Video game creator Konami Digital Entertainment, maker of the Contra and Metal Gear Solid franchises, announced that it is taking its American Idol game to malls around the country in search for a virtual American Idol winner.

On Friday, the game company said that it will take its Playstation 2 title from Ziff Davis' Digital Life event in New York to nine other major U.S. cities.

At each location consumers will register to participate, perform their chosen song from the game and be judged using the game's advanced artificial intelligence system - which tracks the singer's accuracy and pitch.

"In the 'Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol' Virtual Contest everyone from the millions of American Idol fans to Karaoke buffs everywhere can put their singing skills to the test using one of the holiday season's most anticipated video games,' said Matt Knoles, Product Manager at Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc

The grand-prize winner, to be announced on January 2, 2007, will win an all-expense paid trip to a taping of the American Idol show in Hollywood, Calif.

American Idol