HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (June 9, 2004) - Although Barbie(R) doll is already a global phenomenon, she has decided to go for the ultimate pop idol title, as Barbie(R) doll auditions for "American Idol" and "Global Idol" next spring. Barbie(R) doll has been practicing her vocal skills and preparing to face the music industry's toughest critics - the fans who will vote online at www.barbie.com.
Girls know that Barbie(R) doll is always on the cutting edge of fashion, film and music trends, so it is no surprise that this cultural phenomenon has paired with the pop sensations that are the "American Idol" and "Global Idol" competitions.
"In recent months, Barbie(R) doll has taken some time to relax with family and friends, as well as focus on the future of her career," said Barbie(R) doll's publicist, Ken Sunshine. "Barbie(R) doll's film career has been extremely successful and she's ready to show the world her talent for singing and fulfill a dream of becoming the next pop music sensation."
Mattel has partnered with "Idol" creators, FremantleMedia, one of the largest international creators and producers of program brands in the world, and 19 Entertainment, the world's premier creator of music-based entertainment to bring girls the latest trends in music and technology.
Barbie(R) doll and friends will offer girls an engaging new way to play out their favorite "American Idol" fantasies, including three new friends that she meets at the open call auditions and innovative products to enrich their storylines, such as a stage set and unique music feature that offers relevant, friendship-themed songs.
"Barbie(R) doll has a rich history of inspiring girls to be whatever they want to be," said Tim Kilpin, Senior Vice President for Girls Marketing and Design for Mattel. "With Barbie(R) doll's 'American Idol' performance, we're excited to be giving girls the chance to have the ultimate 'American' Idol experience."
David Luner, Director of Brand Licensing, FremantleMedia Licensing - North America, said "We are really excited to partner with a true talent like Barbie(R) doll and together with Mattel, we look forward to bringing the 'Idol' experience to an even broader, all new generation of fans around the world."
About Mattel
Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products, including Barbie(R), the most popular fashion doll ever introduced. The Mattel family of toys and games is comprised of such best-selling brands as Hot Wheels(R), Matchbox(R), American Girl(R), and Fisher-Price(R), which also includes Little People(R), Rescue Heroes(TM), Power Wheels(R), as well as a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than 25,000 people in 36 countries and sells products in more than 150 nations throughout the world. The Mattel vision is to be the world's premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.
MATTEL, BARBIE, and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by Mattel, Inc. (C)2004 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
About FremantleMedia
FremantleMedia is one of the largest international creators and producers of programme brands in the world, with leading prime time drama, serial drama, entertainment and factual entertainment programming in over 40 territories. International drama programmes include Germany's top rated serial drama, Gute Zeiten, Schlechte Zeiten (Good Times Bad Times), the UK's most successful police drama, The Bill, and Australia's top soap, Neighbours. Entertainment and factual entertainment successes range from the award winning international format, Idols, broadcast as prime time show, American Idol, on FOX in the US, to the grime busting format, How Clean is Your House? and factual entertainment series starring celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver, Jamie's Kitchen. FremantleMedia has production offices in over 20 countries worldwide, providing local sales and production support for its international TV brands such as Idols and the world's longest running game show, The Price is Right.
The company's licensing operation, FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide, exploits FremantleMedia's many strong brands across multiple off-screen platforms including merchandising campaigns, interactive and wireless support, home entertainment and music publishing. Fremantle International Distribution, the company's international distribution division licenses over 19,000 hours of programming to 150 countries worldwide including the outrageous antics of Mr Bean: The Animated Series, moving drama, The Return, starring Julie Walters, landmark documentary, The World at War and the hugely popular special, Britney Spears: In the Zone.
FremantleMedia is the content arm of the RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company.
About 19 Entertainment
Today, 19 is recognized as a leading creator, provider and promoter of globally successful, music based entertainment, or "Entertainment Brands". 19 has attracted a unique collection of expertise in people who work together to integrate and leverage activity across television, music film, merchandising, music publishing, recording, artist/writer and producer management, sponsorship and promotion. To date, 19 has been involved in the creation of 101 Number 1 singles and 81 Number 1 albums with an impressive tally of 233 To 40 albums and 389 Top 40 singles.
