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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Emmy Awards show to offer celebrity-singing contest

Associated Press

The Emmy Awards will be singing a different tune this year.

In an “American Idol”-style competition, stars and singers ranging from William Shatner to Donald Trump to Frederica von Stade will perform themes from TV series, with viewers able to pick their favorite song via online or text-message voting.

Kristen Bell (“Veronica Mars”) will be the only solo performer, with her version of the “Fame” theme, while other “Emmy Idol” competitors will sing duets:

• William Shatner (“Boston Legal”) and opera’s von Stade in the theme from Shatner’s 1960s series “Star Trek.”

• Megan Mullally (“Will & Grace”) and Trump (“The Apprentice”) with the “Green Acres” theme.

•Gary Dourdan (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) and R&B artist Macy Gray with “Movin’ On Up” from “The Jeffersons.”

In honor of the victims of Hurricane Katrina, all Emmy presenters and performers at the Sept. 18 ceremony will be given magnolias, the state flower of both Louisiana and Mississippi. In addition, information will be provided throughout the three-hour telecast on how viewers can support the massive recovery effort.

Emmy host Ellen DeGeneres, a Louisiana native, has spoken emotionally about the losses her family suffered from Katrina.