SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 9, 2011 -- For the first time in "American Idol" history, studio versions of the songs performed by Season 10's top 13 finalists on tonight's show will go on sale exclusively on the iTunes Store as a compilation album following the broadcast of "American Idol" (10pm PST).  Individual songs will also be available for sale.

With new judges, a brand-new set and one of the strongest line-ups of competitors since "American Idol" debuted in 2002, the series is drawing unanimous praise from viewers and critics alike and generating incredible ratings, keeping the show on top of the Nielsen rankings for the seventh consecutive year. "American Idol" finalists have already sold millions of songs on iTunes. "That number could well surge once these latest songs are available for download, thanks to the popularity of the Season 10 contestants," says Simon Fuller, creator and executive producer of "American Idol." "The Season 10 Top 13 finalists have already got America talking."

The songs released on iTunes are studio versions recorded by the Idols under the guidance of Jimmy Iovine's team, including some of the hottest producers in the business, such as Rock Mafia, Rodney Jerkins, Don Was, Jim Jonsin, Ron Fair and "Tricky" Stewart. The 13 individual tracks and compilation album that will go on sale tonight are the first to be released on the 19 Recordings/Interscope label. The compilation album will sell for $7.99.

About INTERSCOPE GEFFEN A&M RECORDS

Combining the legacies of three of the most influential record labels in modern music history, Interscope Geffen A&M Records embarked on a new tradition of musical achievement with its unification on January 1, 1999.  Headed by Chairman Jimmy Iovine, Interscope Geffen A&M is a major force in global music, developing chart-topping artists across a wide range of musical genres including rock, rap, pop and alternative. Interscope Geffen A&M Records is part of Universal Music Group, the world's largest music company.

About CKX, Inc.  

CKX, Inc. is engaged in the ownership, development and commercial utilization of globally recognized entertainment content. The Company's current properties include the rights to the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali and the operations of  Graceland.  Through it's wholly-owned division 19 Entertainment Ltd., CKX owns proprietary rights to the IDOLS and So You Think You Can Dance television brands, including the American Idol series in the United States and local adaptations of the IDOLS and So You Think You Can Dance television show formats which, collectively, air in more than 100 countries, as well as other television properties.  Also through 19, CKX has relationships and partnerships with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry and David Cook. For more information about CKX, Inc., visit its corporate website at www.ckx.com. 

SOURCE Interscope Geffen A&M Records