Showing posts with label event. Show all posts
Showing posts with label event. Show all posts

Sunday, April 19, 2020

"Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort" Airs Wed., April 22nd

Anthony Anderson Joins Kelly Rowland, Terrence J, and Regina Hall as Host of “SAVING OUR SELVES: A BET COVID-19 RELIEF EFFORT” Special Set to Air on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 8 PM EDT

Performances by Alicia Keys, John Legend, Usher, Jhene Aiko, Chloe X Halle, CeeLo Green, H.E.R., Ella Mai, Jermaine Dupri, Ludacris, Swae Lee, Tyrese Gibson, Buju Banton, DJ D-Nice, SiR, D Smoke and Charlie Wilson

Gospel Performance by Kirk Franklin, Fantasia, Jonathan McReynolds, Kelly Price, Tasha Cobbs, Le’Andria Johnson and Melvin Crispell III

Additional Appearances by Tiffany Haddish, Idris Elba, Ciara, Don Cheadle, Mike Epps, Deon Cole, Angela Rye, Dr. Rheeda Walker, Charlamagne Tha God, Symone D. Sanders, DJ Khaled and Chance The Rapper

Special to Simulcast Across BET, BET HER, BET International Channels and to Over-the-Air Broadcast Viewers via Bounce

BET Has Partnered with United Way to Create a Relief Fund to Receive Financial Donations That Will Be Disbursed to Local Charities That Provide Food and Emergency Assistance to Those Who Need Help Most

For More Information Visit BET.com/COVID19

#BETCOVIDRELIEF

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BET announces comedian and actor Anthony Anderson as the fourth host of the upcoming “SAVING OUR SELVES: A BET COVID-19 RELIEF EFFORT,” special. Anderson joins stars Kelly Rowland, Terrence J, and Regina Hall as host for the two-hour special broadcast. “SAVING OUR SELVES: A BET COVID-19 RELIEF EFFORT,” is set to air on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 8 PM EDT.

Performances include Alicia Keys with a special tribute to New York City, and a Gospel moment with Kirk Franklin featuring Fantasia, Jonathan McReynolds, Kelly Price, Tasha Cobbs, Le’Andria Johnson, and Melvin Crispell III. Exclusive performances by John Legend, Usher, Jhene Aiko, Chloe X Halle, CeeLo Green, H.E.R., Ella Mai, Jermaine Dupri, Ludacris, Swae Lee, Tyrese Gibson, Buju Banton, DJ D-Nice, SiR, D Smoke, and Charlie Wilson.

Additional celebrity guest appearances will include Tiffany Haddish, Idris Elba, Ciara, Don Cheadle, Mike Epps, Deon Cole, Angela Rye, Dr. Rheeda Walker, Charlamagne Tha God, Symone D. Sanders, DJ Khaled and Chance The Rapper.

Expanding the reach of the telecast, BET will simulcast the special across BET and BET Her domestically, as well as their channels internationally bringing awareness to over 90 million homes. Additionally, BET will join forces with Bounce to help expand the audience to include free, over-the-air broadcast viewers with Bounce simulcasting “SAVING OUR SELVES: A BET COVID-19 RELIEF EFFORT.”

Addressing the communities around the world, a global check-in segment for “BET SAVING OUR SELVES: COVID-19 RELIEF EFFORT” will highlight how various regions around the globe are coping through COVID-19. BET Breaks’ International talent Nomalanga (South Africa), Flora Coquerel (France), and Jourdan Riane (UK) will report on how the pandemic is affecting their countries. British Hip Hop Artists behind the viral “Don’t Rush” social media challenge, Young T and Bugsy, and Idris Elba’s wife, Sabrina Elba, will make appearances as well. Internationally, the show will be broadcast on Saturday, April 25 in the UK at 9:00 pm BST, Korea at 9:00 pm KST, Africa at 6:00 pm CAT, and France at 10:30 pm CEDT.

The focus of the initiatives is to combat the racial disparities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent findings have shown that Black Americans are being disproportionately harmed by the health and financial devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. BET, in partnership with the NAACP, United Way Worldwide, leaders in the African American creative, civil rights and business communities will provide critical financial, educational and community support directly to the African Americans hardest hit by this crisis. Corporate brand donors who have generously contributed to the fund include Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Toyota, Salesforce, McDonald’s, AARP, Pine-Sol®, Morgan Stanley, TJ Maxx, Weight Watchers, and NBA.

