IN "AMERICAN IDOL" SHOWDOWN, FANTASIA HOLDS DECISIVE EDGE OVER DIANA, ACCORDING TO NEW KNOWLEDGE NETWORKS SURVEY

Menlo Park, CA; May 25, 2004: In a weekend survey of "American Idol" viewers on the Knowledge Networks Panel, Fantasia Barrino proved the clear favorite over Diana DeGarmo in this week's final round of the hit show's current edition; 61% of "Idol" viewers indicated Fantasia should win, and 66% said she will win.

Among 994 "American Idol" viewers on the Knowledge Networks Panel—the only Internet research panel that is projectable to the full U.S. population—47% said they plan on voting in this final round of the competition. And over half (56%) of the likely voters surveyed said they would vote more than once, with nearly (43%) indicating they will vote five or more times.

The survey was conducted May 21-23, 2004. The survey also shows a clear racial split in preferences, with 96% of African Americans choosing Fantasia, as opposed to 53% of those in other racial groups. By contrast, those under age 30 demonstrated essentially the same patterns as those age 30 and above, with 62% of both age groups choosing Fantasia.

Who should win the "American Idol" showdown?   Fantasia Barrino Diana DeGarmo Viewers 61% 39% African-American 96% 4% Non-African-American 53% 47% Under age 30 62% 38% Age 30 and above 62% 38%

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