American Idol: The Game Press Release

Nov 19th, 2002

Press Release

Paula Abdul to Crown a Virtual Superstar in "American Idol'' CD-ROM Game Online Competition

Source: Vivendi Universal Games

Thursday December 19, 7:59 am ET

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 19, 2002-- The "American Idol" CD-ROM online competition -- at www.AmericanIdolGame.com -- officially kicks off on Monday, December 23, with an interactive contest featuring the television show's celebrity judge Paula Abdul.

Over the next four weeks, fans can create their own multimedia performance in the "American Idol" CD-ROM game and post it online for the nationwide voting competition. Abdul will choose her favorite video each week from the site's "Top 40" list, which showcases top-rated performances nominated by the online community. In January, Abdul will crown the American Idol "virtual" superstar, who will be recognized in the national spotlight with a clip of the winning video to air on "Entertainment Tonight."

"The online contest gives fans a chance to participate in the "American Idol" experience in a unique and creative way," said Abdul. "With thousands of different styles available to customize their 3D real-time star -- as well as cool dance moves, special effects, set designs and camera angles -- players can create stylish performances of their own."

The "American Idol" CD-ROM game from Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) brings the excitement of the FOX television show to the PC. Players experience the life of an "American Idol" contestant by immersing themselves in the celebrity lifestyle, creating their own superstar and competing against other hopefuls by singing and dancing on the "American Idol" stage. In the final round, players can record their performance and post it online for the nationwide voting competition. Videos are judged on three criteria -- dance, fashion and overall performance.

Designed for players of all ages, the "American Idol" CD-ROM game (Windows®) features more than 20 popular music tracks from a variety of top recording artists. Licensed by FremantleMedia Brand Licensing, the "American Idol" CD-ROM is developed and distributed by VU Games with a suggested retail price of $30. Customers can call 800/545-7677 for sales and ordering information.

"American Idol"

Last summer's phenomenon "American Idol" will make its anticipated second-season debut on Tuesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 22. The series' special two-part premiere kicks off with a 2-hour episode from 8:00 PM-10:00 PM ET/PT Tuesday followed by a 90-minute episode from 8:30-10:00 PM ET/PT Wednesday on FOX. "American Idol" will continue with audition shows the following week, airing a one-hour episode from 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT on Tuesday, January 28, and following on Wednesday, January 29, with a 90-minute episode from 8:30-10:00 PM ET/PT. Beginning Tuesday and Wednesday, February 4 and February 5, "American Idol" will begin airing in its regular time periods, following the series format established in season one: Contestants compete during an hour-long episode on Tuesday (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) each week and viewers' choices are revealed in the next night's half-hour results episode (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT).

FremantleMedia

FremantleMedia is one of the largest international producers of entertainment programs in the world, producing more than 200 programs in over 35 countries. The company is responsible for U.S. favorites such as the hit series "American Idol," the award-winning "100 Centre Street," "The Nero Wolfe Mysteries," "The Price is Right" and "Family Feud" in syndication.

19 Entertainment

19 Entertainment, founded by Simon Fuller, is one of the world's premier music based entertainment companies, responsible for the management of many of the world's leading artists, such as Annie Lennox, the Spice Girls and S Club, as well as building an enviable roster of songwriters and producers responsible for producing over 200 top 40 hit albums and singles and 75 No.1 singles and albums in the UK and USA alone. 19 is also the creator of "S Club" the TV series, now in its 4th year and sold to over 100 countries, as well as the most popular TV show in the UK in 2002, "Pop Idol," the format of which is now rolling out worldwide in conjunction with FremantleMedia.

Vivendi Universal Games

Headquartered in New York, Vivendi Universal Games (www.vugames.com) is a global leader in multi-platform interactive entertainment.

Filed under: American Idol