You can now donate to the fund online via BET.com or by texting BETGives to 51555. More information on BET’s partnership with UWW and additional extensions of our relief efforts are forthcoming. For further details, please visit BET.com/COVID19.


About BET
BET, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIACA, VIAC), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news, and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel is in 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, sub-Saharan Africa, and France. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions including BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET HER, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks - BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.

About United Way
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. Supported by 2.9 million volunteers, 9.8 million donors worldwide and $4.7 billion raised every year, United Way is the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit. We’re engaged in 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories worldwide to create sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our communities. United Way partners include global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, government, civic and faith-based organizations, along with educators, labor leaders, health providers, senior citizens, students and more. For more information about United Way, please visit UnitedWay.org. Follow us on Twitter: @UnitedWay and #LiveUnited.

About BOUNCE
Bounce (@bouncetv) is the popular multi-platform entertainment network targeting African Americans, with programming seen over-the-air, on cable, on DISH channel 359, over-the-top on Roku®, on mobile devices via the Bounce and Brown Sugar apps and on the web via BounceTV.com. Bounce features a programming mix of original series and movies, off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and events and more. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

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Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Actor-WWE Star Dave Batista to Be Inducted in WWE Hall of Fame

Batista® and the nWo® to Be Inducted Into WWE® Hall of Fame [Pending due to coronavirus outbreak]

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WWE (NYSE: WWE) announced that Batista and nWo members “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall™, Kevin Nash™ and Sean Waltman™ will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame at a ceremony on Thursday, April 2, 2020 at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, FL as part of WrestleMania® Week.

Batista is a six-time World Champion and a pop culture phenomenon. Throughout his illustrious career, “The Animal™” had memorable rivalries with some of the biggest names in WWE history including John Cena®, Triple H® and The Undertaker®. Batista is also a founding member of the revolutionary faction Evolution® alongside Ric Flair®, Triple H® and Randy Orton®. At WrestleMania in April 2019, Batista competed for the final time against Triple H. Outside the ring, Batista has successfully conquered Hollywood, appearing in Spectre, Stuber and Marvel’s blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers films.

One of the most innovative and controversial factions in sports entertainment history, the New World Order® (nWo) was led by “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman. The group captivated fans around the world and was crucial to the success of WCW® during the historic Monday Night Wars®. With an innovative style and attitude, the nWo participated in memorable rivalries against some of the biggest names in WCW history, including Sting, Diamond Dallas Page and Lex Luger.

“Batista was one of the fastest rising stars ever in WWE with an incredible list of accolades, and the success of the nWo changed the course of sports entertainment history,” said Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events & Creative. “It is only fitting that they all take their rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame.”

WrestleMania 36 takes place Sunday, April 5, 2020 from WWE Performance Center in Orlando, FL and will stream live on WWE Network.


About WWE
WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE’s TV-PG, family-friendly programming can be seen in more than 800 million homes worldwide in 28 languages. WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 over-the-top premium network that includes all live pay-per-views, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library, is currently available in more than 180 countries. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munich and Tokyo.

Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of WWE and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks relating to: entering, maintaining and renewing major distribution and event agreements; WWE Network (including the risk that we are unable to attract, retain and renew subscribers); our need to continue to develop creative and entertaining programs and events; the possibility of a decline in the popularity of our brand of sports entertainment; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent K. McMahon; possible adverse changes in the regulatory atmosphere and related private sector initiatives; the highly competitive, rapidly changing and increasingly fragmented nature of the markets in which we operate and greater financial resources or marketplace presence of many of our competitors; uncertainties associated with international markets including possible disruptions and reputational risks; our difficulty or inability to promote and conduct our live events and/or other businesses if we do not comply with applicable regulations; our dependence on our intellectual property rights, our need to protect those rights, and the risks of our infringement of others’ intellectual property rights; the complexity of our rights agreements across distribution mechanisms and geographical areas; potential substantial liability in the event of accidents or injuries occurring during our physically demanding events including, without limitation, claims alleging traumatic brain injury; large public events as well as travel to and from such events; our feature film business; our expansion into new or complementary businesses and/or strategic investments; our computer systems and online operations; privacy norms and regulations; a possible decline in general economic conditions and disruption in financial markets; our accounts receivable; our indebtedness including our convertible notes; litigation; our potential failure to meet market expectations for our financial performance, which could adversely affect our stock; Vincent K. McMahon exercises control over our affairs, and his interests may conflict with the holders of our Class A common stock; a substantial number of shares are eligible for sale by the McMahons and the sale, or the perception of possible sales, of those shares could lower our stock price; and the volatility of our Class A common stock. In addition, our dividend is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends (including under our revolving credit facility), general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant. Forward-looking statements made by the Company speak only as of the date made and are subject to change without any obligation on the part of the Company to update or revise them. Undue reliance should not be placed on these statements. For more information about risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business, please refer to the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” sections of the Company’s SEC filings, including, but not limited to, our annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

