Album by "American Idol" Season 11 Finalists Goes on Sale Tonight on iTunes

LOS ANGELES, March 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Following tonight's milestone 400th episode of "American Idol," a compilation album of the songs performed by the Season 11 Top 13 finalists will go on sale on the iTunes Store.  Individual songs will also be available for sale.

The tracks released on iTunes are studio versions recorded by the finalists under the guidance of "Idol" musical director Ray Chew.

"This album showcases the incredible talent embodied by this year's 'Idol' finalists," said Chew. "These kids are truly amazing, and we've given them the kind of production values they deserve."

"Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe added, "You listen to these performers and it's easy to understand the mind-blowing excitement that 'American Idol' has generated this year." Lythgoe's observation is underscored, in part, by the number of fan and media comments about the show on Twitter and other social networking sites, which has skyrocketed this year, running six times higher than last year.

The "Idol" finalists were coached by music industry legend Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope Records, who worked with every singer throughout the studio sessions to ensure they all performed to their fullest potential.

"American Idol" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 PM ET/PT on FOX. This week, R&B sensation Mary J. Blige mentored the contestants as the girls paid tribute to Whitney Houston and the guys took on the music of Stevie Wonder. Tune in tonight, Thursday, March 8 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), as America finds out who received enough votes to continue in the competition and who will be sent home. In addition, Blige takes the stage to perform and Season 10 runner-up Lauren Alaina returns to perform her smash hit "Georgia Peach."

About CKX, Inc.

CKX, Inc. is engaged in the ownership, development and commercial utilization of globally recognized entertainment content. The Company's current properties include the rights to the name, image and likeness of Muhammad Ali and Elvis Presley, and the operations of Graceland. Through its wholly-owned division 19 Entertainment, CKX owns proprietary rights to the IDOLS and So You Think You Can Dance television brands, including the American Idol series in the United States and local adaptations of the IDOLS and So You Think You Can Dance television show formats which, collectively, air in more than 100 countries, as well as other television properties. Also through 19's recording and management groups, CKX has relationships with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, Scotty McCreery, Adam Lambert, Haley Reinhart, Jordin Sparks, among others.  For more information about CKX, Inc., visit its corporate website at www.ckx.com.

SOURCE CKX, Inc.