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TV Guide Channel(R) Celebrates the Season Finale of America's #1 Rated Show With Six Hours of ''Idol Tonight'' Original Programming Premiering May 22nd

Posted on: Wednesday, 17 May 2006, 15:06 CDT

Finale Week Coverage Culminates with Live Red Carpet Pre-Show Coverage at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood Hosted By Kimberly Caldwell and Rosanna Tavarez

The season finale of America's #1 rated television show will be given the red carpet treatment by TV Guide Channel(R), as the network gears up for an "Idol Tonight" programming extravaganza kicking off with a weekend mini-marathon on Saturday, May 20th and new episodes premiering Monday, May 22nd. "Idol Tonight," which debuted on TV Guide Channel on March 14, 2006, is the exclusive live pre-show that precedes every "American Idol" competition episode. Hosted by former "American Idol" finalist Kimberly Caldwell and "Popstars" winner Rosanna Tavarez, "Idol Tonight" captures the fanfare of FOX's TV hit sensation each week. Recent "Idol Tonight" guests have included such Idol favorites as Ace Young, Mandisa, Lisa Tucker and Justin Guarini.

"TV Guide Channel celebrates event television and TV pop culture, and this season's finale of 'American Idol' will no doubt be a defining moment for viewers," said Ryan O'Hara, president of TV Guide Channel. "We are pleased to be the only network with a live pre-show for 'American Idol,' and we have significantly expanded our 'Idol Tonight' original programming to salute the season finale of this TV mega-hit."

TV Guide Channel's "Idol Tonight" special "American Idol" finale programming will include:

-- Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21: TV Guide Channel will re-air the best of this season's "Idol Tonight" in a weekend mini-marathon. Check local listings for air times.

-- Monday, May 22: Season two finalist Kimberley Locke and season four finalist Constantine Maroulis will join Kimberly and Rosanna on "Idol Tonight," along with vocal coach and assistant music director Debra Byrd, and David Luner, Vice President of Licensing for FremantleMedia. Premieres 7:00-8:00 p.m. ET/PT; 6:00-7:00 p.m. Central.

-- Tuesday, May 23: A special two-hour "Idol Tonight" will precede the final performances on "American Idol" with the two remaining contestants. Kimberly and Rosanna will be joined by season three finalists George Huff and La Toya London, season four finalists Nadia Turner and Anthony Federov and celebrity vocal coach David Coury. Premieres 6:00-8:00 p.m. ET/PT; 5:00-7:00 p.m. Central.

-- Wednesday, May 24: Hit the red carpet with Kimberly and Rosanna for two hours of live coverage at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood! The ladies will pump up the fans for the final results show of "American Idol" as they interview former and current Idol finalists and the "American Idol" judges. Special guests will include season three finalists Jon Peter Lewis and Jasmine Trias, celebrity stylist Sam Saboura, and celebrity vocal coach Roger Love. Premieres 6:00-8:00 p.m. ET/PT; 5:00-7:00 p.m. Central.

-- Thursday, May 25: An "Idol Tonight" TV marathon kicks-off with encores of the previous day's live red carpet finale show. Airs 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. ET/PT; 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Central.

-- Friday, May 26: TV Guide Channel will premiere a one-hour "Idol Tonight" special to wrap-up this season's "American Idol." The wrap-up show will include lots of special guests, including the winner of "American Idol." Also featured will be "American Idol" music director and pianist Michael Orland, and US Weekly fashion cop Steve Kemble, who will discuss the "American Idol" red carpet fashion. Paul Ollinger from Yahoo! Buzz will appear on the show to profile Idol online stats and searches from this past season. Premieres 7:00-8:00 p.m. ET/PT; 6:00-7:00 p.m. Central.

About TV Guide Channel

TV Guide Channel reaches nearly 80 million homes and is the premier television entertainment network for viewers seeking the latest information on the best programs, hottest stars and latest trends on television. Headquartered in the heart of Hollywood at its TV Guide Studios, the network combines original programming with comprehensive program listings information - all of which deliver on viewers' need for an entertaining and easy guide to what's on TV. TV Guide Channel is owned and operated by TV Guide Networks, Inc., a subsidiary of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.

About Gemstar-TV Guide

Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (the "Company") (NASDAQ: GMST) is a leading media, entertainment and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes technologies, products and services targeted at the television guidance and home entertainment needs of consumers worldwide. The Company's businesses include: television media and publishing properties; interactive program guide services and products; and technology and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at www.gemstartvguide.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties related to the transformation of our TV Guide magazine publishing business; timely availability and market acceptance of products and services incorporating the Company's technologies and content; our investment in new and existing businesses, including TV Guide magazine, TV Guide Spot and TV Guide Mobile; the impact of competitive products, services and pricing; ongoing and potential future litigation; and the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the most recent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, each as it may be amended from time to time. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Note to Editors: Gemstar, TV Guide, TV Guide Spot and TV Guide Mobile are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. The names of other companies, products and services used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: Business Wire

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