NEW YORK (May 15, 2005) – Although the record breaking fourth season of American Idol is coming to a climactic end as the nation prepares to crown its newest American Idol, the merchandising program behind the hit franchise continues to perform in superstar fashion. FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide, Americas (FLW, Americas), the US licensing division of FremantleMedia, one of the largest international creators and producers of program brands in the world and co-producer and licensor of American Idol, has partnered with some of the biggest names in the business to develop an amazing product line-up that continues to fuel this national phenomenon.

Beginning with the highly successful co-branding venture with Mattel for American Idol Barbie, FLW, Americas now boasts an impressive stable of hundreds of American Idol-branded products that are currently in stores. From apparel to consumer electronics and beauty aids to toys, FLW, Americas has successfully extended the reach of the American Idol brand to fans looking for new ways to enjoy and take part in the American Idol experience.

“American Idol is quickly becoming a true lifestyle brand whose shelf-life extends far beyond the broadcast period of the show,” said David Luner, Vice President, Licensing, FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide, Americas. “With these new, high-quality products currently in stores, we continue to translate the success of the television show into a first-rate merchandising program that appeals to show enthusiasts of all ages.”

A complete list of the novel American Idol branded products that can currently be found on store shelves across the nation follows:

ACCESSORIES
Casa D’ Oro – stainless steal charms & bracelets
Drew Pearson Marketing – headwear & handsets
Image Optics – sunglasses
M.Z. Berger – watches

APPAREL
American Marketing Enterprises – sleepwear
JEM Sportswear – specialty apparel
Jerry Leigh Entertainment – mass-market apparel
BD&A – on-line store/promotional products

CONFECTIONERY
Au’some Candies – lollipops
Kellogg’s – fruit snacks

HEALTH & BEAUTY AIDS
Beauty Innovations – perfume & body sprays
Del Pharmaceuticals, Inc. – oral care line

HOME FURNISHINGS
Tweel Home Furnishings – shower curtains & accessories
Georgia-Pacific – co-branded Coke cupsArt.com – online posters

INTERACTIVE
Fluid Audio Networks, Inc. – online music channel
MECA – instant messenger service

MUSIC PUBLISHING
RCA Records – music publishing contract

PUBLISHING
Corporate Sports Marketing Group, Inc. – magazine
Penguin Publishing – mad libs
Prima Games – book publishing
Warner Bros. Publications - songbook

STATIONERY/SOCIAL EXPRESSION
Madame Tussauds – interactive wax exhibits

TOYS & GAMES
Imagination Entertainment – board games
Kids Station – toy mics & instruments
Mattel – Barbie dolls & accessories

WIRELESS
Mobliss – Java & Brew games for mobile phones

About FremantleMedia
FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide, Americas (FLW, Americas) is the US licensing arm of FremantleMedia, one of the largest international creators and producers of program brands in the world, with leading prime time drama, serial drama, entertainment and factual entertainment programming in over 40 territories.  FLW, Americas exploits FremantleMedia’s many strong brands including the award winning, American Idol, the world’s longest running game show The Price Is Right, the ever-popular Family Feud, and other classic game shows across multiple off-screen platforms including merchandising campaigns, interactive and wireless support, home entertainment and music publishing.