There is probably not one person in the civilized world who hasnt heard of American Idol. From the US to Europe and all the way to Asia, American Idol can be heard from the lips of avid fans. Fox Network really lucked out with its version of the UK Pop Idol. Created by the now famous Simon Cowell and Simon Jones, American Idol has reached a level of popularity unmatched by even the NBA Playoffs and the Superbowl (check the Nielsen Ratings). It was supposed to be called Pop Idol but due to the increase in patriotic sentiment after the 9/11 attacks the name was changed to American Idol.

As with any other very successful ventures, American Idol has made available a plethora of merchandise. From T-shirts to caps and posters, anyone remotely interested in American Idol can find this merchandise with hardly any effort. Of course, todays technologically inclined society has not failed to capitalize on the success of American Idol. The TV show itself makes use of advances in communications technology to involve the viewer in the show. As anyone would know, American Idol makes use of toll free numbers to take in viewer votes. One could also use text messaging to cast a vote.

Now you can take it one step further by putting American Idol on your cell phone. If seeing the show twice a week is not enough for you, then bring the show with you wherever you go. Hear the live performances of your favorite American Idol contestants every time your cell phone rings. With Cingulars offer of live performances as ringtones, you can now get the latest performance less than 24 hours of the shows broadcast. Cingular Wireless launched this offer in late March this year. You can also browse their available list of other performances for this season.

If you have been a fan for a long time, then you would appreciate the ringtones which feature hits by previous American Idol winners. Hits by Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, and Fantasia Barrino are all available as ringtones these days. Of course, the all too familiar American Idol theme song has not been left out. If you love American Idol, chances are you are in love with Ryan Seacrest as well. Hear his voice any time you want by downloading the Seacrest Out! salute.

American Idol merchandise for the cell phone is not limited to ringtones. Instead of just dreaming of your favorite American Idol contestant, why not get a hold of his or her photo and set is as you cell phones wallpaper? You might even find a really good one and use it as your screen saver.

If that is not enough, you can buy the new LG F9100 American Idol Phone. This new cell phone is available through Cingular Wireless. It features a slider QWERTY keyboard, 5-way navigation joy stick, and weighs in at only 33.5 grams! The screen is wide enough to have the clearest view of your favorite American Idol contestants. Unfortunately the cell phone is currently available in the US only.