The judges had red Coke cups with the Coca Cola blurred out. Presumeably that was something ITV2 felt they had to do.

It must be ITC rulings...on Sex and the City on Wednesday on C4, a scene where Carrie was drinking a milkshake obviously from McDonalds had the logo blurred out there too

i remember reading somewhere that someone famous (think it was britney spears, or gareth gates...someone like that) had got into trouble by drinking a can of pepsi - cos they were the sponsors of Coca Cola at the time and so coca cola were mad at them for being spotted drinkin pepsi. kinda off topic but i dont know if it has anything to do with that?

It was obvious that the cups were Coca Cola ones. Near the beginning of the show the contestants were put in a big room at the Hotel, and there was a large American Idol banner up with another sponsor: Ford on it.

The contestant have Coca Cola bottles in their hands a lot of the time so ITV2 are going to have a hard time dealing with the 'product placements' on this show.

Incidentally the third sponsor of American Idol is AT&T Wireless, hence all the contestants are using Mobile Phones as they have free calls home courtesy of guess who.

Read the reviews,if you've got the time, I recommend
www.televisionwithoutpity.com and scroll down "choose show" to American Idol.
One of the reasons we are able to see 60mins without missing too much of their 90min original show (not counting last week because I'm still mad they cut down 41/2 hrs to2!) is that AI is heavily sponsored by Coca-Cola and Ford Focus. There are "product-placed" spots throughout the show, even their confessional is called the "Focus" room.We miss these, so the large Cokes by the judges are just the tip of the iceberg. The number of ad breaks together with "product placement" means we wont miss a lot. If they showed all that product stuff I think the ITC would be so busy that ITV wouldn't bother showing the programme at all.
Last year they had the final 10 doing skits in their Ford Focus cars that they were all lent, and they sounded really naff so I dont think we're missing out on too much there either.

For those interested, her is FOX's announcement about the American Idol sponsors.

FOX Broadcasting Company Announces Sponsors
for the Second Edition of 'American Idol'
FOX Teams With Ford Motor Company, Coca-Cola, AT&T Wireless To Present The Next 'AMERICAN IDOL'

For Immediate Release: Friday, January 03, 2003



The Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) announces the sponsors for the highly anticipated second edition of AMERICAN IDOL, which premieres Tuesday, January 21 from 8:00 PM-9:30 PM ET/PT. After the successful advertising campaign for the debut season of AMERICAN IDOL, FOX has re-teamed with Ford Motor Company, Coca-Cola, and enhanced the roster by adding AT&T Wireless to the list of exclusive sponsors that will present the next AMERICAN IDOL. Old Navy and Clairol's Herbal Essences have also signed on as new advertising partners.

The comprehensive sponsorship packages feature innovative advertising concepts, product placements, interstitials and a fresh promotional strategy. Additionally, AMERICAN IDOL'S newest exclusive sponsor, AT&T Wireless, will introduce viewers to the latest in advanced wireless services.

"AMERICAN IDOL successfully revitalized summer television. Our sponsors were a key part of that revitalization. We are thrilled to resume those relationships and welcome our new partners," said Jon Nesvig, President of Sales for FOX. "The new integrated sponsorships present yet another opportunity for us to express our vision and will continue the network's tradition of breaking the mold when it comes to creative relationships with our advertisers."

Ford was key in presenting the first AMERICAN IDOL, which introduced millions of viewers to the fun, affordable driving dynamics of the Ford Focus. Ford will expand its presence this season with the "Ford Focus Room" where contestants share their feelings before and after auditions. In addition to the Ford Focus, new product placements will include vehicles such as the Ford Expedition, Thunderbird and others that connect with the show's audience. These vehicles will have more relevant integration into the show and will be used by contestants during auditions and behind-the-scenes for interstitial segments.

