'American Idol' headed to Habbo

January 14, 2009 The licensing deal marks the first time "Idol" will have its own branded area within a virtual world and provides Habbo with in-world merchandising and sponsorship rights for the popular brand. David Luner, senior VP interactive and consumer products for FME North America, stressed the partnership will not involve creating avatars based on either the contestants or the judges. FME has already done a successful promotion with Habbo in France for "Nouvelle Star," that country's version of the singing contest.

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