'American Idol' Favorites Announced to Attend Idol Camp 2008

'American Idol' Favorites Announced to Attend Idol Camp 2008

Popular Performing Arts Camp Names 'American Idol' Alums Tapped To Mentor Young Campers

RUNNING SPRINGS, Calif., March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Idol Camp, the only performing arts summer camp inspired and brought to you by the producers of the nation's #1 television phenomenon, "American Idol", is opening its doors for the second year with a roster full of Idol alums scheduled to make guest visits and mentor young campers. The camp today announced that its 2008 line- up of former "American Idol" contestants will include Grammy-nominated artist and Season 5 finalist Ace Young, Season 4 runner-up Bo Bice and Season 3 finalist Jon Peter Lewis among others. These artists will help instruct classes, perform during evening activities and share personal insights for campers during an intensive two-week session aimed at advancing campers skills across a wide range of disciplines. The final, April 18th, application deadline for Idol Camp is quickly approaching and families are encouraged to sign-up now at www.idolcamp.com.

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Two of the Idols named for this summer's sessions are making repeat performances. Both Jon Peter Lewis and Ace Young attended last year's Idol Camp and are coming back for more. According to Judy Lieber, Jon's manager, "Jon had such a fantastic experience last year, you couldn't keep him away this year if you tried."

More favorite Idol finalists are slated to appear this year and additional talent will be announced as more Idol alumni and celebrity talent join in the fun. A highlight from last year's star-studded camp sessions was a stellar performance by R&B superstar Macy Gray who attended one of the sessions and helped instruct several classes.

"This is everything we could've hoped for when we launched Idol Camp last year. Seeing the camp in session and the way the kids responded really showed everyone here that this was something that could only get bigger and we're making sure the 2008 season is just that," said Shannon Pruitt, Vice President, FremantleMedia Enterprises in North America.

Idol Camp 2008 will be comprised of five two-week summer sessions to choose from, with up to 150 campers per session. Session dates are June 15 - June 28, June 29 - July 12, July 13 - July 26, July 27 - August 9, August 10 - August 23. Enrollment is open to U.S. residents, 10 to 15 years of age, who display a desire for personal growth and passion for the arts. Idol Camp honors a diverse cross-section of educational backgrounds and opportunities.

Limited enrollment into Idol Camp is not audition-based and DOES NOT GUARANTEE entrance into the "American Idol" television series competition, nor will it provide inside information or any other advantage in the American Idol audition process.

About Pali Entertainment

The mission of Pali Entertainment creates and develops sponsorships, promotions, and events for prospective clients with an emphasis on entertainment, education, and family, while maintaining a high level of profitability. Pali Entertainment has the unique advantage of already having the strong customer base of the Family Magazine Group and Pali. Those families look to Pali for additional entertainment and charity opportunities, which we now will provide.

About FremantleMedia Enterprises & FremantleMedia

FremantleMedia Enterprises is the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all Licensing, Distribution and Home Entertainment. It is a division of FremantleMedia, one of the largest international creators and producers of entertainment brands in the world with leading prime time drama, serial drama, entertainment and factual entertainment programming in over 40 countries worldwide. FremantleMedia is a subsidiary of RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company, which is 90% owned by Bertelsmann AG, an integrated media and entertainment company that commands leading positions in the world's media markets. For further information, visit http://www.fremantlemedia.com/.

About Fremantlemedia North America

FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) is the U.S. production division of global media giant FremantleMedia. Based in Burbank, California, FMNA produces entertaining and innovative television programs for network, cable and syndicated platforms, including the Emmy-nominated musical/reality phenomenon "American Idol" (FOX), "American Idol Rewind" (syndicated), "American Idol Extra" (Fox Reality Channel), "America's Got Talent" (NBC), "Farmer Wants A Wife" (The CW), "Can You Duet" (CMT), "The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency" (Oxygen), "Property Ladder" (TLC), "Family Feud" (syndicated), "Temptation" (syndicated), "Million Dollar Password" (CBS), and the longest-running game show in television history, "The Price Is Right" (CBS).

About American Idol

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment, Ltd.; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Nigel Lythgoe, President, 19 Television; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.

About 19 Entertainment

19 Entertainment, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of CKX, Inc. (NASDAQ:CKXE), was founded by Simon Fuller 21 years ago and acquired by CKX in March 2005. The company is recognized as a leading creator, provider and promoter of globally successful, music-based entertainment, or "Entertainment Brands." Today, Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment is wholly owned by CKX, Inc. (NASDAQ:CKXE), the entertainment rights organization founded by Robert Sillerman, making the company one of the most influential forces in the global entertainment business and with powerful interests in music, sport, fashion and TV. In 2001, Fuller's 19TV created and produced the television phenomenon that is "Pop Idol." Launched in the UK, this primetime show became an instant hit, drawing record audiences of 13 million viewers per show and an audience share of almost 60 percent. In 2002, AMERICAN IDOL launched in the United States and has gone on to become the biggest entertainment show in the world. When AMERICAN IDOL 5 launched in January 2006, it pulled in an audience of over 35 million viewers and went on to peak at 46 million viewers during the finale in May.

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CONTACT: Brian Reinert, Bender, brian_reinert@bhimpact.com, or Jillian
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Web site:

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http://www.idolcamp.com/

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