Get Online for American Idol Superstardom

Get Online for American Idol Superstardom

FremantleMedia and Fluid Audio Networks Announce Innovative American Idol Underground Website at Licensing Show 2005

LOS ANGELES, June 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Fluid Audio Networks, a Los Angeles based Internet company, and FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide, Americas (FLW, Americas), the US licensing division of FremantleMedia, co-producer and licensor of American Idol, announced today the launch of the first ever online incarnation of American Idol -- American Idol Underground (www.idolunderground.com). American Idol Underground will bring American Idol to an Internet audience by offering talent competitions in a number of different music genres, including pop, rock, country, R&B, classical, jazz, spoken word and rap. The announcement was made at Licensing Show 2005 in New York.

"Fluid Audio is providing an entirely new format for aspiring American Idols to make their dream a reality," said Keith Hindle, Vice President, Integrated Marketing and Interactive for FLW, Americas. "We anticipate that American Idol Underground will become one of the most talked-about online services and a highly trafficked site in the coming year."

The American Idol Underground website, which will launch later this year, will be powered by Fluid Audio's proprietary self-publishing software. Musicians will directly upload their music to one of thirteen genre specific music channels for review by internet listeners and celebrity judges.

"After developing the technology our main objective was partnering with the premier entertainment brands; American Idol represents the holy grail of entertainment brands and FremantleMedia's support has been fantastic," said Justin Beckett, CEO and founder of Fluid Audio Networks. "Whether they're looking for a recording contract or just to get their music heard, this service will give musicians from every genre the platform to reach the masses like only American Idol can."

Specific details about the contests will be disclosed closer to its official launch in late 2005, but those interested can sign up at www.idolunderground.com to receive periodic e-mail updates about contest timing, prize packages and more!

About Fluid Audio Networks

Fluid Audio Networks (www.fluidaudio.com) is a Los Angeles based Internet company which develops entertainment focused self-publishing applications. Fluid audio will build the largest network of emerging artists and fans by partnering with some of the world's most recognized entertainment brands including American Idol (www.idolunderground.com).

About American Idol

Five-time Emmy Award-nominee AMERICAN IDOL was created by Simon Fuller of 19TV and developed by FremantleMedia. Executive producers are Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe for 19TV and Cecile Frot-Coutaz and Ken Warwick for FremantleMedia North America. 19 also manages such leading musical artists as Annie Lennox, Will Young, Kelly Clarkson, and Fantasia. FremantleMedia North America is one of America's foremost producers of reality-based entertainment programming for television, and has produced the IDOL format in more than 30 countries worldwide.

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.

Source: Fluid Audio Networks; FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide, Americas

CONTACT: Jordan Fischler, Jordan@allisonpr.com, or Jonathan Heit, Jonathan@allisonpr.com, both of Allison & Partners, +1-310-452-7540, for Fluid Audio Networks; or Brian Reinert, brian_reinert@bhimpact.com, or Jessica Simon, jessica_simon@bhimpact.com, both of Bender-Helper Impact, +1-212-689-6360, for FremantleMedia

Web site: http://www.fluidaudio.com/

Web site: http://www.idolunderground.com/

Web site: http://www.fluidaudio.com/

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