Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. and FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) today announce that Karaoke Revolution® Presents: American Idol® Encore 2 is in development on the Xbox 360® video game entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ home video game console, and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Slated for a 2008 Holiday launch, Karaoke Revolution® Presents: American Idol® Encore 2 lets players sing and perform through a full season of competition to claim the virtual winning title of "American Idol." Featuring 40 all-new, smash-hit songs and several unique modes of play, Karaoke Revolution® Presents: American Idol® Encore 2 delivers an immersive experience as players sing their way to fame. Additionally, digital versions of Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and the always-entertaining Simon Cowell judge every performance.

"For the first time ever, a Karaoke Revolution® Presents: American Idol® Encore game will be available during the holiday shopping season, allowing Idol fans the opportunity to give their friends and family the ultimate gift - the chance to feel like they are competing for the real thing," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.

"This is a great franchise for American Idol fans and gamers alike," said David Luner, Senior Vice President Interactive & Consumer Products FME, North America. "We felt the holiday launch timing was a perfect lead-in for the eighth season of the show, while providing yet another opportunity for Idol devotees to enjoy the series year round."

Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2 allows players to play the part of an American Idol contestant as they audition, earn an invitation to Hollywood and ultimately perform in front of the crowd on center stage. As they choose from 40 all-new songs, including hits from the show, they will receive verbal feedback on their performance from the judges. Just like the TV show, the evaluation by the game’s judges will affect whether or not they move on to the next round of competition. Additionally players will be able to personalize their own contestant with clothing, hair styles and accessories in the Character Customization mode, creating a specialized look that is sure to catch the attention of the judges and the crowd. Those using either the Xbox 360® or the PLAYSTATION®3 system can utilize the new online Co-Op head-to-head-mode to work together towards reaching their American Idol dream. In addition, Xbox 360® users can use Vision to bring them directly into the competition and also select and download from a catalog of over 120 songs via Xbox LIVE®.

Karaoke Revolution® Presents: American Idol® Encore 2 broadens FME’s presence in the interactive space. In addition to the company’s existing agreements with Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. for American Idol, it has introduced its global portfolio of gameshow brands and television properties across a variety of different platforms.

Now approaching the eighth season, American Idol continues to dominate television ratings and break viewership records, averaging more than 30 million viewers per episode. The latest record-breaking season of the nation’s most-watched television show laid claim to the most text messages ever received (78 million), as well as a mind-blowing 31.7 million viewers for its finale episode.