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Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Jada and Will Smith Announce "World Tour"

Apollo World Touring and Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Inc. Join Forces on WORLD TOUR

A New, Ground-Breaking, Touring Music Phenomenon Featuring The Biggest Names In Music, Staged In The World’s Most Iconic Cities

Robbie Williams to Headline First Stop of WORLD TOUR in Melbourne, Australia

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apollo World Touring and Westbrook Inc. announce that they will co-produce World Tour, a new multi-genre event-series, staged in the world’s most iconic cities.

Each live event will feature internationally acclaimed A-list artists, locally celebrated superstars and globally recognised DJs. Fans will be able to engage globally through exciting content formats on multiple platforms.

World Tour kicks off in Melbourne, Australia on 14 March 2020, alongside the Formula 1 ®Rolex Australian Grand Prix. International superstar Robbie Williams is announcing his only Australian public performance of 2020 as one of the headline artists, with other incredible acts to be announced shortly.

After Melbourne, World Tour will be touching down in other exciting world cities including; Montreal, Berlin, Milan, Seoul, Taipei, Osaka and Miami. The schedule of live events, complemented by multi-platform media elements, will make World Tour a non-stop year-round experience for audiences and brand partners, uniting millions of fans globally.

Tera Hanks, President of Westbrook Inc. said:
“On behalf of Will and Jada and the entire Westbrook Team, we’re so excited to partner with Apollo World Touring on this innovative event series. From the inception of World Tour, we’ve been excited with its potential as a global franchise to bring mind-blowing experiences and unparalleled access to fans and creators worldwide. We’re gathering some of the biggest names in music to celebrate cities around the world and the amazing creativity found there. We can’t wait for everyone to join us on the World Tour.”

Paul Morrison, Chairman and Co-Founder of Apollo World Touring said:
“Will and the team at Westbrook are groundbreaking innovators and fantastic partners, channelling unrivalled global recognition with excellence on working with the best cutting-edge creative talent around the world. World Tour will feed global audiences hungry for great content – bringing the best in entertainment to provide a unique platform which will celebrate the best that our host cities have to offer”.

Becky Artmonsky, Director and Co-Founder of Apollo World Touring said:
“We are so proud and excited to be launching World Tour. This provides the perfect platform to connect passionate music fans across the globe and spread a positive message in every city we visit. We are going to work with extraordinary talent, brands and cities to inspire people to be a part of creating a better future. We can’t wait to get started in Melbourne!”

Sandy Monteiro, [President of Partnerships Asia] of Apollo World Touring said:
“This is a unique, global event experience that is unrivalled and offers bespoke local activation for brands looking for international reach. My role is to engage partners and build platforms around what can work for them, using my experience in pioneering successful brand relationships with music artists. Here we have an opportunity to customize partnerships for brands, with an offer that ensures they are visible on a truly global scale, alongside the world’s biggest names in music and entertainment.”

Leading live music agent and promoter John Giddings is announced as World Tour’s Global Lead Promoter. John represented three of the five biggest grossing tours of all time with U2, The Rolling Stones and Madonna.

The full talent lineup for all World Tour events taking place in 2020, as well as some exciting brand and broadcast partnerships, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Visit worldtouring.com for more information on WORLD TOUR.


