American Idol Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze and runner-up Crystal Bowersox perform inside a giant M&M’S Pretzel stage.To celebrate the release of new M&M’S Pretzel Chocolate Candies, all 10 finalists from this season’s “American Idol” performed their first live public concert from the inside a giant M&M’S stage in New York City on June 1. Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze, runner-up Crystal Bowersox and contestants Michael Lynche and Casey James were among the singers to entertain some 1,500 audience members along the Pedestrian Walkway on Broadway, between 34th and 35th, with some of their favorite songs from the show.

The performance was the official kick-off for the American Idols Live! Tour 2010, which will be sponsored by M&M'S Pretzel Chocolate Candies. The first stop will be July 1 in Auburn Hills, Mich."When you put something as exciting as a pretzel inside M&M'S Candies, you need to throw an unforgettable party," says Debra Sandler, chief consumer officer, Mars Chocolate North America. "We think the chance to see all ten finalists from this season of American Idol perform their first live concert from inside an M&M'S stage - for free - fits the bill.

“Of course, we're sure that M&M'S Pretzel will never be voted out of any party," she jokes.New M&M'S Pretzel Chocolate Candies are “Sweet, Salty and Sensible,” containing 30% less fat (on average) than other leading chocolate snacks and providing a sensible bite-size treat for any event. Pretzel is the newest taste to go inside M&M'S; other flavors are Plain, Peanut, Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Peanut, Coconut, Almond and Cherry.

For more information about M&M'S Pretzel, plus footage from the “American Idol” live concert event, visit www.facebook.com/mms.