Odds Are Taylor Hicks Will Become the Next American Idol  5/18/06

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PinnacleSports.com Releases Odds on American Idol Grand Finale

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- After last night's elimination of Elliott Yamin, the fifth edition of American Idol has reached the grand finale with two remaining contestants vying for a major recording contract and the adoration of millions. While the hit reality series has drawn nearly 30 million viewers each week, it's also become the most popular entertainment event for wagering with online bettors. The first company to offer betting on the country's largest talent search, PinnacleSports.com has released updated odds on who'll be named the next American Idol.

The largest sports betting site on the Internet, PinnacleSports.com has received an exceptional amount of wagers on American Idol and is now accepting individual bets of up to $10,000 on who'll win the reality show. Throughout the series' duration, support continuously grew for Taylor Hicks, and the grey-haired vocalist is now an overwhelming favorite to become the next American Idol at 1/2 odds (i.e., win $1 for every $2 bet). As the series heads into its final week, PinnacleSports.com lists Katharine McPhee as a 9/5 underdog to be crowned the next pop superstar.

"We've seen support for Taylor Hicks really increase since last week's surprising elimination of previous favorite Chris Daughtry," said Simon Noble of PinnacleSports.com. "Although Katharine has been one of the favorites since the show's onset, Taylor's consistent performances and stage presence appears to have won the hearts of voters as well as Simon Cowell and company. Bettors at Pinnacle Sports certainly think that there won't be any surprises next week when Ryan Seacrest unveils the next American Idol."

Current Odds: *All Odds Subject to Change* Odds to Win American Idol 

Taylor Hicks 1/2 

Katharine McPhee 9/5

PinnacleSports.com will accept wagers on American Idol until the winner is announced on the May 24 series finale.

SOURCE PinnacleSports.com

-0- 05/18/2006