About Westbrook Inc.
Launched in 2019 by Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith, Miguel Melendez, and Kosaku Yada, Westbrook is a holding company formed to execute the Smith Family’s global content and commerce businesses. Westbrook houses newly launched and previously existing entities, including Red Table Talk Enterprises, Westbrook Studios, Westbrook Media (the digital content studio, social media management, and creative brand incubator), and direct to consumer business, Good Goods. Leveraging the Smith Family’s deep experience in entertainment and media, Westbrook creates and curates content across all major platforms – from short and mid-form digital content, to traditional television and motion pictures -- in furtherance of its mission to become the leader in global entertainment.

About Apollo World Touring
Apollo World Touring is an independently financed entertainment company.

Working from creative conception to funding to commercialisation, we create new entertainment platforms to disrupt the status quo across the sectors of music, live events, and broadcast series.

In conjunction with ground-breaking delivery partners and distributor channels, we work to unite audiences around the world via engaging and immersive live experiences and evergreen digital content.

We exist to entertain and believe that entertainment is a force for good.

We are widely experienced with specialists in international Commercial Brand Partnership Sales, Entertainment Finance, Host City Stakeholder Management and Government Grant Applications, Promoter and Stakeholder Management, Live Broadcast Event Executive Production and Global Broadcast Rights-clearance with brand integration. For more information visit apolloworldtouring.com

Apollo World Touring is represented by CAA.

*About other partners
CAA represents Apollo World Touring and are representing the project across their Music, TV, Motion Picture and Commercial Endorsements departments.

John Giddings, Solo Promotions & Agency, London
John’s clients have included - The Rolling Stones, U2, Madonna, Genesis, Celine Dion, David Bowie, The Police, Lady Gaga, BeyoncĂ©, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams & The Who. He also revived and promotes The Isle of Wight Festival. As Lead Promoter for the World Tour John will appoint the World Tour’s agent (CAA in LA), nominate & manage local Promoter Partners and centrally book A-list talent for the live event series.

https://www.solo.uk.com/

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Thursday, March 5, 2020

Paramount Announces "A Quiet Place"/"A Quiet Place II" Double Feature

PARAMOUNT PICTURES ANNOUNCES A QUIET PLACE DOUBLE FEATURE FAN EVENT IN ADVANCE OF A QUIET PLACE PART II OPENING

Fans will have the opportunity to experience the original and the sequel back-to-back in advance of the opening of A QUIET PLACE PART II

HOLLYWOOD, CA. - Paramount Pictures announced that on Wednesday, March 18th, 2020 it will be offering fans of A QUIET PLACE the chance to relive the original film in select theatres and be the first to go beyond the path and experience the next installment, A QUIET PLACE PART II before it arrives in theatres nationwide, Friday, March 20th, 2020.

Tickets for the double feature go on sale today, as ticketing launches nationwide for A QUIET PLACE PART II at https://www.aquietplacemovie.com/

Tickets can also be purchased at the box office at participating locations. The start time for the double feature is 7:00PM local time at participating locations, with the sequel beginning at 9:00PM local time. This double feature will be presented exclusively in DOLBY CINEMA and Premium Large Format theatres only.

Additionally, A QUIET PLACE Double Feature fans will receive an exclusive 11x17 collectors print, created especially for this one-night event, while supplies last.

In the modern horror thriller A QUIET PLACE, a family of four must navigate their lives in silence after mysterious creatures that hunt by sound threaten their survival. If they hear you, they hunt you. A QUIET PLACE is directed by John Krasinski, with story by Bryan Woods & Scott Beck, and a screenplay by Bryan Woods & Scott Beck and John Krasinski. Producers are Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, with executive producers Celia Costas, John Krasinski,  Allyson Seeger, Bryan Woods, Scott Beck, Aaron Janus. The film stars Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds & Noah Jupe.

In A QUIET PLACE PART II, following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) must now face the terrors of the outside world as they

continue their fight for survival in silence.  Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path. The film is written and directed by John Krasinski, and based on characters created by Bryan Woods & Scott Beck. Producers are Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, John Krasinski, with Allyson Seeger, Joann Perritano, Aaron Janus executive producing. The film stars Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Simmonds, Jupe, Djimon Hounsou and John Krasinski.

