WHO WILL SURVIVE “AMERICAN IDOL’S” HARDEST HOLLYWOOD WEEK EVER?
February 8, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
TEARS! BREAKDOWNS! FAINTING!
WHO WILL SURVIVE “AMERICAN IDOL’S” HARDEST HOLLYWOOD WEEK EVER?
DON’T MISS SOME OF THE MOST DRAMATIC AND CHALLENGING
EPISODES IN “AMERICAN IDOL” HISTORY
BEGINNING TONIGHT, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8;
AND CONTINUING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9;
AND WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 ON FOX
Contestants Battle it Out During the Performance Challenge Thursday, Feb. 16;
Top Semifinalists to be Revealed on Wednesday, Feb. 22 and Thursday, Feb. 23
Over 300 contestants made it to Hollywood and only 70 will survive Hollywood Week — the most challenging week of their lives. The contestants are pushed to their limits and ambulances are called to the scene as some faint, vomit and even fall off the stage. Randy, Jennifer and Steven put the contestants to the test as they reveal whom they believe have what it takes to be the next AMERICAN IDOL. The not-to-be-missed Hollywood Week kicks off tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 8 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and continues Thursday, Feb. 9 (8:00-9:00 PM ET /PT) and Wednesday, Feb. 15 (8:00-10:00 PM ET /PT) on FOX.
Throughout the Hollywood rounds, the contestants will face intense challenges, completely different from what they encountered during auditions. They’ll sing solo, perform in groups for the judges and then sing on a huge stage, as they compete against each other to remain on the show. Who will make it and who will be sent home? See what happens when emotions run high, lyrics are lost and tears are shed.
Those who survive Hollywood will embark on an adventure of a lifetime as they head to Las Vegas for the Performance Challenge on stage in Cirque du Soleil’s Viva ELVIS Theatre at Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Some will shine, while others will crack under the pressure on a special two-hour episode Thursday, Feb. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).
The following week, contestants will take the stage one last time and sing for their lives to prove they deserve to make it to the next round. For some, it’s the end of the road, but for those who make it, it will be the start of an incredible journey. The second phase of the competition comes to a dramatic end when Randy, Jennifer and Steven reveal this season’s semifinalists Wednesday, Feb. 22 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Feb. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT).
Visit www.americanidol.com for all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.
Become a fan of AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #AmericanIdol. Also, follow host Ryan Seacrest at @RyanSeacrest, and follow the judges: @yo_randyjackson; @JLo; and @iamstevent.
AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions. AMERICAN IDOL has been No. 1 among Adults 18-49 for the past eight consecutive seasons.
PARTY WITH THE CAST OF “NEW GIRL!”
February 6, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
NEW FULL-LENGTH, INTERACTIVE MUSIC VIDEO “HEY GIRL,”
PERFORMED BY ZOOEY DESCHANEL AND STARRING THE CAST OF
“NEW GIRL,” IS NOW AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON FOX.COM
FANS DIRECT HOW THE MUSIC VIDEO UNFOLDS
WITH OVER 950 VARIATIONS TO ROCK THE PARTY
VISIT WWW.FOX.COM/NEW-GIRL/HEYGIRL NOW TO DIRECT YOUR VIDEO
Let’s get this party started! Fans and viewers can choose their own adventure when party crashers invade the NEW GIRL loft in the new full-length, INTERACTIVE music video for “Hey Girl,” NEW GIRL’s theme song, performed by Zooey Deschanel and starring the entire cast of the hit comedy series. The “Hey Girl” interactive music video premieres today exclusively at www.fox.com/new-girl/heygirl.
With over 950 variations of the video, fans decide how they want the cast to party: Will they go-go dance or have a pillow fight? Will they perform in a flash mob or a chorus line? Will they be dressed in hula skirts or togas? Upon completion of their first video, users can experience a new music video over and over again, each time choosing a different path. Fans can share their music videos with family and friends through social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Google+. Additionally, keen-eyed users can search throughout the video for hidden content that elevates the party to even more outrageous levels of fun. Also at fox.com, fans can watch exclusive “behind-the-scenes” footage of the making of the innovative video.
“Hey Girl,” the theme to NEW GIRL, was written by Michael Andrews, Zooey Deschanel, Elizabeth Meriwether, David Finkel and Brett Baer, and is performed by Deschanel. The “Hey Girl” music video was produced by Fuzzbuster Films. Joe Earley (President, Marketing & Communications, Fox Broadcasting) and Dean Norris (SVP, Marketing & Special Projects, Fox Broadcasting) are the executive producers. Golareh Safarian, (VP, Production, Special Ops, Fox Broadcasting) produced the video and Jay Lehrfeld directed the video.