Coca-Cola will again provide AMERICAN IDOL fans with multiple access points to the contestant experience. The Coca-Cola Red Room -- AMERICAN IDOL's version of the "green room" where contestants hang out and connect before, during, and after their performances -- will be back for the second season. Additionally, through a series of interstitials called "Coke-Behind-the-Scenes," Coca-Cola will provide viewers with an inside peek into what the contestants are up to between shows, while "Coke-Behind-the-Scenes" radio vignettes will extend this access to off-air activity via morning radio segments. Other activities designed to provide consumers with a completely integrated AMERICAN IDOL experience are planned for retail outlets where Coca-Cola is available.

AT&T Wireless plans to launch a comprehensive marketing campaign in support of the "AMERICAN IDOL" sponsorship and plans to bring exclusive content to millions of AT&T Wireless customers. Details of the campaign will be disclosed closer to the show's premiere. With 20.2 million subscribers, and full-year 2001 revenues exceeding $13.6 billion, AT&T Wireless is the largest independently traded wireless carrier in the United States.

Recognizing that all idols must have great style and especially, great hair, Clairol Herbal Essences will offer AMERICAN IDOL contestants a "totally organic experience" by providing haircolor, haircare products and guidance. In addition, AMERICAN IDOL finalists will get the star treatment courtesy of Herbal Essences via makeovers airing on a special beauty/image segment on the show. Off air activities include radio, on line and in store promotions, a Win Your Way to LA sweepstakes and a special viewer's guide all designed to totally immerse Herbal Essences fans in the AMERICAN IDOL experience.

Old Navy is AMERICAN IDOL'S exclusive apparel sponsor. This holiday season, Old Navy featured five of last season's AMERICAN IDOL finalists in their "Family Fleece" television advertising. As America's favorite destination for great looks at a great price, Old Navy will add to the fun and style that made the first edition of AMERICAN IDOL such a hit across America. And stay tuned - there will be a special opportunity for AMERICAN IDOL fans to be a part of the action! Details of this special opportunity will be announced closer to the show's premiere. Old Navy has over 800 locations in the United States and Canada, including flagships in San Francisco, Manhattan, Chicago, and Seattle. Old Navy.com is one of the leading specialty apparel retailers online.

Last summer, AMERICAN IDOL: The Search For a Superstar redefined talent shows for the new millenium. The hit reality series/musical talent search broke ratings records and introduced America to aspiring pop stars as thousands competed to become the AMERICAN IDOL. The show's finale drew an estimated 40 million viewers and delivered Fox's highest rated night ever among adults 18-49.

AMERICAN IDOL will make its anticipated second-season debut on Tuesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 22. The series' special two-part premiere kicks off with a 90-minute episode from 8:00 PM-9:30 PM ET/PT Tuesday, followed by a second 90-minute episode from 8:30-10:00 PM ET/PT Wednesday on FOX. AMERICAN IDOL will continue with audition shows the following week, airing a one-hour episode from 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT on Tuesday, January 28 and following on Wednesday, January 29 with a 90-minute episode from 8:30-10:00 PM ET/PT.

Beginning Tuesday and Wednesday, February 4 and February 5, AMERICAN IDOL will begin airing in its regular time periods, following the series format established in season one: Contestants compete during an hour-long episode on Tuesday (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) each week and viewers' choices are revealed in the next night's half-hour results episode (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT).

AMERICAN IDOL is executive produced by Fuller, 19 Television; Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Executive Vice President, FremantleMedia North America Inc.; and Simon Jones, Commercial Director of FremantleMedia's UK production company, Thames Television. Nigel Lythgoe, Chief Executive, 19 Television; Ken Warwick of FremantleMedia; and Brian Gadinsky, Emmy Award-winning writer and producer as well as the executive producer of "American Fighter Pilot" and "Combat Missions," serve as co-executive producers.

For further information, please contact:
Name: Sonya McNair
Company: FOX
Phone: 212-556-2567



Name: Jason Clark
Company: FOX
Phone: 310-369-4517



Name: Alex Gillespie
Company: FOX
Phone: 212-556-2519



Name: Susan Krusel
Company: Ford Motor Company
Phone: 313-594-4175



Name: Susan McDermott
Company: The Coca-Cola Company
Phone: 404-676-4120



Name: Jeremy Pemble
Company: AT&T Wireless
Phone: 425-580-5997



Name: Old Navy Public Relations
Phone: 212-891-0419/0413



Name: Ellen Anderson
Company: Clairol
Phone: 212-541-2756

Wow! That's an awful lot of typing,why didn't you just post a link? Aren't you glad we dont have to put up with all this in Britain. When do they have a chance to 'get into' the programme?

