Alaska Airlines' Last Chance 'Flight to Fame' to Bring Musical Dreamers to Final 'American Idol' Audition.

Supporting musical dreamers and those who exhibit Alaska's spirit, Alaska Airlines Saturday will fly five would-be celebrities on a last chance "Flight To Fame" to San Francisco where they will try to compete Oct. 5 in the final audition for "American Idol's" fourth season.

Alaska Flight 192 will depart Anchorage International Airport Saturday at 2:30 p.m. following a talent contest at Club Millennium where 20 hopefuls will compete live for Alaska Airlines' seats. All contestants will be asked to pack their bags and be prepared to take off immediately for a four-night stay in San Francisco -- and perhaps stardom.

"American Idol" planned an Anchorage audition for Sept. 28, but was forced to cancel it due to scheduling conflicts after Hurricane Charley affected its Orlando tryout.

To be eligible for the Alaska Airlines' last chance "Flight To Fame," contestants from around Alaska are encouraged to immediately call radio station KFAT at 907-341-5328 and sing their favorite song. On Friday, judges from the station, music community and other local celebrities will make the preliminary cut to 20 participants. For those in the group of 20 from other Alaska cities, Alaska Airlines will provide tickets for contestants -- and a companion -- to travel to Anchorage to appear live Saturday at 9 a.m. for a shot at the Alaska Airlines' last chance "Flight To Fame."

Following "American Idol" eligibility requirements, contestants must be a legal U.S. citizen or a U.S. resident, 16 to 28 years old on Aug. 4, 2004, and eligible to work in the United States. The show considers contestants ineligible if they have any type of contract for talent representation, a music recording contract, an acting contract, a merchandising agreement, or any other contractual arrangement that would prevent them from entering into a management contract, talent contract, acting contract and/or merchandising contract.

The San Francisco audition will be held Oct. 5 at the Cow Palace. Alaska Airlines will cover hotel and round-trip airfare for those who advance, plus the travel of a companion or guardian. An escort is mandatory if the traveler is under 18 years of age. It is expected that the lineup for auditions in San Francisco will begin at 6 a.m. on Oct. 4.

"We heard about how disappointed Alaskans were that they didn't get a chance to get their voice heard by 'American Idol,'" said Tom Romary, vice president of marketing for Alaska Airlines. "We're thrilled to support the talent of Alaskans by giving five dreamers a last-chance shot at this. Once we discovered this opportunity -- even at this late date -- we wanted to be sure to open the competition to all reaches of Alaska. We know there is talent in all parts of the state."

"American Idol" has no association with this event.

For reservations visit http://www.alaskaair.com/ , call Alaska's toll-free reservation line at 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522) or see your travel agent. Together, Alaska and Horizon serve more than 70 cities in Alaska, Canada, Mexico and the Lower 48. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines Newsroom on the Internet at http://newsroom.alaskaair.com/ .

CONTACT: Jeff Hasen of WongDoody Communications, [phone], ext. 223, for Alaska Airlines; or Lou Cancelmi, [phone], or Sam Sperry, [phone], both of Alaska Airlines

Web site: http://www.alaskaair.com/