Idol Me Blog

Your favorite reality show, American Idol has another top performer to be happy about. Thirty-second commercials aired on Fox in the US will cost advertisers an average of $705,000 a piece.

According to Hollywood Insider sources, the average price is approximately $705,000; up about 7% from a year ago. Fox also explains, to air a 30-second spot during the Wednesday night show will cost over $700,000; which is a first for any regularly scheduled prime-time network series. The only show close to netting as much as Wednesday Idol is Tuesday Idol which will pull in $660,000 US for a 30-second spot.

To compare the average network 30-second ad will cost $150,000 US this season.

After being one of the highest rated shows for the 2004-2005 season, heavy weight companies like Cingular Wireless, Coca-Cola and Ford, will all extend their contracts with the show.

The fifth season of American Idol starts in January 2006.

On September 6, 2005, 19 Entertainment Limited announced that Mario Vazquez has signed a recording agreement with J Records, a division of SonyBMG Music Entertainment, and an exclusive management agreement with Stiefel Entertainment. 19 Entertainment Limited confirmed that Vazquez’s new album is expected to be released in spring 2006.

Simon Fuller commented, “This demonstrates again the ability of American Idol both to spot new young talent and to bring that talent to the attention of the American public. We continue to enjoy a professional relationship with Mario Vazquez and of course are pleased that SonyBMG, which has been the record company of American Idol, will be Mario’s label and that Arnold Stiefel, a close business associate and good personal friend of our senior management, will be guiding Mario’s career.”

Vazquez, you will remember “withdrew from the competition for personal reasons” just before the finals of American Idol 4 back in March. Vazquez was quickly replaced by Nikko Smith as a finalist.

Vazquez was born and raised in New York City. While attending La Guardia High School, he was a member of the City Kids Repertory Group (an urban youth empowerment group), which traveled the city to educate urban youths through the arts.

Camile Velasco Maui’s American Idol finalist celebrated her 20th birthday by releasing her first single.

Velasco was a top ten finalist on American Idol 3. While on the show, Velasco’s trademark was a red, yellow and green Rasta wristband, which she always wore on her left wrist as a good luck charm. Velasco signed to one of the largest names in the music business, Motown Records.

Her single “Hangin’ On” samples from the legendary Motown Supremes hit, and is already seeing some radio play. “Hangin’ On” was written and produced by Grammy-nominated producer Gen Ruben, who has worked with Mary J. Blige, Aretha Franklin and Babyface.

“It’s amazing. I had a big part in writing the song as well, so it’s just a wonderful feeling,” says Velasco. “It’s a whirlwind. I had no idea this was going to happen to me at all when I turned 18. It’s truly a blessing.”

Velasco will also headline an upcoming production of “Footloose” at the Carousel Dinner Theater in Akron, Ohio. The show will run from September 14th through November 12th.

After extensive discussion between Memphis, Tennessee officials, FedExForum staff, and American Idol producers, it has been announced that due to the extensive disaster relief of Hurricane Katrina being coordinated in that city, the American Idol tryouts scheduled for Monday, Sept. 5, will need to be canceled.

Memphis is taking in tens of thousands of refugees from the hurricane, and the producers of AI said in a press release they decided Monday`s auditions would only place added pressure on the city.

The producers of American Idol have announced that they will add another audition city. Until then the American Idol auditions will continue next week in Denver, Colorado on September 11, 2005. Hopefully, the city that will be announced will be located within driving distance to the Memphis location.

So far this season the turn outs for the American Idol auditions have been record setting. The largest turn out so far happened in Boston with more than 6,200 people trying to become the next American Idol.

The next season of American Idol begins on Fox in January of 2005.