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.

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...