Forget Los Angeles if you're looking for fame and fortune on the small screen.
A quick trip to Phoenix might be just as effective.
The Valley of the Sun hosts talent searches for some of the biggest network and cable competitions on a regular basis.
Fox's "American Idol" auditioned hopefuls last summer in Glendale, the hometown of Jordin Sparks, the Season 6 winner.
"So You Think You Can Dance," also on Fox, hosted its first round of auditions in Phoenix on Friday.
Scottsdale resident and UA grad Jessica Kinni appeared on the first season of the VH1 Bret Michaels series, "Rock of Love." Arizona State University grads Dan Honig and Andrew Lappitt (Lappitt grew up in Tucson) made the cut on CBS's "The Amazing Race 13." And Ali Vincent, a Mesa resident when she applied, won Season 5 of "The Biggest Loser" weight-loss competition in 2008.
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Two more opportunities await reality fans this summer.
On July 8, The Food Network comes to Scottsdale in search of contestants for Season 6 of "The Next Food Network Star."
Talent scouts are inviting professional and amateur cooks to attend.
They will be at the Embassy Suites in Scottsdale, 4415 E. Paradise Village Parkway, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hopefuls should bring an application, headshot and a résumé.
If you are unable to attend, you can submit a three-minute tape to the channel explaining why you should be the next Food Network Star.
For complete instructions, visit foodnetwork.com/star
"The Biggest Loser" will also be back in the Phoenix area on July 18 at the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort and Casino in Fort McDowell.
The show is looking for duos this time around, including parents and children, siblings and married couples.
They will be at the casino, located at 10438 N. Fort McDowell Road, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Get the extensive list of rules for that show at thebiggestlosercasting.com.
KVOI, KCEE trading places on your dial
The Southern Arizona faith-based radio network Good News Communications is pulling the old switcheroo on two of its Tucson stations.
Starting Wednesday, KVOI (currently at 690-AM) will move to 1030-AM, the home of pop oldies station, KCEE. KCEE will shift over to 690.
Good News finalized the purchase of KCEE from longtime Tucson broadcaster Jim Slone in on June 8. Even then, the company, owned by Good News Radio Broadcasting, planned to switch frequencies to better align its stations to market demands.
KVOI will now have broader nighttime coverage, according to press materials. In turn, KCEE's move will help it compete better against other oldies stations, the release continues.
Santigold's Rialto show may air on Fuel TV
Santi White fans who saw her perform as Santigold at the Rialto Theatre on June 20 might end up on Fuel TV in September.
The extreme-sports cable channel filmed White and her fiance, Trevor "Trouble" Andrew, performing as part of its ongoing concert series, "Check 1, 2."
When Andrew isn't working his vocals, he is a world-class snowboarder, hence Fuel's presence.
But why Tucson?
"There is so much industry when you hold concerts in L.A.," said Fuel spokesman John Stouffer. "When you are dealing with filming, you've got to move a big jib camera. Then you've got four other cameras, at least. We felt if we went to a different market, there would be a little bit more room."
The concert will air on Fuel on Sept. 14. It is one of at least six "Check 1, 2" concerts airing throughout the year.
Stouffer said the crew that came to town had nothing but positive things to say about the experience. He guaranteed plenty of crowd shots and didn't rule out future visits.
"It is really close to L.A., ultimately," Stouffer said. "The seed has been planted."
