Apple Announces Partnership with American Idol
Do you ever wish your favorite things in the world could be magically combined?
Ice cream sundaes and beer? California weather and New York culture? Sex and corned beef sandwiches (Seinfeld reference, anyone?)?
Well, yesterday, for a boat-load of people, such a combination occurred: Apple became a signature sponsor for “American Idol,” acquiring exclusive audio and video download rights to the hit Fox show.
Apple’s iTunes store will now feature “Idol” episodes for download, and it will sponsor online streaming of performances on the show’s website. Plus, the Apple brand is going to receive strategic (read: backdoor) integration into the show.
Don’t be surprised to find: Paula scrolling through her iphone during a performance, Ryan talking about his iphone when he thinks his microphone is off, or maybe, if Idol is feeling particularly frisky, an iphone accidentally dropping out of a contestant’s pocket.
Word is that the close relationship between Simon Fuller and Apple superman Steve Jobs was integral in green-lighting the deal. Personally, I’m surprised Steve could be friends with such a complete prick like Simon - but then again, we’re all friends with pricks, aren’t we?
Beginning this week, performances from the top 24 “Idol” semifinalists can be purchased on iTunes for $.99 a pop. Then, beginning March 11, performances from the top 12 finalists will be sold for $1.99.
Other major Idol sponsors include: Coke, AT&T and Ford.
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