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Based on the Fox television series, American Idol: The Search for a Superstar brings the intense talent competition to your home. Designed for ages 10 and up, the game immerses players in the life of an American Idol contestant. Experience the celebrity lifestyle and create a superstar image. Shop for hip fashions and accessories, practice singing skills, and perfect dance moves. As players compete to be at the top, they must prove they have what it takes to be the best. Just like the TV show, this game features three tough judges who will praise or preach after each performance. Great tunes, super sets, and much more make this game as close as you can get to being there. And for the real test of talent, contestants can record and post their performance on the American Idol Web site to garner first place in a nationwide online competition.

Review

The whole family will have fun with this PC rendition of the popular star-making TV show. Play begins as you choose or create a contestant, and outfit them in pop-idol clothing and hairstyle. Then it's on to the recording studio where you-- yes, you-- record your voice singing one of a dozen or so songs, karaoke-style. This is the best part of the program, as the recordings you make are very long and crystal-clear. Song choices range from James Brown's "I feel Good" to Smash Mouth's "The In Set". Words are flashed along the screen, letting you sing along with the background music, and then play it all back for a good laugh or two. You can also play a "road to stardom" board game and choreograph a music video. The game can be played solo or with a friend, and players can post their performances on an American Idol web site. -- From Children's Software Revue® -- "Subscribe Now!"