This is a very interesting topic actually.. I was in the USA for 3 months over the summer which was the first run of American Idol and if you think ITV are having problems with product placement now you wait until the competition really gets going.

As mentioned above the sponsors really got value for money in American Idol 1. I too remember the Ford focus segment.. a little drama type of thing with all the final few contestants squeezing into a Ford focus Coca Cola bottles in hand (to beat off the summer heat!) and heading out to see the fans. Lots of close-ups - both Coke and Ford, big signs as the contestants were interviewed and so on.

Will be very interesting to see how ITV2 deals with all this and what editing will (unfortunately) have to be made. We will miss out on the real experience I guess.

Dave.

If I see that Coca-Cola commercial with Maya singing one more time I might throw my TV out the window.


The commercial breaks for AI are RELENTLESS!

Then I think we can all be very grateful that we are spared all the commercialism. Welcome ND, nice to have another Stateside poster. Keep us up to date with your views -the more the merrier!

Thanks for the welcome, Tally.

I'll be sure to keep you all updated. Two and a half hours until showtime!

Just to let you know I 'pasted' it from the Internet, so typing was not required.

Now you've caught me out on my complete lack of computer skills! I wouldn't have a clue how to do that.

On Tuesday's show the contestants did a little skit where they sang a song holding Coca-Cola bottles as microphones. I'm sure they'll have fun blurring those out (if they even show the skit).

It was very cheesy. My roommate suggested that they sing into cans of cheez-whiz instead.

Mmmm, cheez-whiz [/Homer]

Yes welcome to this forum Jess. Tell me who gets the main (first) 'brought to you by' mention Coke or Ford, or does it change with each show? It seems on the product placement stakes Coke have Ford licked, is that right?

It seems that Coke gets all of the product placement. They don't really ever actually say 'brought to you by' or anything like that. I really haven't seen much of Ford, except for the Focus room on the first three episodes. Hmm..

I have a question, did they show the part of last week's performance show where Joe Millionaire came on for a few seconds?

Yes they did. But no-one here has a clue who he is! I only knew through reading the reviews. We DID get the singing into Coke bottle sketch though. But way too many ads for us Brits. We're not used to it. I'll be watching the boards tonight with interest. Are you going to post your views after the programme?

I laughed so hard when I saw him walk on. I LOVE that show. Except for yesterdays eppy when they pulled the old bait and switch on America. Have to wait 'til next week for the finale. Joe (Evan Marriott) is a definite media whore, though! He's on everything.

Back on topic...

Anyway, when you call in your vote it tells you to watch American Idol tomorrow "sponsored in part by AT&T wireless." But I normally hang up before that.

I like Simon too..he's hilarious. He can get people riled up so easily. Its so true that people only really wait for Simon's comments....rather than Randy and Paula's standing ovations..lmao.

I did a little experiment tonight. I videoed the whole 90 minutes, minus the adverts. The actual shows lasted precisely 53 minutes, and that's including all the annoying musical shorts, (no I'm not on about the "singing") and the credits. Which makes a total of 37 minutes of adverts and promos. Is this an all time record?
Last edited by tally : 15-02-2003 at 00:53

But why do the products have to be blurred out. I thought that the only thing that couldn't be sponsored was news in the UK. Even though Coca-Cola will not be the UK sponsor of the event - why blur out the cups. If you watch any other program that is sponsored by a company in the US and is shown in the UK, there is no blurring of their products.

That's weird. I tape mine without the commercials and Tuesday and Wednesday combined was 60 minutes. I wonder what they cut out.

There was no Coke skit on ours, so I presume that took up some time, do they have any Ford Focus moments, because we had no product placement for that either?

Yes we did- they mentioned the (ford) focus room in the auditions if that's what you mean.

Not on this past week's episodes.