CKX and 19 Entertainment Announce Opening of 'The American Idol Experience' at Walt Disney World Resort

CKX and 19 Entertainment Announce Opening of 'The American Idol Experience' at Walt Disney World Resort

NEW YORK, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CKX, Inc. (NASDAQ:CKXE) and its subsidiary 19 Entertainment announced today the unveiling of a new attraction, based on its hit television program American Idol, at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

"The American Idol Experience" will capture the energy and excitement of the TV series and global phenomenon, with guests at Disney's Hollywood Studios auditioning to take the spotlight onstage, while fellow guests cheer them on from the audience and vote for their favorite singer.

The attraction, which has its grand opening Feb. 14, 2009, was developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in conjunction with FremantleMedia Enterprises and 19 Entertainment. It is based on American Idol -- produced by 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia North America -- and is designed to immerse park guests in the authentic feel of a live television production.

CKX Chairman and CEO Robert F.X. Sillerman commented, "For years now, fans from all over America have dreamed of being a part of American Idol. Working with Disney and Fremantle, Simon Fuller and 19 Entertainment have developed this extraordinary attraction. The opening of this attraction at the world's premier entertainment destination further demonstrates the power, appeal and sustainability of the American Idol brand and its applicability across diverse media and entertainment platforms."

Winners of the daily competition will receive a "The American Idol Experience" Dream Ticket, which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition at a future regional audition for the American Idol television show.

19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, is one of the most successful entertainment organizations in the world having created and produced hit television properties including American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, and with its relationships and partnerships with some of the biggest names in sports, music and fashion, including David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, Roland Mouret and the recently added tennis superstar, Andy Murray.

Disney's Hollywood Studios is a showbiz-inspired theme park that immerses guests in the glamour of show business with thrilling attractions, Broadway-style shows, world-class atmosphere entertainment and interactive film, music, television and radio production facilities.

About CKX, Inc.

CKX, Inc. is engaged in the ownership, development and commercial utilization of entertainment content. To date, the Company has focused on acquiring globally recognized entertainment content and related assets, including the rights to the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley, the operations of Graceland, the rights to the name, image and likeness of Muhammad Ali and proprietary rights to the IDOLS television brand, including the American Idol series in the United States and local adaptations of the IDOLS television show format which, collectively, air in more than 100 countries. For more information about CKX, Inc., visit its corporate website at www.ckx.com.

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First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: Casey_Cipriani@dkcnews.com

Source: CKX, Inc.

CONTACT: Ed Tagliaferri, +1-212-981-5182

Web Site: http://www.ckx.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment