American Idol Gets Expanded Facebook Presence

NEW YORK: In a deal with FremantleMedia Enterprises and 19 Entertainment, Cameo Stars, which offers up celebrity-based virtual products, is set to bring American Idol’s top-ten finalists to Facebook as "social cameos."

The deal will enable the social media network’s users who use the Cameo Stars app to see messages from contestants—for example, giving "pokes" or singing Happy Birthday—on their home pages. "We feel this collaboration is a natural extension of the show’s new social media strategy, and successfully utilizes this platform to deliver customized branded content in a way that has never been done before," said Daren Hornig, the president and CEO of Cameo Stars.

"We are always looking for creative ways to reach our dedicated Idol fan base," added Nicholas Dale, the manager of interactive for FME. "The Cameo Stars platform provides us with a wonderful opportunity for our finalists to play a more social role in the user’s Facebook experience. Our fans have always been eager to connect with the next American Idol and this collaboration helps us take it one step further."