Coca-cola asks “American Idol®” fans to join multiplatinum singer-songwriter Taio Cruz to create “perfect harmony” in a new hit song

Chart-Topping Artist and Music Fans Will Collaborate to Write a New Single That Will Be Performed Live on the AMERICAN IDOL Finale

How would you like to see a hit recording artist take the stage during the finale of AMERICAN IDOL and sing a new song featuring words that you proposed?  It may sound unlikely, but not if you believe in “Perfect Harmony.”

Beginning tomorrow, the Coca-Cola Perfect Harmony collaboration invites AMERICAN IDOL fans to help write a new song for Coca-Cola that will be performed during the show’s season finale May 25 at 8/7c on FOX.  Fans can visit www.AmericanIdol.com where they can listen to the opening segment of a song penned by multiplatinum singer-songwriter TAIO CRUZ.  Then the fans take it from there.  Taio (pronounced Tie O) will start the song and write the beginning of each verse, but it’s up to fans to help finish each verse in time for him to perform the single on the final show.  People can also get the latest updates on the program by following the hashtag #perfectharmony on Twitter.

“AMERICAN IDOL auditions are proof that many of our fans have a passion and desire to sing professionally,” said Ryan Seacrest, host of AMERICAN IDOL.  “What we don’t get to explore on camera are the many talented songwriters that exist as well.  Coca-Cola has created a very exciting and innovative program that, for the first time, gives fans the opportunity to work with a top artist to create a new song that will be performed live in front of millions of people.”

Each week, from March 30 through May 13, people around the country, ages 18 and up, will have the opportunity to submit lyrics for consideration for inclusion in the final composition.  Following each of the four submission phases, Coca-Cola will select the top three lyrics and then fans, ages 13 and up, will be able to vote for their favorite.  The lyrics with the most votes will then be incorporated into the song. 

“Songwriting can be an individual journey or a cooperative effort, and I’ve done it both ways,” said Taio Cruz.  “But creating a new song, with the input of music fans and in partnership with Coca-Cola and AMERICAN IDOL?  Now that takes the experience to a completely new place and I’m ready to get it started.”

“Music has the power to bring people together, which is evidenced every week by the millions of fans who watch AMERICAN IDOL,” said Stuart Kronauge, Vice President, Coca-Cola Trademark Brands, Coca-Cola North America. “Music has always been a part of our brand voice and with this program we’re moving to a whole new level of integration. Through Coca-Cola Perfect Harmony, fans co-lead the songwriting process as they become part of the show they love in collaboration with an artist they admire. We can’t wait until the American Idol finale to uncap the outcome of their musical creativity.”

Perfect Harmony is part of a new Cola-Cola music program that offers teens the inside track to the latest in music through opportunities to express themselves and collaborate with popular artists.  The Coca-Cola music program kicked off last week when, live from London, Maroon 5 headlined the Coca-Cola 24hr Session.  Fans were able to engage in the creative process of songwriting by interacting with the band as they wrote, produced and performed an original song in just 24 hours.  Streamed live at www.mycoke.com, the 24hr Session used the real-time speed, global impact and social power of the internet to create a groundbreaking experience for the band and fans.

Later this year, Coca-Cola will launch another teen music showcase with emphasis on Hispanic teens.  People will be able to vote for an up-and-coming bilingual artist or band that will win the chance to perform with an established artist live onstage.  The program will kick off with a concert celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in September.