'American Idol' acts to go on iTunes

American Idol's semifinalist and finalist performances will be available on iTunes after Apple agreed a major marketing deal with the show.

The download application, iPod and iPhone will all be promoted through the show after Apple joined Coke, Ford and Cingular as a sponsor. The agreement is thought to be worth tens of millions of dollars and includes conventional adverts, integration into the show and off-air marketing.

Audio performances from the current semifinalists are now available for 99 cents and videos of the 12 finalists will be online at $1.99-a-time on March 11.

Show creator and producer Simon Fuller said: "We have some truly outstanding talent this year, and by working with Apple and iTunes, we're giving viewers another great way to enjoy America's brightest new stars from Idol. I'm sure there will be many memorable performances that viewers will want to relive from this 2008 season."

During the show viewers will be directed to iTunes for downloads, while the iPod, iPod Touch and iPhone will be placed into the show. The Idol website and its streaming video will also be sponsored by iTunes.