Dominic Bowden is the Southern Hemisphere's version Ryan Seacrest.  Hailing from New Zealand, Bowden was chosen to host the new FOX reality series The Next Great American Band, from the producers of American Idol.  This is Bowden's first hosting gig in the States, but back in New Zealand he hosted everything from New Zealand Idol to awards shows to Deal or No Deal to his own radio show.  Now on The Next Great American Band, Dominic was kind enough to speak with us yesterday about how he got here and how his experience in America has been so far.

Below you will find the full mp3 audio of the interview.

Dominic on The Next Great American Band:

“It's about putting talent out there and having them live or die on the performances they give.”

“Money is not an option; it's just about making the best show we can make.”

Some highlights from the interview:

He started in New Zealand, and music has always been the big thing for Dominic.  He loves music.  So, when he got the opportunity to host New Zealand Idol, he jumped at the chance.  Since New Zealand Idol started, it's become as big a hit there as American Idol is here.  He's been amazed at the level and depth of talent among bands here in the United States.

Dominic talks a lot about the stage they have for The Next Great American Band, saying it's unbelievable and fans will get a kick out of it.  Dominic has literally done everything in New Zealand, awards shows, game shows, radio shows, everything he could possibly do.  He never thought he'd get the chance to host a show in the States, and he's not only loving that he got a chance to come here, but that he got come and work on a great show.

He's been getting a lot of comparisons to Ryan Seacrest and he admits that it makes sense.  They do a lot of the exact same things.  Dominic admits that New Zealand Idol and American Idol, if you watch them back to back, they are pretty much exactly the same show.  The format is strict and part of the show's success. Dominic has known Ian 'Dicko' Dickson for quite some time and while they are friends, he won't be afraid to mix things up with him.

-Interview Conducted by Oscar Dahl
(Image Courtesy of FOX)