American Idol announce the return of Ford and Coca-Cola as sponsors. AT&T bows out, according to Variety.
“We’ve been proud to be a part of this groundbreaking TV series for the past 12 years,” the company said in a statement. “We wish our friends at ‘American Idol’ continued success.” A spokesman declined to comment on the business reasons for the split.
Not sure what this means for text votes!
Read the American Idol press release
FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND COCA-COLA RETURN AS OFFICIAL SPONSORS OF “AMERICAN IDOL XIII”
Two-Night Season Premiere Begins Tonight on FOX
Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX); 19 Entertainment Ltd., a division of CORE Media Group; and FremantleMedia North America today announced that Ford Motor Company and Coca-Cola will return as official sponsors of AMERICAN IDOL XIII. Both Ford and Coca-Cola have been official IDOL sponsors for all 13 seasons of the series.
Hosted by Ryan Seacrest and featuring judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr., AMERICAN IDOL XIII kicks off its season with a two-night premiere event airing tonight (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Jan. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
Ford returns as the official automotive sponsor of AMERICAN IDOL. As a leading partner since the show’s debut in 2002, Ford will continue to engage AMERICAN IDOL fans with unique and exclusive content throughout the upcoming season. Once again, Ford vehicles and the AMERICAN IDOL finalists will be featured in weekly Thursday night segments. This original content, along with other exclusive Ford content featuring the finalists, will also be available on americanidol.com. In addition, Ford will launch an all-new online promotion, offering fans a chance to win an AMERICAN IDOL prize package. More details will be announced shortly.
Coca-Cola’s continued support of AMERICAN IDOL brings their partnership to 13 years and this 13th season of AMERICAN IDOL. Coca-Cola will engage IDOL fans through television spots and online content that will connect to their fun, moments-driven AHH teen platform. The signature Coca-Cola AMERICAN IDOL cups will continue to be present, with Diet Coke and Coca-Cola Zero cups making their appearance throughout the season. Other activities designed to enhance the AMERICAN IDOL experience will be featured in a variety of retail outlets across the country. In addition, Coca-Cola will share exclusive behind-the-scenes content online at americanidol.com, providing fans with an inside look at the contestant experience.
AMERICAN IDOL is produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group. The series was created by Simon Fuller and is executive produced by Simon Fuller, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Trish Kinane, Per Blankens, Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Prager. “Like” AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion using #idol. See photos and videos on Instagram by following @AmericanIdol. Download the AMERICAN IDOL app for iOS devices from the App StoreSM; and for Android devices at Google PlayTM Store.** Data rates may apply for app download and usage.
