Forget Barry Bonds, William Hung Trading Cards are in

Popular tv show to go the way of baseball

Ed McMahon must be really jealous now. First they ripped off his star search idea and now "American Idol" fans will soon be able to trade Carrie Underwoods for Danny Gokeys.

"Idol" production company FremantleMedia and trading card publisher Upper Deck are launching a new line of trading cards featuring images of past and current contestants as well as the judges and host of the Fox singing competition. The 138-card line is set to debut April 21.

"The 'American Idol' brand has always been really strong in the interactive space," said Nora Wong, FremantleMedia senior manager of consumer products. "With the trading cards, it's an old school way of interacting with the fans. It's another form of expression for the fans to demonstrate their connection with the show and collect their favorites."

Six cards autographed by past "Idols" will be randomly slipped into the five-card packs. Regular cards will feature rejected hopefuls such as William Hung and Nick Mitchell, past winners like Ruben Studdard and David Cook, and popular finalists including Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson.

What about long-gone first season co-host Brian Dunkleman?

"That remains to be seen," said Wong.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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