In the all-new episode of NEW GIRL airing tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 7 (9:00-9:31 PM ET/PT) on FOX, Jess (Zooey Deschanel) goes against Nick’s (Jake Johnson) wishes, when she makes it her mission to get the loft’s cantankerous landlord (guest star Jeff Kober, “Sons of Anarchy”) to like her. In doing so, she inadvertently jeopardizes their living situation and the guys are forced to admit they’ve made some “unofficial” changes to the apartment. Meanwhile Schmidt (Max Greenfield) tries to decipher what he thinks are mixed signals from his boss Kim (guest star Gillian Vigman).
FOX partnered with digital media company Interlude to create the interactive elements of the music video, offering users a unique, next-generation online video experience. Interlude’s proprietary technology platform allows viewers to become co-directors as the video plays, making decisions about the video’s course in real time. The video never pauses and the experience is seamless. The result is a shareable, personalized version of the video created from hundreds of unique possibilities.
Founded by Israeli rock musician Yoni Bloch, Interlude’s technology has been used to create interactive movie trailers, music videos, advertisements and branded webisodes for Universal Studios, Microsoft, Nokia and Old Navy. Interlude’s first music video in the U.S., “Keep Your Head Up,” by Andy Grammer, received MTV’s 2011 O Music Award for Most Innovative Video.
Become a fan of NEW GIRL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewGirlonFOX. Follow the series on Twitter @NewGirlonFOX and join the conversation at #NewGirl.
FOX ORDERS UP “KITCHEN NIGHTMARES” FOR A FIFTH SEASON
February 3, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
FOX has renewed KITCHEN NIGHTMARES for a fifth season, ordering 16 new episodes of the series, it was announced today by Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company.
“It’s great to be back for a fifth season…who knew there were that many nightmares to be had?!” said series star and executive producer Gordon Ramsay.
Throughout the show’s run, Chef Gordon Ramsay has travelled to 54 cities around the country offering restaurants on the brink of closure some much-needed guidance and, more often than not, a healthy dose of tough love. For many establishments, Chef Ramsay’s inimitable style and unique brand of delivery is difficult to swallow. With the economy hitting the restaurant business especially hard, these restaurateurs are looking to Chef Ramsay to wake them up from their own KITCHEN NIGHTMARES.
Tune in tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 3 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), for an all-new episode featuring Chef Ramsay’s visit to Atlanta, GA, to help the owners of contemporary American restaurant Park’s Edge refresh their menu and service. Although the owners of Park’s Edge take pride in their diverse menu and innovative dining experience, Chef Ramsay is shocked by the restaurant’s lack of cohesiveness in the kitchen, inattentive service and disorganized management.
KITCHEN NIGHTMARES is a co-production of ITV Studios America and Optomen in association with A. Smith & Co. Productions. Arthur Smith, Kent Weed, Patricia Llewellyn and Gordon Ramsay serve as executive producers.
EXCLUSIVE WORLD PREVIEW OF MADONNA’S NEW VIDEO “GIVE ME ALL YOUR LUVIN” FEATURING NICKI MINAJ AND M.I.A. TO DEBUT ON “AMERICAN IDOL” THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, ON FOX
January 30, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
ALL-NEW EPISODES OF “AMERICAN IDOL”
AIR WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY ON FOX
In an AMERICAN IDOL exclusive, Madonna will world preview the video for her new single “Give Me All Your Luvin,” featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A., during IDOL Thursday, Feb. 2(8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
Madonna will release “Give Me All Your Luvin’’ featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. on Feb. 3. The song was written by Madonna, Martin Solveig, Nicki Minaj and M.I.A, and is the first single off of Madonna’s upcoming studio album “MDNA,” her 12th studio album. “MDNA” follows up 2008’s “Hard Candy,” which debuted at No. 1 in 37 countries. “Give Me All Your Luvin’’ was composed by Martin Solveig and Michael Tordjman and was produced by Madonna and Martin Solveig.
This week, AMERICAN IDOL continues with Portland auditions on Wednesday, Feb. 1 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and St. Louis auditions Thursday, Feb. 2 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The countdown is on as judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler hand out the last of the tickets to Hollywood. Some dreams will come true while others come to an end as the hopefuls from around the nation vie for a coveted spot in the Top 24.
Visit www.americanidol.com for all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.
Become a fan of AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #Idol. Also, follow host Ryan Seacrest at @RyanSeacrest, and follow the judges: @yo_randyjackson; @JLo; and @iamstevent.
AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions. AMERICAN IDOL has been No. 1 among Adults 18-49 for the past eight consecutive seasons.
FOX AND BOOST MOBILE PRESENT THE SIMPSONS 500th SWEEPSTAKES OFFERING ONE LUCKY FAN A CHANCE TO ATTEND “THE SIMPSONS” 500th EPISODE PARTY IN LOS ANGELES
January 24, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Visit www.fox.com/boost to Enter Sweepstakes
THE SIMPSONS 500th Episode Airs Sunday, February 19, on FOX
Fans of THE SIMPSONS will have more reason to celebrate the historic 500th episode of the longest-running scripted television show in history. FOX and Boost Mobile have launched THE SIMPSONS 500th SWEEPSTAKES, which will award one winner and his/her guest a round trip ticket to Los Angeles and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend THE SIMPSONS 500th Episode Party on Monday, Feb. 13. The winner will also receive a brand new Boost Mobile phone and phone service for three months courtesy of Boost Mobile.
Between now and 5:59 PM PT on Monday, Feb. 6, fans can enter THE SIMPSONS 500th SWEEPSTAKES brought to you by Boost Mobile online by logging on to www.fox.com/boost. At the end of the sweepstakes, one lucky fan will be chosen to win the trip for two to Los Angeles to attend THE SIMPSONS’ star-studded 500th episode celebration event on Monday, Feb. 13. The sweepstakes is open to everyone 18 years of age and over. No purchase is necessary. Please visit www.fox.com/boost for official rules and prize information.
THE SIMPSONS’ milestone 500th episode, “At Long Last Leave,” airs Sunday, Feb. 19 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) on FOX. In the episode, the Simpsons are evicted from Springfield and join an off-the-grid community outside of town. But when Homer (voice of Dan Castellaneta) and Marge (voice of Julie Kavner) try to sneak back into Springfield, they are welcomed with hostility from their former friends and neighbors and begin to appreciate their new and more accepting home.
THE SIMPSONS is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening and Al Jean are the executive producers. Film Roman, a Starz Media Company, is the animation house.
Visit THE SIMPSONS website at www.thesimpsons.com. Become a fan of the series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesimpsons and follow Homer Simpson @HomerJSimpson. Shop THE SIMPSONS at www.TheSimpsonsShop.com.
About Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile, one of Sprint’s award-winning prepaid brands, offers wireless phones and services with no long-term contracts. Boost Mobile redefines value for wireless consumers with its Monthly Unlimited with Shrinkage no-contract service, where the longer you stay the less you pay with on-time payments for unlimited voice, text messaging, Web, email and calls to 411. Boost Mobile offers nationwide service on the Sprint Nationwide Network, reaching more than 278 million people, and on the Nextel National Network, reaching more than 278 million people, with no activation or long-distance fees. Boost Mobile offers a selection of quality handsets from LG, Motorola, Research In Motion (RIM), Samsung, Sanyo and ZTE, ranging from entry-level to
Android™ smartphone devices available nationwide at nearly 20,000 major retail stores, including Best Buy, RadioShack, Target, Family Dollar, Walgreens and Walmart, Sprint retail stores, independent wireless dealer locations, and on HSN, a leading TV home shopping network. Re-Boost® cards are available at approximately 100,000 locations throughout the United States. Experience Boost Mobile on the Web at MySpace, Facebook and Twitter; and purchase products at www.boostmobile.com.
IN A WORLDWIDE FIRST, THE NEW 20TH CENTURY FOX DRAMA TOUCH WILL LAUNCH IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES, WITH GLOBAL MARKETING SUPPORT AND A GLOBAL ADVERTISING SPONSOR
January 24, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Coordinated Global Distribution, Marketing and Sponsorship Is a Television First
Unilever Will Serve as Touch’s Worldwide Advertising Partner
Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution, Fox Broadcasting Company,
FOX One, 20th Century Fox Television and FOX International Channels
To Debut Touch Worldwide in Conjunction with
the Show’s U.S. Premiere on March 19
LOS ANGELES, January 23, 2012 – Touch, the intriguing new drama series from Tim Kring (Heroes) and starring Kiefer Sutherland in his first television project since the Emmy-winning 24, will receive an unprecedented global launch for its March series premiere that includes coordinated worldwide distribution, marketing and advertising sponsorship. In a television first, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution, Fox Broadcasting Company, FOX One, 20th Century Fox Television and FOX International Channels are collaborating on a worldwide launch for the series, which will premiere nearly simultaneously in more than 100 countries. To kick off the series’ global marketing efforts, Sutherland will embark on an international media tour, stopping in several major cities across Europe and culminating in a global media event in New York City on March 18 – a date that figures prominently in Touch’s pilot episode. In another industry first, Unilever has come on board as the series’ global advertising sponsor in a one-of-a-kind partnership designed to bring Touch to a worldwide audience.
Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution has secured deals in over 160 markets with some of the world’s leading broadcasters and pan-regional platforms. The global launch will make the much-anticipated drama available on channels all around the world, including Global Television in Canada, Sky 1 in the United Kingdom, ProSieben in Germany, Yes TV in Israel and Channel One in Russia. FOX International Channels will launch the series in 64 countries throughout Latin America, Asia and Europe.
