Tommy Hilfiger Joins "AMERICAN IDOL" as Image Advisor for Show's Finalists

LOS ANGELES, March 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Top 12 Perform Live Wednesday, March 14

Next week, globally recognized fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger teams up with AMERICAN IDOL as image advisor for the show's finalists. Beginning Thursday, March 15 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX, Hilfiger will mentor the contestants to define their performance identities and help guide their style transformations as they fight for their chance to become the next AMERICAN IDOL.

"I am honored to be joining Ryan, Steven, Jennifer, Randy and Jimmy for the 11th season of AMERICAN IDOL," said Hilfiger. "My own experiences at the beginning of my career inspired my commitment to mentor young people who are dedicated to pursuing their dreams. Musicians can bring such a unique vision and personality to the stage. I admire risk takers who share my belief in the power of fashion to transform and influence, and I look forward to working with the artists to guide them in defining their performance style and identity."

For more than 25 years, Hilfiger has brought classic, cool, American lifestyle to consumers around the world, and his discerning taste has provided the foundation for the growth of a global brand. From the beginning of his career, Hilfiger has been inspired by music. He started his first business, People's Place, at the age of 18, selling denim jeans and styling his brother's band for local performances. As Hilfiger's designs merged with popular culture, the company's distinct brand message has continued to celebrate the long association between the brand and the music world. Under his namesake label, he has worked with music legends such as the Rolling Stones, Lenny Kravitz, David Bowie, Britney Spears, Beyonce and Taylor Swift.

Hilfiger's diverse achievements in business, retail and fashion have earned him a variety of distinguished awards: Menswear Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (1995); Designer of the Year award from Parsons School of Design (1998); Designer of the Year in GQ's annual "Men of the Year" issue (1998); GQ Germany's International Designer of the Year award (2002); GQ Spain's Designer of the Year (2006); Hispanic Federation's Individual Achievement Award (2007); Bambi Award for the fashion category (2008); Women's Wear Daily's No. 1 Designer in its Annual "10" List (2008); UNESCO Support Award (2009); Marie Claire's Lifetime Achievement Award (2009); Pratt Institute's Legends Award (2010); Philadelphia University's Spirit of Design Award (2011); and, once again, Designer of the Year in GQ's annual "Men of the Year" issue (2011).

Become a fan of AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #Idol. Also, follow host Ryan Seacrest at @RyanSeacrest, and follow the judges: @yo_randyjackson; @JLo; and @iamstevent.

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions. AMERICAN IDOL has been No. 1 among Adults 18-49 for the past eight consecutive seasons.

Visit http://www.americanidol.com for additional information regarding AMERICAN IDOL, including exclusive videos, interviews, photos, special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.

About The Tommy Hilfiger Group
With a premium lifestyle brand portfolio that includes Tommy Hilfiger and Hilfiger Denim, the Tommy Hilfiger Group is one of the world's most recognized designer apparel groups. Its focus is designing and marketing high-quality menswear, womenswear, children's apparel and denim collections.  Through select licensees, the Group offers complementary lifestyle products such as sportswear for men, women and children; footwear; athletic apparel (golf, swim and sailing); bodywear (underwear, robes and sleepwear); eyewear; sunwear; watches; handbags; men's tailored clothing; men's dress furnishings; socks; small leather goods; fragrances; home and bedding products; bathroom accessories; and luggage.  The Hilfiger Denim product line consists of jeanswear and footwear for men, women and children; bags; accessories; eyewear and fragrance.  Merchandise under the Tommy Hilfiger brands is available to consumers worldwide through an extensive network of Tommy Hilfiger retail stores, leading specialty and department stores and other select retailers and retail channels.

About PVH Corp.
PVH Corp., one of the world's largest apparel companies, owns and markets the iconic Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger brands worldwide.  It is the world's largest shirt and neckwear company and markets a variety of goods under its own brands, Van Heusen, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, IZOD, ARROW, Bass and G.H. Bass & Co., and its licensed brands, including Geoffrey Beene, Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Sean John, Chaps, Donald J. Trump Signature Collection, JOE Joseph Abboud, DKNY, Ike Behar and John Varvatos.