'Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz(TM),' Oh What a Competition It Is

'Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz(TM),' Oh What a Competition It Is

Alka-Seltzer(R) Challenges America to Rewrite Classic Jingle With Cyndi Lauper as Judge; Grand Prize Winner has Chance to Appear in National TV Ad During Pre-Game of the Big Game

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Get out your guitar, warm up your vocal cords and reunite your band. The Alka-Seltzer(R) brand, which is the antacid synonymous with relief and such famous advertising slogans as "I Can't Believe I Ate The Whole Thing," and "Try It, You'll Like It," is challenging people across the country to re-write and perform the brand's most famous jingle. "Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz(TM), Oh What a Relief It Is(R)" was ranked by Ad Age as one of the top 15 advertising campaigns of all time.

This competition is part of a year-long celebration of Alka-Seltzer's 75th Anniversary. "Plop, Plop" is the third commercial remake of their iconic advertising this year, but the only one that will tap into the creative juices of any and all Americans. So, whether it's a crooning love song to your favorite antacid, singing the blues about indigestion, or rapping and rocking about relief, now is your chance to be heard. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000 and the chance to appear in a national TV ad that will air during the pre-game of the big game on February 4th.

Cyndi Lauper, one of the most legendary performers of all time, known for songs such as "Time After Time," and "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," will be put in the judges' chair as she helps decide who is crowned national winner of this contest. "I'm really excited to be a part of the effort to bring back this famous jingle in a new and modern form," said Lauper. "I've recently recorded acoustic versions of some of my hit songs, so I'm excited to hear the interpretations others bring to this jingle to express how Alka-Seltzer means relief through song." Lauper will also serve as creative consultant for the new campaign commercial, as well as develop the musical tracks for the ad.

Through the month of December, Alka-Seltzer's Battle of the Bands: Bring Back the Fizz live events will be held at popular venues across the U.S. where aspiring songwriters and performers will be invited to showcase their take on the famous tune. Cyndi Lauper as well as local DJs, well-known personalities and an Alka-Seltzer representative, will be on hand to judge the creative vocals. The events will be open to anyone over 18 (19 in AL and NE, 21 in MS) and will take place in:

Dallas, TX (Cyndi will not be appearing)
Thursday, December 7th, 2006
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Champps Sports
4951 Beltline Road

Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday, December 13th, 2006
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pre-Jingle Ball
Tweeter Center
1 Harbour Blvd
Camden, NJ

Atlanta, GA
Thursday, December 14th, 2006
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
El Azteca
939 Ponce DE Leon Ave NE

Bring on the Fizz, Bring on the Funk

If competitors can't make it to one of the live events, they are invited to enter their recorded jingle online at www.plopplopfizzfizz.com, or by mail via Alka-Seltzer Battle of the Bands Contest, PO Box 1304. Grand Rapids, MN 55745-1304. One online/mail-in winner will then be selected to compete against the first prize winners from each of the local markets to win the grand prize.

Starting December 26th, America will have a chance to log on and share their opinion about the four first prize winners for the tune they like the best.* The winning band or individual will be announced in mid-January and will begin filming their national ad.

Iconic Jingle Sings a New Tune

The original "Plop, Plop" jingle was written in 1953 by Paul Margulies, father of actress Julianna Margulies (of TV show ER fame). The tune did not hit the airwaves until 1975, when the sprightly spokesperson Speedy Alka-Seltzer first sang it. Three years later, Sammy Davis Jr. gave the jingle his touch when he made two covers, one "Rock" and the other "Big Band," and performed them on "The Frank Sinatra Show." The original lyrics are simply: "Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is!!" The Bring Back the Fizz contest will challenge consumers to use that verse at least once in the new version, but add their own flair in a 30 second to two minute song.

"Alka-Seltzer has been a mainstay of popular American culture for 75 years," said Jay Kolpon, vice president, marketing and new business, Bayer HealthCare's Consumer Care Division. "Understanding trends such as the increased popularity of consumer-generated media, song competitions and the renewed interest in iconic brands, we wanted to give the public a chance to recreate one of their favorite advertising tunes."

Alka-Seltzer(R) History

Alka-Seltzer was introduced by Miles Laboratories in 1931 and brought to market as a remedy for headaches and indigestion. Rooted in American popular culture, the brand is well known for its historical creative and memorable advertising campaigns, including "Speedy Alka-Seltzer" and the award-winning 1969's "Mama Mia, That's A Spicy Meatball," 1971's "Try It, You'll Like It" and the 1972 spot "I Can't Believe I Ate Whole Thing," which went on to become one of Newsweek magazine's 10 most memorable lines of the decade. In honor of the brand's 75th Anniversary, "I Can't Believe" was remade starring Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle of "Everybody Loves Raymond" fame and "Try It, You'll Like It" was remade starring comedian Kathy Griffin.

About Alka -Seltzer(R)

For fast relief of heartburn, acid indigestion and pain, turn to Alka- Seltzer, the fast acting relief that millions have relied on for 75 years. Alka-Seltzer gently breaks up and dissolves away the full feeling of indigestion, heartburn and pain fast. Alka-Seltzer is now available in a wide variety of formulas and flavors including original and lemon-lime, as well as Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength for the most powerful relief, Alka-Seltzer for Heartburn Relief, Alka-Seltzer Morning Relief for hangover symptoms, Alka- Seltzer Gold for gentle relief, and Alka-Seltzer PM for nighttime pain relief. When you experience acid indigestion, sour stomach, heartburn and pain trust Alka-Seltzer for relief of your symptoms. When you need fast relief, take Alka-Seltzer.

ALKA-SELTZER(R) BATTLE OF THE BANDS CONTEST ABBREVIATED RULES

No Purchase Necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not improve your chances of winning. To enter visit www.plopplopfizzfizz.com or mail your name, address, city, state, zip code along with your submission (CD with an original pre-recorded jingle containing the verse "Plop Plop Fizz Fizz Oh What A Relief It Is" used at least once, minimum 30 seconds, maximum 2 minutes) and photo of your band to: Alka-Seltzer Battle of the Bands Contest, PO Box 1304, Grand Rapids, MN 55730-1304. Or enter at one of 3 live events. Events are scheduled at Sponsor's discretion. Please see website for details. Entries must be submitted by 12/22/2006. Contest ends 12/22/2006. Prizes: 1 Grand Prize - $10,000.00 plus a chance to have on-air play (radio and/or television) of their jingle (ARV $25,000 depending on the number of members in the band); 4 First Prizes - $1,000 each; Total Approximate Retail Value for all Prizes $29,000. Odds depend on number of eligible entries received. Open to legal U.S. residents 18 years of age or older (19 in AL and NE, 21 in MS). Void where prohibited, restricted, or taxed by law. For complete rules, go to www.plopplopfizzfizz.com or write to Alka-Seltzer Battle of the Bands Contest, PO Box 1234, Grand Rapids, MN 55730-1234.

* Opinions will not affect final results

Source: Alka-Seltzer

CONTACT: Tricia McKernan, Bayer HealthCare, Consumer Care Division,
+1-866-683-1126, tricia.mckernan.b@bayer.com; or Ilissa Wood, +1-646-935-4369,
ilissa.wood@ketchum.com, or Julie Lowen, +1-646-935-4132,
julie.lowen@ketchum.com, both of Ketchum, both for Alka-Seltzer

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

-------
Profile: intent