Unilever has partnered with the series to be its global sponsor in a first-of-its-kind worldwide collaboration. The key elements of Unilever’s unprecedented marketing partnership include a media buy that covers Europe, Asia, Latin America as well as the U.S.; sponsorship of the Touch international media tour and worldwide premiere in New York City on March 18; and exclusive online content presented by Unilever brands around the world.
“Unilever is thrilled to be part of this inaugural global media sponsorship with News Corp.,” said Luis Di-Como, Unilever’s Senior Vice President of Global Media. “It’s the very type of sponsorship that enables us to connect and engage consumers with one of our billion-euro global brands – Rexona, Degree in the U.S. and Sure in the UK – with one culturally relevant content platform.”
“Our global Unilever partnership goes far beyond the scope of anything we’ve ever done,” said Jean Rossi, President of FOX One, News Corp’s integrated sales and marketing division, which worked with Unilever for more than a year to create the worldwide partnership. “Before moving forward, it was imperative that we find a property that conveyed our mutual strategic vision, and Touch has the positive message and global appeal that articulates that spirit.”
Marion Edwards, President of International Television, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution, remarked, “It’s so appropriate that a television series whose focus is the unity and connection we all share in spite of culture and language differences would serve as the springboard for this very exciting, global launch.” She added, “We are thrilled to share this special event with all our broadcast partners.”
Blending science, spirituality and emotion, Touch will follow seemingly unrelated people all over the world whose lives affect each other in ways seen and unseen, known and unknown. At the story’s center is Martin Bohm (Kiefer Sutherland), a widower and single father, haunted by an inability to connect to his emotionally challenged 11-year-old son, Jake (David Mazouz). But everything changes after Martin learns that Jake possesses an extraordinary gift – the ability to perceive the seemingly hidden patterns that connect every life on the planet. Martin soon realizes that it’s his job to decipher the numbers his son is obsessed with and recognize their meaning. As he puts the pieces together, he will help people across the world connect as their lives intersect according to the patterns Jake has foreseen, and his simple quest to connect with his son will shape humanity’s destiny.
Touch will have a special preview this Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:07 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Its series premiere is Monday, March 19 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). International launches take place the week of March 19.
Touch is a production of Chernin Entertainment and Tailwind Productions, in association with 20th Century Fox Television. Tim Kring created the series and wrote the pilot. Kring, Francis Lawrence (Water for Elephants), Peter Chernin, Katherine Pope, Kiefer Sutherland, Suzan Bymel (The War at Home) and Carol Barbee (Jericho) are executive producers. Lawrence directed the pilot.
About Twentieth Century Fox
Twentieth Century Fox is a subsidiary of News Corporation. News Corporation’s diversified global operations include the production and distribution of motion pictures and television programming; television, satellite, cable and digital media broadcasting and transmission, the publication of newspapers, magazines and books; the production and distribution of promotional and advertising products and services; the development of conditional access and subscriber management systems.
About FOX International Channels
FOX International Channels (FIC) is News Corporation’s international multi-media business that develops, produces and distributes over 350 wholly- and majority-owned entertainment, factual, sports and lifestyle channels across Latin America, U.S. Hispanic, Asia/Pacific, Europe and Africa, in 35 languages. These networks and their related mobile, non-linear and high-definition extensions, reach over 1.1 billion cumulative households worldwide. FIC also operates a global online advertising unit, .FOX (pronounced “dot-fox”) which specializes in online video and display, and four TV production houses. In operation since: August 14, 1993.
About Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) is a unit of News Corporation and the leading broadcast television network among Adults 18-49. FOX finished the 2010-2011 season at No. 1 in the key adult demographic for the seventh consecutive year – a feat that has never been achieved in broadcast history – while continuing to dominate all network competition in the more targeted Adults 18-34 and Teen demographics. FOX airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week as well as late-night entertainment programming, major sports and Sunday morning news.
About FOX One
Formed in 2007, FOX One is a Sales unit charged with developing and implementing strategic integrated marketing opportunities crossing the full range of News Corp.’s global assets and a variety of media platforms. Led by President Jean Rossi, FOX ONE works with individual Sales units at News Corp. divisions to cultivate marketing partnerships and develop customized, multiplatform campaigns that integrate any and all FOX/News Corp. assets.
About Unilever
Unilever works to create a better future every day. We help people feel good, look good and get more out of life with brands and services that are good for them and good for others. Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of fast moving consumer goods with strong operations in more than 100 countries and sales in 180. Consumers buy 170 billion Unilever packs around the world every year, and our products are used over two billion times a day. Our portfolio includes some of the world’s best known and most loved brands including twelve €1 billion brands, and global leadership in many categories in which we operate. The portfolio features iconic brands such as: Knorr, Hellmann’s, Lipton, Dove, Vaseline, Persil, Cif, Rexona and Degree. We have around 167,000 employees in over 100 countries, and generated annual sales of €44.3 billion in 2010. For more information about Unilever and its brands, please visit www.unilever.com. Unilever is Leader in the Food Producers sector in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Indexes for the 13th year running. We are included in the FTSE4Good Index Series and attained a top environmental score of 5, leading to inclusion in the FTSE4Good Environmental Leaders Europe 40 Index. We are also ranked 7th in the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World, a list compiled by Corporate Knights Magazine. We achieved Platinum Plus standard in the UK’s Business in the Community Corporate Responsibility Index 2009, and were named Company of the Year in 2010.
