American Idol is now down to the final three contestants: the front runner Melinda, the up-and-comer Jordin, and the dark horse Blake. Personally, I'm voting for Blake or Jordin...I've never been a big Melinda fan.
Anyway, the ratings continue to soar and the number of votes cast each week continues to rise (or at least that's what FOX says). Either way, it looks like they are heating up for one heck of a finale in a couple of weeks.
As for CKX, they continue to expand both their Idol and Elvis brands. Idol has paired with King.com, the world's largest skill games site, to give away 2 tickets to the finale on May 23.
"This is the first time that any skill game has introduced viral gaming on such a big scale," said Toby Rowland, co-founder and co-CEO of King. "King continues to lead the industry by combining TV entertainment and games in the most innovative ways. By bringing top-rated TV shows such as American Idol, Deal or No Deal, and 1 vs 100 to the online communities, fans can now experience their favorite television programs online and continually be a part of them."
from: http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=249371
In addition, some people donating blood this week will receive a commemoritive Elvis T-shirt.
"Lifeblood donors can save lives and receive the first of four new exclusive Elvis™ designs on a commemorative T-shirt when they give blood at any of Lifeblood’s area donor centers the week of May 7-12."
from: http://www.myeyewitnessnews.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=54039d10-0008-4e58-8b69-a0dee6c727b3
Finally, I'm very disappointed that the success of Idol has not had a positive impact on CKX's stock price: it currently sits at just $11.29. Like I said in an earlier post, I'm glad I didn't bet the house on it!
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Monday, April 30, 2007
But it ain't no lie...Baby, bye, bye, bye!!!
In case you've been hiding under a rock for the past two weeks and don't already know...everyone's favorite American Idol contestant Sanjaya has been voted off. Finally. Good Riddance Pony Hawk Boy!
I am glad to see him go because I could not stand even looking at him...but it would be very wrong of me not to admit that I admire the young lad. Sanjaya took his lack of musical skill and turned himself into a household name. He has been on the Today Show, Jay Leno, and the rest of the talk shows. You can even buy a "Sanjaya makes me crya" thong on the Internet! The boy has made it...and you should expect to see much more of him over the coming years. Kudos.
As for CKX, Inc., their stock price continues to fall (currently at $10.43). Back in January, a fellow blogger asked his readers if they would invest in CKXE. Out of 380 resposes, 58% responded "Yes, it sounds like a winner" and 36% responded "Where do I text NO?" This shows exactly why that whole idea of asking the audience as a lifeline in "Who Wants to be a Millionare" doesn't always work.
In other CKX news, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. has recently begun a new marketing campaign with the tag line "Discover Your Inner Elvis." This is their first attempt to heavily market Graceland as a huge tourist attraction along the lines of Disney World. The campaign includes ads on television, radio, print, outdoor, travel guides and on the Internet at DiscoverElvis.com
I am glad to see him go because I could not stand even looking at him...but it would be very wrong of me not to admit that I admire the young lad. Sanjaya took his lack of musical skill and turned himself into a household name. He has been on the Today Show, Jay Leno, and the rest of the talk shows. You can even buy a "Sanjaya makes me crya" thong on the Internet! The boy has made it...and you should expect to see much more of him over the coming years. Kudos.
As for CKX, Inc., their stock price continues to fall (currently at $10.43). Back in January, a fellow blogger asked his readers if they would invest in CKXE. Out of 380 resposes, 58% responded "Yes, it sounds like a winner" and 36% responded "Where do I text NO?" This shows exactly why that whole idea of asking the audience as a lifeline in "Who Wants to be a Millionare" doesn't always work.
In other CKX news, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. has recently begun a new marketing campaign with the tag line "Discover Your Inner Elvis." This is their first attempt to heavily market Graceland as a huge tourist attraction along the lines of Disney World. The campaign includes ads on television, radio, print, outdoor, travel guides and on the Internet at DiscoverElvis.com
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Please stop singing Sanjaya...or I'll start crying!!!
Fast forward to May 2007...Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles...American Idol Finale...Ryan Seacrest with the microphone..."Ladies and gentlemen, your American Idol Season 6 winner is...Sanjaya Malakar!!!"
As I awake from this nightmare I realize that if everything keeps going at its current rate, it would be very possible for this to become a reality. Sanjaya Malakar is a seventeen year old contestant on American Idol with a huge smile, very strange hair, and a knack for bringing 12 year old girls to tears. His only downfall? He flat out can't sing.
So why is he still in the contest? Some people say simply that millions of young girls love Sanajay and that they vote for him each week. However, other groups are also taking credit. Votefortheworst.com is a website that encourages viewers to do just that: vote for the worst singer each week. This year they have chosen Sanjaya as the worst singer and want to see him win to spite the creators of American Idol. Also jumping on the "vote for Sanjaya" bandwagon is Rock Jock Howard Stern (not Anna Nicole's Stern, the other one). Stern has said that his goal is to destroy American Idol.
Idol continues to pulverize the competition in terms of ratings. It appears that more and more viewers are now tuning in just to see if Malakar will survive another week. What has all this Idol hype done for CKX, Inc? Nothing...just yet. CKX's stock price is currently $11.10, down over two dollars from the start of this blog. Aren't you glad we didn't mortgage the house at the start of the season?
As I awake from this nightmare I realize that if everything keeps going at its current rate, it would be very possible for this to become a reality. Sanjaya Malakar is a seventeen year old contestant on American Idol with a huge smile, very strange hair, and a knack for bringing 12 year old girls to tears. His only downfall? He flat out can't sing.
