AT&T is apparently a big fan of American Idol (if a mobile carrier can be called "fan"), as the company announced today the availability of American Idol Framerz, an exclusive application created to bring the heat of the popular show closer to its subscribers. Thanks to the new American Idol Framerz, AT&T users will be able to frame their favorite photos within a setting à la American Idol and then get the completed "product" on their handset, in a MMS.

Coming just in time for tonight's (11 March 2008) first performance of AI's Top 12 contestants, AT&T's American Idol Framerz includes a frame for every top contestant, plus various other Idol-branded images, enabling American Idol fans to put their photo(s) in their preferred Idol setting. Moreover, users have the ability to frame images with their friends or family (assuming they're also fans of the show).

"American Idol Framerz is perfect for those fans who have pictured themselves on the Idol stage or next to their favorite Top 12 contestant," said Mark Collins, vice president of Consumer Data for AT&T's wireless unit. "Premium messaging products, such as Framerz, that allow consumers to share snippets of their lives with their close network of friends and family have become increasingly popular during the past few years. We are thrilled to give our customers yet another fun way to capture, share and enjoy this season of "American Idol" - directly from their wireless phone."

Users can upload their photo(s) in two ways: using any AT&T camera handset and sending a MMS to 5454, or via Web upload by accessing AT&T's American Idol website, found at this address. After uploading it, the photo can be moved within the frames or resized (both from a phone or from a desktop PC), until users find the result satisfactory. When everything is ready, you can send the Idol-ized photo, via MMS, to any email address or any AT&T mobile phone number, even to yourself. One more thing: American Idol Framerz cost $1 (minus 1 cent) each to be created, so it seems it's an affordable way of having fun.

Since its first edition (which began in 2002), American Idol grew to be one of the most popular shows in the US, so we reckon that AT&T's new Framerz can only be successful.