"American Idol" news and stories

Does anyone remember McDonald's coming out with some Happy Meal toys last year that were "American Idol" inspired? Apparently the toys were meant to represent musical genres, with named like Disco Dave and Rockin' Riley. I don't, but Devo was certainly aware of it.

According to Rolling Stone's music blog, Rock and Roll Daily, the 80's new wave band is suing the fast food giant because one of the toys, New Wave Nigel, is looks incredibly similar to what the band looked like in the early 1980's right down to the red hat. That wouldn't be a problem, except Devo had the hat, called the energy dome, copyrighted and trade marked.

According to Devo, they were never approached by McDonald's, and they are quite upset about it. I can't wait to hear about what happens next.

Do you love Pringles? Big fan of American Idol? Then this just might be the contest for you. Between now and April 8th, Pringles will be taking submissions for their "Jingles for Pringles" contest, where you can win a VIP trip for two to the American Idol finale in Hollywood. To qualify you must be over 13 years old and have to write a jingle (2 minutes or less) that "musically expresses your love for Pringles." Though I haven't watched all of them, there are a bunch of rather frightening entries posted on their website. I'm questioning if several of the entrants even know what a jingle is, but either way it is scary rather amusing.

The top 12 finalists will receive an American Idol Digital Video Camera, and the winner will receive a prize package estimated at $3950 which includes round trip air, hotel, admission to the Idol finale, car rental, and spending money. If you want to enter, full details can be found on their website. Do not send your entries to me. Really.

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If you want free food for life, it seems all you have to do is become a celebrity, mention a fast-food restaurant, (even if it's not in the most positive way possible) and Bam! You are set up. At least that is what happened when former American Idol contestant / Best Supporting Actress winner Jennifer Hudson made a remark about Burger King.

Simon Cowell was disgruntled when Hudson failed to thank American Idol during her acceptance speech at this year's Academy Awards, a stepping stone that certainly helped her gain the role in the movie Dreamgirls. Hudson was having no part of Cowell's criticism though, stating "If I'd been any better at my job when I was at Burger King in my middle teens, I wouldn't be here either, so should I thank them, too?"

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Cherry Coke is getting a new look, thanks to rap star and business entrepreneur Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter. He was involved with not only the design of the new can, but also the television commercials and marketing campaigns for the brand. The soda was relaunched last week at New York's Fashion Week, alongside the latest addition to the Coca-Cola family, Cherry Coke Zero.

The advertising campaigns for both products went public on Valentine's Day, with outdoor, radio and point of sale ads, as well as a 30-second commercial (featuring a Jay-Z soundtrack) that debuted during that evening's episode of American Idol.

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American Idol fans -- or ice cream fans, for that matter -- may want to take note of the new flavors available from Dreyer's that tie in to the popular realty show. Dreyer's/Edy's is the newest partner for American Idol, joining one of the most lucrative media franchises in history, and has five new Idol-themed flavors for fans to choose from. Each is presented on the Dreyer's website with a profile listing its "hometown," "slogan," and other information in the style of the stat given for a real contestant. Tasters can sample the flavors, which will be released to stores on or around Feb. 1, and then vote for their favorite flavor online. Voters will then have a chance to win tickets to the American Idol season finale.

If you're not interested in the show, at least you'll still get to enjoy some new Slow-Churned flavors as long as you can get past the Idol propaganda on the containers: Take The Cake (yellow cake flavor with blue frosting and sprinkles), Choc 'N Roll Caramel (caramel swirls and mini caramel chocolate cups), Hollywood Cheesecake (cheesecake ice cream with graham and strawberry swirls), Soulful Sundae Cone (vanilla, chocolate ice creams with chocolate peanuts and ice cream cone bits) and Triple Talent (triple chocolate).

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