So why is he still in the contest? Some people say simply that millions of young girls love Sanajay and that they vote for him each week. However, other groups are also taking credit. Votefortheworst.com is a website that encourages viewers to do just that: vote for the worst singer each week. This year they have chosen Sanjaya as the worst singer and want to see him win to spite the creators of American Idol. Also jumping on the "vote for Sanjaya" bandwagon is Rock Jock Howard Stern (not Anna Nicole's Stern, the other one). Stern has said that his goal is to destroy American Idol.
Idol continues to pulverize the competition in terms of ratings. It appears that more and more viewers are now tuning in just to see if Malakar will survive another week. What has all this Idol hype done for CKX, Inc? Nothing...just yet. CKX's stock price is currently $11.10, down over two dollars from the start of this blog. Aren't you glad we didn't mortgage the house at the start of the season?
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
There's no such thing as bad publicity...
After my first post last month I've been trying to figure out how in the world I would be able to top the bush baby story. Well, I still don't know what will ever top that...but at this time I'd like to thank Antonella Barba for the latest dirt. Barba is the 20 year old American Idol contestant that is currently in the midst of a nude photo scandal. While her friends agree that some of the PG-13 photos are genuine, they argue that the R and X-rated ones are fake. Antonella has yet to comment, and Fox is silently loving the publicity.
As far as ratings, Idol continues to dominate. Its three episodes last week finished 2nd, 5th, and 6th in the overall ratings. The only reason they were not #1 was because of a little show on ABC called The Academy Awards. Still, with their three strong episodes of Idol, Fox won the highest ratings for the week among the networks.
In business news, Idol has recently made some great partnerships for CKX. Pringles has launched a huge Idol campaign with Idol themed cans and ads, and a new American Idol-like contest at www.jinglesforpringles.com where fans can submit their own Pringles songs and win prizes (including a trip to the Idol finale). Edy's Ice Cream has also gone "Idol" with flavors like Choc 'N Roll Caramel and Hollywood Cheesecake. Fans can vote for their favorite new flavor at www.Slowchurned.com and the winning flavor will become a permanent offering.
CKX's stock price is currently $13.16, 2 cents lower than last month. Not great...but not bad at all after the insane day for the market yesterday.
As far as ratings, Idol continues to dominate. Its three episodes last week finished 2nd, 5th, and 6th in the overall ratings. The only reason they were not #1 was because of a little show on ABC called The Academy Awards. Still, with their three strong episodes of Idol, Fox won the highest ratings for the week among the networks.
In business news, Idol has recently made some great partnerships for CKX. Pringles has launched a huge Idol campaign with Idol themed cans and ads, and a new American Idol-like contest at www.jinglesforpringles.com where fans can submit their own Pringles songs and win prizes (including a trip to the Idol finale). Edy's Ice Cream has also gone "Idol" with flavors like Choc 'N Roll Caramel and Hollywood Cheesecake. Fans can vote for their favorite new flavor at www.Slowchurned.com and the winning flavor will become a permanent offering.
CKX's stock price is currently $13.16, 2 cents lower than last month. Not great...but not bad at all after the insane day for the market yesterday.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
The American Idol Stock?
As part of a project for my MBA Policy class I will be following CKX, Inc. for the next few months. According to their website, CKX, Inc. (CKXE - Nasdaq) is "engaged in the ownership, development and commercial utilization of entertainment content." Among numerous other assets, they currently own the rights to the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley, an 80% interest in the name, likeness, and trademarks of Muhammad Ali, and...
American Idol!!! Yes, the guilty pleasure we all crave is back in full force for its sixth season. We have already heard plenty of "It just wasn't right Dawg," "You're beautiful but I have to pass," and "That was bloody wretched." We've even seen Simon refer to one contestant as a "bush baby." And what does this harsh collection of comments equal? Ratings and money. American Idol is once again demolishing their competition.
What does this say for CKX? If American Idol's ratings continue to soar, will their stock price climb to the top of the entertainment industry? Should we all run out and buy as much CKXE stock as we can afford...heck, should we take out a second mortgage to buy more? Some people think so. Others do not. They cite the large number of recent sales by insiders as one reason not to.
We will track CKX and its stock (currently at $13.18) over the next few months and see what effect the popularity of American Idol has on investors. Will CKX turn into the next American Idol? Or will it fall to the bottom of the jungle floor like one of those creatures with those "massive eyes?" Stay tuned...
American Idol!!! Yes, the guilty pleasure we all crave is back in full force for its sixth season. We have already heard plenty of "It just wasn't right Dawg," "You're beautiful but I have to pass," and "That was bloody wretched." We've even seen Simon refer to one contestant as a "bush baby." And what does this harsh collection of comments equal? Ratings and money. American Idol is once again demolishing their competition.
What does this say for CKX? If American Idol's ratings continue to soar, will their stock price climb to the top of the entertainment industry? Should we all run out and buy as much CKXE stock as we can afford...heck, should we take out a second mortgage to buy more? Some people think so. Others do not. They cite the large number of recent sales by insiders as one reason not to.
We will track CKX and its stock (currently at $13.18) over the next few months and see what effect the popularity of American Idol has on investors. Will CKX turn into the next American Idol? Or will it fall to the bottom of the jungle floor like one of those creatures with those "massive eyes?" Stay tuned...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)