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About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of ViacomCBS (NASDAQ: VIAC; VIACA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, and Paramount Players. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

About Dolby Cinema
Dolby Cinema delivers the total cinema experience, combining the most powerful image and sound technologies such as spectacular Dolby Vision laser projection and Dolby Atmos moving audio with inspired cinema design to transform every visit into a completely captivating, cinematic event.

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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Usher to Host and Perform at 2020 "iHeartRadio Music Awards"

Usher to Host and Perform During the 2020 “iHeartRadio Music Awards,” Airing Live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Sunday, March 29, on FOX

Halsey and Lizzo Join Previously Announced Justin Bieber as Performers

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--iHeartMedia and FOX Entertainment announced that eight-time Grammy award-winning artist Usher, who has sold more than 65 million albums worldwide, will host and perform during the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards. The event will also feature live performances from Halsey and Lizzo, as well as previously announced performer, Justin Bieber, with more to be announced. The two-hour event will air live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Sunday, March 29, 2020, (8:00-10:00 PM ET live / PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The seventh annual iHeartRadio Music Awards will also broadcast live on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and iHeartRadio, the all-in-one digital music, podcast, on demand and live-streaming radio service.

    “I’m so excited to host the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards and help celebrate the music that I and millions of other music lovers listened to this past year”

“I’m so excited to host the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards and help celebrate the music that I and millions of other music lovers listened to this past year,” said Usher. “It’ll be like hanging out with old friends.”

Nominees for the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards were announced on January 8, 2020. Artists receiving multiple nominations include Ariana Grande, Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, Camila Cabello, Cardi B, Daddy Yankee, Dan + Shay, Drake, Ed Sheeran, El Fantasma, Halsey, J Balvin, Jonas Brothers, Justin Bieber, Khalid, Kygo, Lil Nas X, Lizzo, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Post Malone, Selena Gomez, SHAED, Shawn Mendes, Snow, Summer Walker and Taylor Swift. For a full list of nominees and categories, please visit iHeartRadio.com/awards.

This year’s awards will feature a broad array of categories, including Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Best Duo/Group of the Year and individual winners for Album of the Year in music’s biggest genres including Pop, Country, Alternative Rock, Rock, Dance, Hip-Hop, R&B and Latin Pop/Urban.

In addition to paying tribute to music and artists, the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards will again celebrate the fans, giving iHeartRadio listeners the opportunity to decide winners in several new and established categories. Fan voting will determine this year’s Best Fan Army, Best Lyrics, Best Cover Song, Best Music Video, Best Remix, the Social Star Award, Favorite Tour Photographer and the first-ever Favorite Music Video Choreography Award.

Social voting began on January 8 and will close on Monday, March 23, 2020 at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT for all categories except for Best Fan Army, which will continue through Friday, March 27 at 9:00 AM ET / 6:00 AM PT. Fans can vote on Twitter using the appropriate category and nominee hashtags or by visiting iHeartRadio.com/awards.

This year, iHeartRadio and Taco Bell’s Feed The Beat program are teaming up to reinforce a shared commitment to new artists. Leading up to and throughout the night of the awards, iHeartRadio and Taco Bell will showcase new artists across iHeartRadio platforms, so fans can see who’s next in music, alongside the biggest artists on the planet.

Tickets are currently on sale to the general public at AXS.com.

Proud partners of the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards include Taco Bell, with more to be announced.

Executive producers for the iHeartRadio Music Awards are Joel Gallen, for Tenth Planet Productions, and John Sykes and Tom Poleman, for iHeartMedia.

For breaking news and exclusive iHeartRadio Music Awards content, visit iHeartRadio.com/awards or follow the social buzz on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google+.

About iHeartMedia
iHeartMedia (NASDAQ: IHRT) is the number one audio company in the United States, reaching nine out of 10 Americans every month – and with its quarter of a billion monthly listeners, has a greater reach than any other media company in the U.S. The company’s leadership position in audio extends across multiple platforms, including more than 850 live broadcast stations in over 150 markets; digital radio via its iHeartRadio digital service available across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices; through its on-air influencers; social; branded iconic live music events; and podcasts as the #1 commercial podcast publisher. iHeartMedia also leads the audio industry in analytics, targeting and attribution for its marketing partners with its SmartAudio product, using data from its massive consumer base. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

About FOX Entertainment
A division of Fox Corporation, FOX Entertainment’s 30-year legacy of innovative, hit programming includes 9-1-1, THE MASKED SINGER, PRODIGAL SON, EMPIRE, LAST MAN STANDING, “24,” “The X-Files” and “American Idol.” Delivering high-quality scripted, non-scripted and live content, FOX Entertainment’s broadcast network airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week, as well as major sports; and is the only major network to post year-over-year growth among viewers during the 2018-2019 broadcast season.

