Andrea Bocelli Takes the American Idol Stage Wednesday April 16th  4/25/06

INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR ANDREA BOCELLI TAKES THE “AMERICAN IDOL” STAGE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, ON FOX

“Classic Love Songs”-Themed Performance Show on Tuesday, April 25; To Feature Finalists Rehearsing with Bocelli and Producer David Foster

Andrea Bocelli, whose voice has transcended all languages and spoken to the hearts of millions around the globe, will perform “Because We Believe” from his platinum album “Amore” on the AMERICAN IDOL results show Wednesday, April 26 (9:00-9:32 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. On tomorrow’s performance show (Tuesday, April 25, 8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the finalists will sing classic love songs after receiving guidance from Bocelli and the Grammy-winning producer of “Amore,” David Foster, and one of the contestants will sing one of Foster’s songs. The show will feature highlights from the finalists’ first meeting with Bocelli and Foster, who gave them advice as they prepared to perform their songs.

Born in the Tuscan countryside near Volterra, Italy, Bocelli was shaped by the region’s traditions and his parents’ insatiable thirst for their son’s success. Opera greats such as Mario Del Monaco, Beniamino Gigli and Franco Corelli set a high standard for Bocelli, fueling his musical passion and increasing the intensity with which he pursued his dreams. In albums such as “Romanza,” “Songo” and “Andrea,” Bocelli brought his boyhood dreams of becoming a world-renowned singer to life. He became the top-selling classical recording artist in history, selling nearly 50 million albums worldwide to date.

“Amore,” Bocelli’s newest release, was recorded under the Tuscan sky at his home studio. The album’s concept came from “Amore” producers Foster and Humberto Gatica, and co-producer Tony Renis. The result is a pairing of some of the most beautiful love songs of the world with arguably the most romantic voice in the world. Featuring guest performances by Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder and Kenny G, “Amore” also includes the classic “Besame Mucho,” the Olympic theme “Because We Believe” and a heartfelt rendition of “Can’t Help Falling In Love.”

Producer and songwriter Foster is a 14-time Grammy Award winner with an unprecedented 43 Grammy nominations. Over the course of a stellar three-decade career, he also has received seven Juno Awards, an Emmy Award and three Oscar nominations. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Barbra Streisand, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Madonna, *NSYNC, The Corrs and Natalie Cole.

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.

For photos of Andrea Bocelli and David Foster with the IDOL finalists, please go to www.FOXFLASH.com. Go to AmericanIdol.com for all of your AMERICAN IDOL news. Check out the special, behind-the-scenes photos and information on AMERICAN IDOL.

-FOX-