Reveille, Screenvision and clothing firm Dots, which is promoting a campaign on the site with ex-"Idol" star Jordin Sparks.
Abdul's partners include AuditionBooth president and chairman Frank Celli and Infusion Development CEO Greg Brill. The founders say they have raised $4 million from investors and have another $2 million available.
Abdul's new show, "Live to Dance," premieres Tuesday, Jan. 4, on CBS. It won't face competition from "Idol" because of the Fox show's just-announced move to Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Of course, by then, auditioning on TV may be hopelessly obscure.
