American Red Cross to Benefit from Sale of New American Idol Taylor Hicks' Single "Do I Make You Proud"

WASHINGTON, Thursday, June 08, 2006 — As the “soul” survivor of “American Idol’s” fifth season, the passionate Alabama native, Taylor Hicks, has signed a record deal with 19 Recordings Limited/Arista Records with a portion of the proceeds from the sales of his single, “Do I Make You Proud,” benefiting the American Red Cross. For every CD sold, $0.25 will go to the American Red Cross, as well as $0.15 for every digital download sold, and $0.20 for every ringtone and ringback.

The single to be released on June 13, marks the fourth “American Idol” single to provide financial support to the mission of the Red Cross and the people it serves. Sales of the past three recordings generated more than a quarter million dollars in donations.

"It has been a privilege these past three years to support the American Red Cross in their fundraising efforts and on behalf of the RCA Music Group and 19 Entertainment we are proud of our association with them,” said Charles Goldstuck, BMG U.S. President & COO. "With an active hurricane season predicted, what better time to continue support of their enormous efforts and everything they stand for.”

“Great traditions are meant to be extended. It's been a wonderful experience working with the American Red Cross over the years and 19 Entertainment is proud to continue helping those who need their services the most," stated 19 Entertainment’s Simon Fuller.

"You do make us proud, Taylor, and we are grateful for the generosity of the RCA Music Group and 19 Entertainment,” said Jack McGuire, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. "With the help of these supporters we will be more prepared to help people prepare for and respond to emergencies."

Just ending its fifth season, “American Idol” was consistently one of the top-rated shows each week, drawing millions of viewers who tuned in to decide who will stay and who will go. Since the show began in 2001, each of the past three “Idol” winners debuted in the Top Ten on the Billboard charts.

About the RCA Music Group
The RCA Music Group includes J Records, Arista Records, RCA Records and RCA Victor. The J Records roster is home to platinum superstars Alicia Keys, Rod Stewart, Pearl Jam, Annie Lennox, Luther Vandross, Jamie Foxx, Maroon5, Mario, Gavin DeGraw, Fantasia and Monica among others. The Arista Records family includes all-time superstars Sarah McLachlan, Santana, Dido, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Carrie Underwood, Barry Manilow and Kenny G. RCA Records is home to superstar artists Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews Band, Foo Fighters, The Strokes, Velvet Revolver, Avril Lavigne, Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Heather Headley and more. RCA Victor’s roster includes Imogen Heap, Rachael Yamagata, Etta James, Eliane Elias, George Winston, The Chieftains, Larry Carlton and Fourplay. RCA Music Group is part of Sony BMG Music Entertainment.

About 19 Entertainment
The 19 Group of Companies was founded by Simon Fuller in 1985 and to date has been involved in the creation of 109 Number 1 singles and 87 Number 1 albums with an impressive tally of 296 Top 40 albums and 465 Top 40 singles. Fuller created and managed the Spice Girls, who became a global phenomenon under his guidance, selling over 38 million albums. In 1998, Fuller's 19 launched S Club 7, which has sold over 10 million CDs worldwide, while its four television series were sold to over 100 countries around the world. In 2001, Simon Fuller's 19TV created and produced the television phenomenon "Pop Idol" and in 2002, “American Idol.” "Pop Idol" launched the singing careers of Will Young and Gareth Gates in the UK, while “American Idol” did the same for Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Fantasia, Diana Degarmo, Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood in the United States.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.