FOX BROADCASTING COMPANY, 19 ENTERTAINMENT AND FREMANTLEMEDIA ANNOUNCE SPONSORS FOR 11th SEASON OF “AMERICAN IDOL”
January 18, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Ford, Coca-Cola and AT&T Return as Official Sponsors
Two-Night Season Premiere Begins Tonight on FOX
Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX); 19 Entertainment Ltd., a division of CKX, Inc.; and FremantleMedia today announced that Ford Motor Company, Coca-Cola and AT&T will return as the official sponsors for the 11th season of AMERICAN IDOL.
The incredible journey is about to begin as AMERICAN IDOL, America’s No. 1 show, returns tonight. Featuring host Ryan Seacrest and returning judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, AMERICAN IDOL is set to return with a two-night event showcasing the nation’s most extraordinary talent from Savannah auditions on Wednesday, Jan. 18 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Pittsburgh auditions on Thursday, Jan. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Auditions from San Diego will be featured on a special, extended primetime broadcast of AMERICAN IDOL Sunday, Jan. 22 (10:00-11:00 PM ET/7:00-8:00 PM PT), following the NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (6:00 PM-CC ET live/3:00 PM-CC PT live) on FOX.
Ford returns as the official automotive sponsor of AMERICAN IDOL. As a leading partner since the show’s debut in 2002, Ford will continue to engage AMERICAN IDOL fans with unique and exclusive content throughout the upcoming season. Once again, Ford vehicles and the AMERICAN IDOL finalists will be featured each week in Ford music videos, airing Thursday nights. This original content, along with candid “making of” segments featuring the contestants, will also be available on www.americanidol.com. In addition, Ford will launch an all-new online promotion, offering fans an exclusive chance to win the ultimate AMERICAN IDOL experience. More details will be announced shortly.
AMERICAN IDOL will continue to serve as a key platform for a variety of Ford vehicles, including the all-new 2013 Ford Escape. Ford will award a brand-new vehicle to both the runner-up and Season 11 AMERICAN IDOL winner.
For the 11th season of AMERICAN IDOL, Coca-Cola is offering programs that bring families together to enjoy moments of happiness and fun. AMERICAN IDOL is the kickoff platform for the Coca-Cola Family Night program, which presents activities and recipes throughout January and February that encourage families to “make tonight a family night.” They will also launch the new “Coca-Cola Music Cover Artwork” contest. Fans can develop their own special music cover graphics at www.mycokerewards.com/family and they could win a trip to attend the live AMERICAN IDOL finale. Coming back for a second year is the popular Perfect Harmony program that provides teens and young adults the opportunity to write a song with an award winning artist. This innovative collaboration will culminate in an incredible performance on the biggest stage in Hollywood during an AMERICAN IDOL broadcast. In addition, Coca-Cola will share exclusive behind-the-scenes content online at www.mycokerewards.com and www.americanidol.com, providing fans with an inside look at the contestant experience. Other activities designed to enhance the AMERICAN IDOL experience will be featured in a variety of retail outlets across the country.
AT&T returns this year to celebrate its 10th anniversary as the official wireless sponsor of AMERICAN IDOL. Once again, AT&T makes voting easier and more convenient for its customers through exclusive unlimited text-voting during the voting window after each show.* Additionally, AT&T customers will benefit from unique access to their favorite IDOL moments through popular mobile phone content, including Vote Number Reminder, Social Sharing of Votes and Idol Trivia.* (*Messaging and/or data rates apply.)
AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions. AMERICAN IDOL has been No. 1 among Adults 18-49 for the past eight consecutive seasons.
About FremantleMedia North America
FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) is the U.S. production division of global media giant FremantleMedia. Based in Burbank, California, FMNA produces entertaining and innovative programs for network, cable, syndicated and online platforms, including the Emmy-nominated musical/reality phenomenon “American Idol” (FOX), “The X Factor” (FOX), “America’s Got Talent” (NBC), “Family Feud” (syndicated), “The Price Is Right” (CBS), “Let’s Make A Deal” (CBS), “Hole In The Wall” (Cartoon Network), “Total Blackout (premieres 2012) and the company’s first scripted series “The Wedding Band” (premieres 2012).