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Friday, February 21, 2020

"Star Wars" Heads to the 2020 New York Toy Fair

Fans Can Celebrate Star Wars™ All Year Long With New Merchandise Revealed Ahead of New York Toy Fair

New Products Inspired by Disney+ Original Series The Mandalorian and Star Wars: The Clone Wars Announced

All-new products featuring the Child arriving soon


GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This year, the Force is strong with fans who want to celebrate their love of all things Star Wars™ with new merchandise tied to beloved stories and characters revealed today just ahead of New York Toy Fair.

    “And holding back on product development gave everyone the chance to discover the character affectionately known to fans as “Baby Yoda”

Leading with products inspired by the hit Disney+ series, The Mandalorian (created by Jon Favreau and Executive Produced by Dave Filoni, Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson), anticipation is at an all-time high for toys, collectibles, books, home goods, apparel, games, accessories and more inspired by the galaxy’s newest (and arguably cutest) character, the Child, affectionately referred to as “Baby Yoda.” In addition to dozens of products previously announced, a number of all-new items across multiple categories were revealed for the first time today. Highlights include THE CHILD ANIMATRONIC EDITION figure, which will be available for preorder at most major retailers starting at 1:00 PM ET today, Star Wars™ TROUBLE: The Mandalorian Edition and Star Wars™ OPERATION: The Mandalorian Edition games, all from Hasbro, a LEGO® construction set featuring the Mandalorian’s Razor Crest ship and LEGO® BrickHeadz™ Star Wars The Mandalorian & The Child 75317 building kit, and all-new offerings exclusive to shopDisney.com | Disney store and Disney Parks. These new items and more will hit retail later this year.

Sought-after items featuring the Child from Hasbro, Funko, Mattel, Build-A-Bear®, shopDisney.com | Disney store, and more, some of which went on pre-sale starting late last year, are expected to hit shelves and doorsteps starting next month.

“Finding ways to engage and surprise audiences with this new Star Wars story has been a tremendous opportunity,” said The Mandalorian creator Jon Favreau. “And holding back on product development gave everyone the chance to discover the character affectionately known to fans as “Baby Yoda” together. This is something special in the age of spoilers. I am so appreciative of the partnership with the teams at Lucasfilm and Disney who are translating these characters into products for fans to enjoy.”

Last year, products based on The Mandalorian streaming series quickly became some of the most sought-after holiday gifts, with products inspired by the Child intentionally held back to uphold the big character reveal. As new viewers discovered the acclaimed show, demand for goods continued to grow, resulting in “Baby Yoda” being the #1 trending “baby” search on Google in the United States for 20191 and pre-orders of the Child product routinely hitting #1 across retail e-commerce sites like Amazon, Walmart.com, and Target.com. Recently, Funko announced their ‘The Child’ Pop! bobblehead was the top-selling pre-order figure of all-time.2

Also revealed today were new products inspired by the Emmy Award-winning animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which is also executive produced by Dave Filoni and is returning for a seventh and final season exclusively on Disney+. In celebration of the series, Hasbro revealed a Mandalorian DARKSABER LIGHTSABER, as well as additional products featuring Star Wars: The Clone Wars fan-favorite characters as part of their all-new Mission Fleet line of vehicles and figures, including ANAKIN SKYWALKER JEDI STARFIGHTER Vehicle and Figure, AHSOKA TANO AQUATIC ATTACK Micro Vehicle and Figure, and CAPTAIN REX CLONE COMBAT Vehicle and Figure. Disney Parks is also celebrating the return of the classic series with new items including Star Wars: The Clone Wars Clone Trooper pins, apparel and Ahsoka Tano Mickey Ears designed by Ashley Eckstein, voice of Ahsoka Tano and founder of Her Universe.

