American Idol is more a throwback to the classic talent shows of the 50's, which launched a lot of one hit wonders in the same way that American Idol has. "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts" (launched the careers of people like Pat Boone and Tony Bennett) is probably the best example.
Gong Show WAS actually remade in the 90's in a version called Extreme Gong, however it didn't come close to the lunacy, energy and originality of the original, instead it was more of a forced schlocky public access program and died a quick death. Chuck Barris had nothing to do with the remake.