About FremantleMedia Enterprises & FremantleMedia
FremantleMedia is one of the leading creators and producers of entertainment brands in the world. FremantleMedia is part of the RTL Group, Europe’s largest television and radio broadcast company, which is in turn 90 percent owned by Bertelsmann AG, one of the world’s major media and entertainment companies. FremantleMedia’s worldwide production arm is responsible for many of the world’s highest rated prime time entertainment, drama, serial drama and factual entertainment programs. FremantleMedia Enterprises is the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all licensing, distribution and home entertainment around the world. The FremantleMedia Group (which includes FremantleMedia North America, UFA, talkbackTHAMES, FremantleMedia Australia and Original Productions, amongst others) has operations in 22 countries, one of the most comprehensive global networks, creating nearly 10,000 hours of programming a year, rolling out more than 60 formats and managing over 300 individual titles. FremantleMedia has some of the world’s most sought-after and long-running formats in its catalogue, and globally, produces such programs as: “Idols” (co-produced with 19 Entertainment in the U.S.), “Hole In The Wall,” “Got Talent” (co-produced with Syco in the U.K. and the U.S.), “The X Factor” (co-produced with Syco in the U.K. and U.S.), “Take Me Out,” “Family Feud,” “The Price is Right,” “Farmer Wants A Wife,” “Gute Zeiten Schlechte Zeiten” and “Neighbours.”
About CKX, Inc.
CKX, Inc. is engaged in the ownership, development and commercial utilization of globally recognized entertainment content. The company’s current properties include the rights to the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali, the operations of Graceland, and proprietary rights to the “Idols” and “So You Think You Can Dance” television brands, including the American Idol series in the United States and local adaptations of the “Idols” and “So You Think You Can Dance” television show formats which, collectively, air in more than 100 countries. For more information about CKX, Inc., visit its corporate website at www.ckx.com.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, MI, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world’s most valuable brand, our company’s portfolio features 15 billion dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.7 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world’s top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system employees. For more information, please visit www.thecoca-colacompany.com or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CocaColaCo.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world (www.att.com/corporateawards). Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse(r) and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at www.att.com. This news release and other announcements are available at www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss<http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT http://www.twitter.com/att.
(c) 2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
“THE SIMPSONS” CHALLENGES ULTIMATE FANS TO BREAK GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR LONGEST CONTINUOUS TELEVISION VIEWING
January 9, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Contest Kicks Off at Hollywood & Highland in Los Angeles on February 8
and Will Award Winner with $10,500 Prize
500th Episode Airs Sunday, February 19, on FOX
In celebration of THE SIMPSONS’ historic 500th episode milestone, FOX invites fans of the iconic animated series to participate in THE SIMPSONS Ultimate Fan Marathon Challenge at Hollywood & Highland in Los Angeles. Beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 8, fans will come together to watch up to 500 continuous episodes of THE SIMPSONS in an attempt to break the current Guinness World Record of 86 hours, 6 minutes and 41 seconds for the longest continuous television viewing. The contest winner will take home a $10,500 prize and an array of THE SIMPSONS merchandise, including products exclusively designed to commemorate the 500th episode.
Fans interested in participating in the marathon event are encouraged to “like” THE SIMPSONS on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/thesimpsons or visit http://www.thesimpsons.com to receive news updates including the exact date and time for open registration.
Members of THE SIMPSONS will kick off the Ultimate Fan Marathon Challenge event at Hollywood & Highland on Wednesday, Feb. 8. Fans and spectators, meanwhile, will be able to watch the marathon and visit THE SIMPSONS fanfare area equipped with interactive elements and animation cells. Fans living outside Los Angeles can stay up-to-date with the marathon challenge by visiting THE SIMPSONS’ official Facebook page for event updates, video and photos from the event.
THE SIMPSONS strides into its 500th episode, “At Long Last Leave,” on Sunday, Feb. 19 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) on FOX. In the episode, the Simpsons are evicted from Springfield and join an off-the-grid community outside of town. But when Homer (voice of Dan Castellaneta) and Marge (voice of Julie Kavner) try to sneak back into Springfield, they are welcomed with hostility from their former friends and neighbors and begin to appreciate their new and more accepting home.
On Blu-ray and DVD, fans can enjoy and experience more from THE SIMPSONS with never-before-seen footage and extras. Start your collection today with THE SIMPSONS Season One and relive every moment of the longest-running scripted television show in history completely uninterrupted. Fans can also visit www.TheSimpsonsShop.com to get their hands on all of the latest THE SIMPSONS merchandise, and beginning in February, a special selection of products created exclusively to celebrate the 500th episode milestone.
