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NEW YORK (CNN/Money) -
Fox's "American Idol", the hottest reality show on TV, is gearing up to come to a store near you.
But fans need not fret. There's no audition required to partake in this "American Idol" experience. All that's required is money in the pocket and the willingness to gobble up yet another marketing gimmick aimed at drumming up more dollars for the "AI" brand.
FremantleMedia, the co-producer and licensor for "American Idol" is set to announce that it is developing the "American Idol" name as a lifestyle brand.
The finer details will be revealed at this week's 2005 International trade show in New York, which gets underway Tuesday.
What is already known is that Fremantle has locked in three new deals to develop AI-branded consumer products. Among them, JEM Sportswear will develop "American Idol" t-shirts and sweatshirts.
Silver Goose/Kidstreet Accessories will develop "American Idol" backpacks, luggage, handbags and stationery. The joint venture with Fluid Audio Networks focuses on the launch of the "American Idol Underground" Web site where fans of the show and wannabe superstars will get the chance to compete in a talent contest for money.
All the new "American Idol" licensed products are expected to debut this fall both in stores and for purchase online.
With the "retro" licensing trend becoming passe, industry watchers said merchandising reality shows may possibly emerge as the next hot wave in brand licensing.
For instance, CBS's 'Survivor' already has licensing agreements to make Survivor-branded board games, clothes and other consumer products.
"We've had the reintroduction of so many classic properties from the past, such as Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake making recent comebacks. I think consumers are ready for new characters," said Charles Riotta, president of the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA).
For a look at pop icons past, present, and future, click here.
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