NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 1, 2008) — Yamaha Corporate Artist Affairs, Inc. recently placed an MPC7 grand MIDIpiano on the set of Fox's smash hit American Idol for the remainder of the 7th season. This is the first year American Idol has given the contestants the option to play musical instruments during their performances, and several top 10 contestants have made use of the opportunity.
"We are always proud when Yamaha is the trusted brand television studios and producers turn to when musical instruments are needed. It is our reputation for quality and reliability that continually sets us apart and the fact that American Idol, a music-oriented program that also happens to be the most popular show on American television, has chosen Yamaha certainly increases our delight," comments Chris Gero, vice president of Yamaha Corporate Artist Affairs, Inc.
David Archuleta, a fan favorite, showed his piano skills during performances including "Angels" by Robbie Williams and "Another Day in Paradise" by Phil Collins. Brooke White, a top 4 finalist, performed "Beautiful" by Carole King, "Hero" by Mariah Carey, "Every Breath You Take" by The Police and "I Am I Said" by Neil Diamond on the piano.
The top 6 contestants gathered around the piano for a performance with the famous musical composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and for rehearsals with Dolly Parton.
Numerous other contestants have used the piano as an accompaniment to their performances, including Syesha Mercado, who began two of her performances perched on top of the grand piano.
American Idol is a reality-based competition on Fox that seeks to find the best singer in the country through a series of nationwide auditions, which are judged by the public through a phone voting system. It debuted on June 11, 2002 and has since become the most popular show on American television.
— Musical guests will use an MPC7 when performing on talent show —
