The 30-second ad, filmed by acclaimed director Mark Romanek, aired on American Idol at 8pm East Coast Time and featured a clip of the band performing the new single Viva La Vida. An accompanying graphic stated: Viva La Vida Coldplay exclusively on iTunes.

The band's manager Dave Holmes of Santa Monica-based 3D Management says the ad clip was filmed a couple of weeks ago and is a significant coup since Apple has only shot similar exclusive iTunes ad spots for ...