In the all-new episode, “Politically Inept with Homer Simpson,” airing tonight (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT), Homer lands his own political talk show after a video featuring his impassioned rant on poor treatment at the airport goes viral. As his talk show quickly gains popularity nationwide, Homer becomes the spokesperson for the Gravy Movement and the voice of America’s newest political party. But when ill-informed Homer is asked to select the next Republican nominee and officially endorses right-wing rock star Ted Nugent (guest-voicing as himself), Marge and Lisa (voice of Yeardley Smith) worry that Homer’s opinion and influence might be more powerful than he realizes.
THE SIMPSONS serves up a feast of guest voices this spring, including Lady Gaga who, in the season finale, teaches Lisa to love herself; contemporary artist and graphic designer Shepard Fairey; Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) who plays a fictional movie spy and teaches Homer to be a better husband; and Glenn Close reprising her role as MONA SIMPSON. Also, Lisa falls in love with actor/comedian Michael Cera (“Scott Pilgrim vs. The World”) on Valentine’s Day; actor Jeremy Irons (“Die Hard with a Vengeance”) plays MOE’s (Hank Azaria) only friend, a bar rag; and actor Armie Hammer (“The Social Network”) lends his voice to “The D’oh-cial Network.”
THE SIMPSONS is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening and Al Jean are the executive producers. Film Roman, a Starz Media Company, is the animation house.
Visit THE SIMPSONS website at www.thesimpsons.com. Become a fan of the series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesimpsons and follow the series on Twitter @TheSimpsonsTV and Homer Simpson @HomerJSimpson. Shop THE SIMPSONS at www.TheSimpsonsShop.com.
WELCOME BACK, “AMERICAN IDOL” – THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY BEGINS WITH A TWO-NIGHT PREMIERE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 AND THURSDAY, JANUARY 19; AUDITIONS CONTINUE WITH A SPECIAL BROADCAST SUNDAY, JANUARY 22 FOLLOWING THE “NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME” ON FOX
January 9, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Hollywood Rounds Begin Thursday, February 9
Performance Challenge Airs Wednesday, February 22
Semifinalists Revealed Thursday, February 23
Semifinalists Perform Tuesday, February 28 and Wednesday, February 29
America’s Vote Reveals Finalists Thursday, March 1
The incredible journey is about to begin as AMERICAN IDOL, America’s No. 1 show, returns for its remarkable 11th season. Featuring host Ryan Seacrest and returning judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, AMERICAN IDOL is set to return with a two-night event showcasing the nation’s most extraordinary talent Wednesday, Jan. 18 and Thursday, Jan. 19. Auditions will continue with a special, extended primetime broadcast of AMERICAN IDOL Sunday, Jan. 22 (10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT), following the NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (6:00 PM-CC ET live/3:00 PM-CC PT live) on FOX.
The show’s judges – Jackson, Lopez and Tyler – traveled to Savannah, Aspen, Galveston, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego and St. Louis in search of contestants with the raw talent and potential to become the next AMERICAN IDOL. Auditions continue on Wednesday, Jan. 25 and Thursday, Jan. 26; Wednesday, Feb. 1 and Thursday, Feb. 2; and Wednesday, Feb. 8 on FOX.
The contestants who impress the judges will head to Hollywood and be put to the ultimate test during the “Hollywood Rounds,” airing Thursday, Feb. 9; Wednesday, Feb. 15; and Thursday, Feb. 16.
On Wednesday, Feb. 22, those who make it through Hollywood must then take the “Performance Challenge,” where they face the judges one last time before the top male and top female semifinalists are revealed on Thursday, Feb. 23.
The judges have their say after every performance, but it’s the viewing public that determines who will advance to the next round of the competition and who will go home. In the milestone 400th episode, airing on a special night, Tuesday, Feb. 28, the first group of semifinalists will take the stage to sing for America’s votes.
The following night, Wednesday, Feb. 29, the remaining semifinalists will perform. The competition takes an intense turn on the LIVE results show Thursday, March 1 as America’s vote reveals the first set of finalists, then those that remain will have one last chance to perform for the judges who will round out the 2012 AMERICAN IDOL finalists with their wild card picks.
The following week, the competition heats up when the finalists take the stage on Wednesday, March 7. One finalist’s journey will end as America’s vote is revealed on Thursday, March 8.
All AMERICAN IDOL episodes begin at 8/7c unless otherwise noted.
RECAP
Wednesday, Jan. 18 Season Premiere, Part 1
Thursday, Jan. 19 Season Premiere, Part 2
Sunday, Jan. 22 Auditions Episode (Special Broadcast)
(10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT)
Wednesday, Jan. 25 Auditions Episode
Thursday, Jan. 26 Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Feb. 1 Auditions Episode
Thursday, Feb. 2 Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Feb. 8 Auditions Episode
Thursday, Feb. 9 Hollywood Round, Part 1
Wednesday, Feb. 15 Hollywood Round, Part 2
Thursday, Feb. 16 Hollywood Round, Part 3
Wednesday, Feb. 22 Performance Challenge
Thursday, Feb. 23 Semifinalists Announced
Tuesday, Feb. 28 Semifinalists Perform/
400th Episode (Special Broadcast)
Wednesday, Feb. 29 Semifinalists Perform
Thursday, March 1 Results Show; Finalists Announced and
Judges’ Wild Card Picks Revealed
(ET live/PT tape-delayed)
Wednesday, March 7 Finalists Perform
Thursday, March 8 Results Show; First Elimination
(ET live/PT tape-delayed)
Visit americanidol.com for all of your AMERICAN IDOL news. For all photo requests, please visit foxflash.com.
