"AMERICAN IDOL" AUDITIONS BEGIN IN SAN FRANCISCO ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 18

Austin, Boston, Memphis, Denver and Chicago Audition Dates Also Set

It's that time of year again, as AMERICAN IDOL begins its search for the next singing sensation. The No. 1 show of the past two seasons is offering an extraordinary opportunity for one talented singer to perform before millions of TV viewers, become a household name and win a major recording contract.

The quest to become the next American Idol starts now. Auditions for the fifth edition of AMERICAN IDOL begin in San Francisco, CA, on Thursday, Aug. 18, at the Cow Palace.

Auditions will continue in the following cities:

Austin, TX Thursday, Aug. 25 Frank Erwin Center
Boston, MA Wednesday, Aug. 31 Gillette Stadium
Memphis, TN Monday, Sept. 5 FedExForum
Denver, CO Sunday, Sept. 11 Pepsi Center
Chicago, IL Friday, Sept. 16 Soldier Field

Additional details for these cities will be announced shortly. The next season of AMERICAN IDOL will begin in January 2006.

SAN FRANCISCO AUDITIONS

WHO: Men and women 16 to 28 years old on Aug. 18, 2005, and eligible to work in the United States. Restrictions apply - please see idolonfox.com for specifics.

WHEN: THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2005

WHERE: COW PALACE
Geneva Avenue and Santos Street
San Francisco, CA 94134-0206

LINEUP: No one will be allowed to line up prior to 6:00 AM on Aug. 17.

Additional information, forms and requirements are available at: www.idolonfox.com. All press requests should be e-mailed to idolpr@fox.com.

Fourteen-time Emmy-nominated AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Nigel Lythgoe, President, 19 Television; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.