I was under the impression that Jerry Weintraub's strategy for the TV specials was to keep them visible as an act so that they would continue to retain some form of audience in their future career moves (whether albums or tours), but I don't know if the specials were being used as a medium to attract younger fans. Given the corny format and largely uninteresting guest stars, I'm guessing the aim was to appeal to an older audience.
The Weintraub stable of acts was clearly heavily employed as guests on the specials though. John Denver, the one really big current name to appear on the first few specials, was managed by Weintraub, as were John Davidson, Suzanne Somers and the McNichols.
Re the McNichols, I wonder if Weintraub used the Carpenters special as a platform to promote them rather than because they were genuine 'guest stars' who would add anything to the show - didn't they have an album out in 1978 around that time?
The Weintraub stable of acts was clearly heavily employed as guests on the specials though. John Denver, the one really big current name to appear on the first few specials, was managed by Weintraub, as were John Davidson, Suzanne Somers and the McNichols.
Re the McNichols, I wonder if Weintraub used the Carpenters special as a platform to promote them rather than because they were genuine 'guest stars' who would add anything to the show - didn't they have an album out in 1978 around that time?