diamond: [disney] American Idol Attraction Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

American Idol coming to Disney World
Feb 8, 2008

Disney's Hollywood Studios is partnering with Simon Fuller's 19
Entertainment and FreMantleMedia in opening the 'American Idol' attraction.

Slated to debut in late 2008, this attraction will host daily
auditions/competitions for park guests who register. At the end of the day,
a Grand Finale performance will take place with that day's winners
participating. The 'Idol' chosen as the day's best gets a spot at the front
of the line at a regional Idol competition. While there's no guarantee that
they will be chosen to audition in front of Idol's judges, they will bypass
the long waits.

When asked about Idol's affiliation with Fox broadcasting as opposed to
Disney's ABC network, Keith Hindle, FremantleMedia's licensing vice
president stated "It is owned by us, so we can extend the brand in the
off-air space in the ways that we want to. We don't see this in any way as a
NewsCorp. vs. Disney debate. That's never been part of the discussion, and
it's not something that's relevant to us. It's just part of 'American
Idol.'"

The Disney competition will be open for guests age 14 and up. Since American
Idol is limited to participants in the 16 to 28 year age group, the winner
of Disney's contest can transfer their pass to a friend or family member or,
in the case of those under age 16, save it for a future Idol competition.
The pass cannot be sold.

Throughout the year, actual Idol stars may be scheduled to perform at WDW
and themed merchandise will be for sale. Hindle said "It's a very
collaborative process. Disney knows more about live stage productions that
we ever will. We know more about our TV show that Disney ever will. Exactly
how this will manifest it is something that will be mutually approved by all
parties. We're looking to Disney to see how their guests like to be
entertained."

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