The 12-episode final season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars premieres February 21, 2020. on Disney+, with new episodes streaming every Friday. Fans can expect more reveals of products inspired by Star Wars: The Clone Wars throughout the year.

Additional products tied to other milestone moments, such as the home entertainment release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and the 40th anniversary of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, just to name a few, will round out offerings across multiple categories hitting shelves throughout the year.

“From breakout characters like the Child to the beloved Skywalker Saga and everything in between, Star Wars has the ability to connect with fans generation after generation,” said Ken Potrock, president, consumer products commercialization, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “It’s an honor to be able to deliver products and experiences that allow our fans around the world to celebrate their favorite characters and stories 365 days a year.”

Select Star Wars™ products will be on display at New York Toy Fair, which runs February 22-25, 2020, at the Jacob K. Javits Center.


About Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company’s powerful brands and franchises—including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, ESPN, 20th Century Studios, and National Geographic—into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime.

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment. More than 60 years later, Disney has grown into one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 52 resorts in the United States, Europe, and Asia with approximately 160,000 cast members; a top-rated cruise line with four ships and plans for three more to be completed in 2021, 2022, and 2023; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawai‘i; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business.

Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business; one of the world’s largest children’s publishing brands; one of the world’s largest licensors of games across platforms; more than 300 Disney store locations around the world; and the shop Disney e-commerce platform. These experiences are created by Disney Imagineers, the creative force behind experiences found in Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and consumer products—including books, games, and merchandise.

STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Minifigure and the brick & knob configuration are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2020 The LEGO Group.

About Hasbro
Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World's Best Play and Entertainment Experiences. From toys, games and consumer products to television, movies, digital gaming, live action, music, and virtual reality experiences, Hasbro connects to global audiences by bringing to life great innovations, stories and brands across established and inventive platforms. Hasbro’s iconic brands include NERF, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE, POWER RANGERS, PEPPA PIG and PJ MASKS as well as premier partner brands. Through its global entertainment studio eOne, Hasbro is building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Hasbro is committed to making the world a better place for children and their families through corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Hasbro ranked No. 13 on the 2019 100 Best Corporate Citizens list by CR Magazine and has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute for the past eight years. Learn more at www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro) and Instagram (@Hasbro).

© 2020 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Friday, February 14, 2020

Bluefin Announces Its Showcase Collectibles for Toy Fair 2020

Visit Bluefin At Toy Fair 2020 Booth #5332

BLUEFIN ANNOUNCES A BOLD ARRAY OF NEW COLLECTIBLES TO BE SHOWCASED AT TOY FAIR 2020


Anaheim, CA – Bluefin, a Bandai Namco group company and the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan and Asia, returns to New York City with a wide array of new products to be showcased at Toy Fair 2020.

This year, the renowned distributor will mark its largest presence to-date at Toy Fair with an expansive 100x30 foot booth featuring 5 massive display statues of Barbatos (Gundam), RX-78 (Gundam), Sailor Moon, Goku (Dragon Ball) and Godzilla. The booth will showcase a must-see collection of soon-to-be released collectibles and products for Mobile Suit Gundam, Star Wars, Marvel, Godzilla, Dragon Ball, Pokémon, Sailor Moon, Fate Grand Order, Kamen Rider, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Evangelion, and more.

Leading Bluefin toy and collectible brands to be represented at Toy Fair 2020 will include Tamashii Nations, Bandai Hobby, Bandai Boys Toys, and well as Bluefin client brands, Flame Toys and Storm Collectibles.

Bluefin will be located at Booth #5332.

Toy Fair 2020 takes place February 22-25 at the Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center in Manhattan, NY and is a leading annual industry event produced by the Toy Industry Association™, Inc. (TIA), a non-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in manufacturing and distributing toys and youth entertainment products to consumers. Show details are available at: http://www.toyfairny.com.

BaNDAI TAMASHII NATIONS

S.H.Figuarts Captain America Final Battle Edition – Avengers: Endgame · MSRP: $92.00 - Available May 2020

S.H.Figuarts gets even more dramatic! Captain America, as seen in his final form in the epic "Avengers: Endgame," joins the series! Now you can replicate the film's thrilling climax in which Cap himself wields Thor's mighty hammer Mjolnir! The accurately detailed and highly posable figure includes a shield, a shield strap, four optional pairs of hands, two optional heads, a broken shield, Mjolnir, and a Mjolnir effect part.

