Fourth Season 'American Idol' Finalists Release Single to Benefit American Red Cross On April 19

Fourth Season 'American Idol' Finalists Release Single to Benefit American Red Cross On April 19

Viewers Choose 'When You Tell Me That You Love Me' In Close Contest To Select Song Performed by Contestants

LOS ANGELES, April 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The finalists on the fourth season of "American Idol" will release "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" as a 19 Recordings/RCA Records single on April 19. RCA and 19 Entertainment will donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund $.50 for every CD sold and $.21 for every digital download sold.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050418/NYM287 )

The viewers of Fox-TV's massively popular "American Idol" series decided which song would be released as a charity single by voting online for their favorite among three choices. So many viewers cast votes that all three songs will be included on the single.

The lead track, "When You Tell Me That You Love Me," was a No. 2 hit for Diana Ross in the United Kingdom in 1991. The song is the biggest Diana Ross hit in the last 18 years. Written by John Bettis and Albert Hammond, the song was also recorded as a duet between Julio Iglesias and Dolly Parton. The version by the "American Idol" finalists was produced by Desmond Child and includes vocals by the top 12 contestants: Bo Bice, Lindsey Cardinale, Anthony Fedorov, Mikalah Gordon, Constantine Maroulis, Anwar Robinson, Scott Savol, Jessica Sierra, Vonzell Solomon, Nikko Smith, Nadia Turner and Carrie Underwood.

Child has written and/or produced hits for Ricky Martin, Cher, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Kiss and Alice Cooper. Also featured on the single are Child's productions of the "American Idol" finalists' versions of "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother," written by Bobby Scott and Bobby Russell and popularized by the Hollies in 1970 and "Everything Is Beautiful," written and originally recorded by Ray Stevens in 1970.

"We are so grateful for the generosity of the RCA Music Group, 19 Entertainment and the talented musicians on 'American Idol,'" said Marsha J. Evans, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. "Every eight minutes, the Red Cross responds to a disaster with the financial help of supporters like RCA, 19 Entertainment and 'American Idol.' We couldn't do it without their help and that of thousands of caring Americans each year."

'The American Idol Season 4 compilation album will be released by 19 Recording/RCA Records on May 17'. The first three "American Idol" compilation albums have sold a total of 2 million copies.

"These are three great classic songs and a wonderful cause to help. The American Idol finalists unite for a truly worthy and special undertaking," Clive Davis, Chairman CEO BMG U.S.

The fourth season album will also feature solo performances by the current top 12 finalists, one of whom will be the new "American Idol" when this season concludes May 25.

"This has been a great year for idol, it is the most watched season ever with the most talented group of singers to date, their spirit and friendship is inspiring." said Simon Fuller, Founder & CEO of 19 Entertainment. "We all wanted to try and do something special for the Red Cross again this year, a truly exceptional organization that does so much good for the world we live in."

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050418/NYM287 AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN9 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: RCA Records Label

CONTACT: Roger Widynowski, Sr. Director Of Publicity of RCA Records, +1-310-358-4125, rogerw@bmg.com

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