LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Bend this, TomKat and Brangelina: Becks 'n' Posh are coming to Hollywood.

And David Beckham didn't even have to audition to become the next American Idol.

The most recognized soccer player on the planet -- fashion icon, tabloid fixture, marketing giant -- announced a deal Thursday to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Beckham turned down a two-year contract extension from Spanish team Real Madrid, where his fading skills left him on the bench.

The Galaxy didn't say exactly what they'll pay him, but floated a figure of $250 million in salary and commercial endorsements over the five years of his contract. In other words, his move could be worth $1 million a week
Los Angeles opens its season April 8 in Houston, but Beckham is not expected to join the team until August. His four-year contract with Madrid expires at the end of this season.

He'll start for the Galaxy and could enter a whole new universe: His deal was negotiated over 10 days by major entertainment industry players Simon Fuller, creator of "American Idol," and Creative Artists Agency, home to some of Hollywood's biggest actors.