Apple, iTunes sync with American Idol

by Jarrett Martineau | February 18, 2008 at 03:13 pm | 480 views | add comment

Apple is on-board to help sell Idols.

At this point in the competition, however, the prospect of downloading a Stevie Wonder classic that's been brutalized by a top 24 AI contestant, just ain't that appealing.

Someone email me once they've picked a winner...or if one of the aspiring idols gets to belt out an 'exclusive' duet with Steve Jobs.

Apple has become a signature sponsor for "American Idol," acquiring exclusive audio and video performance download rights to the hit Fox competish.

Effective immediately, "Idol" downloads will now only be available on Apple's iTunes store. Also, iTunes will sponsor online streaming of contestant performances on the official "American Idol" website, where it will also have a substantial branded presence.

On the show, Apple's iPod becomes the official digital music player for "Idol," while the iPhone becomes the show's official handset. (AT&T, the iPhone's exclusive service provider, already is an "Idol" signature sponsor.)