'Idols' visit College Mall

"American Idol" began in the United Kingdom and came to the United States last summer because of its overnight success. Over 30 million viewers tuned in for the finale last season, as Kelly Clarkson was named the first "American Idol." The search for the second "American Idol" is in progress as only five contestants are left. "American Idol" is on twice a week on Fox.\nCoca-Cola is bringing a new level of reality TV to Bloomington by sponsoring an exclusive 21 Simon Mall tour of one of the hottest shows on TV -- "American Idol." The tour is taking the excitement of the pop-culture phenomenon to the College Mall on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. as local fans will have the opportunity to meet EJ Day, Kristin Holt, Vanessa Olivarez and Rickey Smith, past finalists from the first and current season of the show. The interactive event will feature live performances from the stars, high-tech karaoke contests designed to feel like an "American Idol" audition, dance demonstrations from professional choreographers and contests to win prize packages from Coca-Cola and Simon Malls.\n"We are so excited to be a chosen spot for the tour of a show that gained a huge national following," said Dena Marietta, marketing director for the College Mall.\nThe tour began April 5 in both Miami and New York and will conclude on May 4 in Los Angeles and Atlanta, prior to the season finale of "American Idol 2." The tour is exclusive to Simon Malls because of their multi-marketing partnership with Coca-Cola.\n"To be named as the exclusive venue across the country for this tour speaks in large volumes," said Billie Scott, public relations director for Simon Property Group. "This is validation that malls are the perfect places for advertisers and sponsors to directly connect with customers."\nThe event is targeted to all "American Idol" fans, as entertainment will be provided for everyone to enjoy. Sophomore Scott Horowitz said he would not pass up this chance to meet stars from his favorite show face-to-face. \n"I was addicted from day one of the first season because I love music and television and this combines two of my favorite things," Horowitz said. "A place like Bloomington does not get many events like this, and that is what makes this so special."\nSmith was the newest star to join the tour after he was eliminated from the show April 9. Before the tour wraps up, there is a possibility more idols will participate in the event. \nMarietta said other malls hosting the tour are drawing crowds as large as 5,000 people. Doors will open at noon for Sunday's event and two plasma screens will be set up in center court so everyone can see while standing. \n"There will be a huge tent set up so fans can take digital photos on the mock set," Marietta said. "It will be a day filled with nonstop fun and we encourage fans of all ages to attend."\nThroughout the event, mall visitors will experience an "American Idol" trivia contest, a question and answer session with the celebrities and an opportunity to view video highlights of behind the scenes footage.\n"Sitting at home watching them sing their hearts out on national television does not compare to the excitement of meeting some of these amazing idols in person," Horowitz said.