Become a fan of AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #AmericanIdol. Also, follow host Ryan Seacrest at @RyanSeacrest, and follow the judges: @yo_randyjackson; @JLo; and @iamstevent.
AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions. AMERICAN IDOL has been No. 1 among Adults 18-49 for the past eight consecutive seasons.
FOX FORGES NEW UNIT TO CREATE ALTERNATIVE ANIMATED CONTENT
January 9, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Programming Will Run on New Late-Night Animated Block and Digital Channel
Network Inks Exclusive Deals with Former Adult Swim Development Head
Nick Weidenfeld and Producer Hend Baghdady
Building on its more than 20 years of animation domination, Fox Broadcasting Company (“FOX”) has created a new unit to oversee the development and production of alternative animated series, shorts and user-adapted material for a brand new late-night animated programming block and new digital multi-platform network, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, FOX President of Entertainment.
To run this new unit, FOX has inked an exclusive deal with Nick Weidenfeld, former head of program development for Adult Swim and executive producer of acclaimed series “Childrens Hospital” and “The Boondocks.” The network has also tapped producer Hend Baghdady (“Warren The Ape,” “The Andy Milonakis Show”) as the executive in charge of production for the new division.
Under their leadership, the unit will develop and produce an ambitious slate of original animated shorts and series to run both on-air and online. The late-night programming block will air Saturdays (11:00 PM-12:30 AM ET/PT) on FOX and will feature four new animated series per season starting in January 2013.
The digital channel will extend across platforms such as Web, mobile apps, game consoles and Video on Demand. It kicks off in 2012 and will feature 50 original short-form pieces per year, online windows of FOX animated shows, and user-adapted content. It will create a unique opportunity for fans and up-and-coming talent to engage with professional FOX-curated content, which they could possibly platform into their own series. FOX will also use its expertise and cross-promotional power to nurture these new assets through this pipeline.
“This may be the first time a network is building a clear bridge for talent to develop and grow ideas in the digital/alternative arena and organically move them into the mainstream,” said Reilly. “These new late-night series will be assets in their own right – but the clear possibility exists for a breakout digital success to graduate to primetime.”
“Nick had an incredible track record at Adult Swim and is a dynamic guy with the instincts to cultivate and produce inventive and irreverent series that animation fans love. Together with Hend, they are the perfect partners for us in this exciting new venture,” Reilly continued.
Prior to teaming with FOX under his Friends Night production company banner, Weidenfeld served as the head of Program Development for Adult Swim. Over the last eight years, Weidenfeld helped grow the late-night block of programming on Cartoon Network – featuring breakout hits such as “Robot Chicken” and “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” – into the No. 1 cable entertainment channel among young men. He executive-produced a variety of animated and live-action shows, including the Peabody Award-winning “The Boondocks,” “Childrens Hospital,” “NTSF:SD:SUV::,” “Metalocalypse,” “Superjail!” and “China, IL,” to name a few. In 2009, Weidenfeld co-created and co-wrote the animated hour-long cartoon, “Freaknik: The Musical,” starring Grammy Award-winning singer T-Pain as well as Cee Lo, Lil Wayne, Andy Samberg, and Bill Hader. The musical is currently being adapted for the stage. Most recently, he adapted the feature film “Black Dynamite” into an animated series and built a sketch show around the rap group and Internet sensation, Odd Future.
Hend Baghdady began her career in New York working on the first season of “Crank Yankers” with Jackhole Industries. Since then, she has developed, produced and created production formats and templates for live-action and animated comedy series for MTV, Comedy Central, and Adult Swim. Her most recent credits include the “Community” stop-motion Christmas special “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas”; the first strip animated show “DJ & The Fro”; “The Andy Milonakis Show”; “Warren The Ape”; and Kanye West’s pilot “Alligator Boots.”
ABOUT FOX BROADCASTING COMPANY
Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) is a unit of News Corporation and the leading broadcast television network among Adults 18-49. FOX finished the 2010-2011 season at No. 1 in the key adult demographic for the seventh consecutive year – a feat that has never been achieved in broadcast history – while continuing to dominate all network competition in the more targeted Adults 18-34 and Teen demographics. FOX airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week as well as late-night entertainment programming, major sports and Sunday morning news.
