AIKEN NEWS NETWORK APRIL 15

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Photos: FremantleMedia Enterprises Partners With Upper Deck to Release Star-Studded American Idol(R) Collectible Cards!
Tuesday April 14, 2009, 11:00 am EDT

Unique 138-card set includes exclusive autographed cards of past and present Idols from the No. 1 show in America

NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev., April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- FremantleMedia Enterprises in partnership with The Upper Deck Company is proud to announce the release of the American Idol collectible trading card set based on television's most popular show. With more than 26 million viewers per night on FOX, American Idol has established a dedicated fan following and Upper Deck is taking the national phenomenon from the small screen to collectible trading cards.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/upperdeck/37850/

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090414/NY98285 )

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080710/LATH516LOGO-a )

"We're ecstatic that we have the opportunity to produce the newest American Idol trading cards to hit the market," said Ana Pereira, Upper Deck's brand manager for American Idol Collectible Cards. "The show has such a loyal following and has produced such dynamic performers, that we know collectors and fans everywhere will appreciate our collectible set."

The new collectible cards can be found on store shelves beginning Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at Wal-Mart, Target, Kmart, select Toys 'R Us locations as well as hobby stores. Featuring a variety of Idols past and present, as well as some of the show's more memorable "novelty" acts, such as William Hung, the set represents a time capsule chronicling some of the most unforgettable auditions and talent to walk on to the American Idol stage. Dedicated fans will find cards featuring their favorite American Idol personalities such as Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken and David Archuleta, alongside world-renowned celebrities such as Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Ryan Seacrest.

What's more, the set boasts select autographed cards from this season's Top 36 finalists as well as several past American Idols. Sets will include lenticular "makeover" cards showing contestant transformations from their initial auditions to their polished Hollywood week performances, in addition to never-before-seen cards of the top two finalists from every season. The autographed cards fall at a ratio, on average, of 1:12 packs (hobby shops) or 1:65 packs (retail), and feature signatures from Idols including Sparks, Archuleta, Fantasia Barrino, Michael Johns, Carly Smithson and Elliott Yamin. There are five cards per pack with 24 packs per box.

Last, but definitely not least, every foil pack will include a unique code to enter online at http://www.americanidolcards.com/ for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to win an all-expense-paid trip for two to the American Idol Season 8 Finale. The lucky winners will have VIP access to some of the hottest parties in Hollywood during finale week. Additional winners will receive a free song on iTunes. The more codes you enter, the better the chances of winning. To find out more, visit www.americanidolcards.com.

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