S.H.Figuarts Iron Man MK-85 Final Battle Edition – Avengers: Endgame · MSRP: $100.00 - Available May 2020

Iron Man Mk-85, as seen in his final form playing the key role in the climactic battle of "Avengers: Endgame," joins the series with a huge array of accessories! Tony Stark facial parts let you re-create dramatic moments with other characters. The accurately detailed and highly posable figure includes that optional Tony Stark head, four pairs of optional hands, energy blade part, repulsor effects, nano lightning refocuser, lightning refocuser effect parts, nano shield part.

S.H.Figuarts Dragon Ball Son Goku Ultra Instinct · MSRP: $62.00 · Available June 2020

Son Goku, as seen in the space survival arc of "Dragon Ball Super," joins S.H.Figuarts! Now you can hold the power of Son Goku "Ultra Instinct" in the palm of your hand! The set includes three optional expressions, three pairs of optional hands, a ball effect, and seven light beam effects.

S.H.Figuarts Jackie Chun · MSRP: $58.00 · Available June 2020

Jackie Chun, who is the master of Martial Arts, now joins S.H.Figuarts with full action! As well as funny face for him, various optional parts recreate the scenes from comics / TV series! This figure includes two optional face parts, seven optional right hands, six optional left hands, optional arm parts (R/L), a microphone part and dragon ball object (three-star ball at summoning Shenron).

S.H.MonsterArts Burning Godzilla · MSRP: $90.00 · Available June 2020

Burning Godzilla, which appeared in the final climactic scene of "Godzilla Kind of the Monsters,” joins the S.H.MonsterArts line! By displaying with S.H.MonsterArts King Gidorah (sold separately) and Mothra & Rodan set (sold separately), fans can recreate the final battle in the movie.

S.H.Figuarts Iron Spider Final Battle Edition – Avengers: Endgame · MSRP: $92.00 - Available July 2020

The hugely popular newest member of the team, Iron Spider, gets a total make-over for this new release! The highly detailed and posable figure is modeled to look just as he did in the climactic final battle of "Avengers: Endgame." The figure includes an optional head, three pairs of optional eyes, four pairs of optional hands, dual web shooting hands, spider web effect parts, a set of spider legs, a nano gauntlet, and a Tamashii STAGE connector.

FiguartsZERO Gilgamesh · MSRP: $100.00 · Available May 2020

The hit series "Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Battlefront: Babylonia" joins the Bandai Spirits collector’s line - FiguartsZERO! These fixed-pose figures portray cool moments from each character's famous scenes!  Dynamic sculpting and plenty of effect parts capture the thrill in three dimensions! This statue figure comes with a stage.

FiguartsMini Fate/Grand Order Mash Kyrielight · MSRP: $30.00 · Available April 2020

Tamashii Nations is proud to launch its new "FiguartsMini" brand with "Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Battlefront: Babylonia," which began streaming in October 2019! This figure includes an optional right hand, a shield and a stage.

FiguartsMini Fate/Grand Order Gilgamesh · MSRP: $30.00 · Available April 2020

Tamashii Nations is proud to launch its new "FiguartsMini" brand with "Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Battlefront: Babylonia!” This figure includes an optional left hand with axe, an optional hand with stone plate and a stage.

FiguartsMini Fate/Grand Order Ishtar · MSRP: $30.00 · Available April 2020

Tamashii Nations is proud to launch its new "FiguartsMini" brand with "Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Battlefront: Babylonia!” This figure includes an optional right hand, Maanna and two stages.

BaNDAI Hobby

Bandai Hobby PokĂ©mon Model Kits Various Characters ·  Available May 2020

“PokePla” (PokĂ©mon Plastic Models) kits blend iconic characters from of one of the world’s most popular entertainment and video gaming brands with the renowned, model kit design and production expertise of Bandai Spirits Hobby. The line launches with kits for Pikachu, Mewtwo and Evee. Additional kits will be added in 2020.

Pikachu $8.00

Mewtwo $10.00

Evee $10.00

Bandai Boys Toys

Bandai Boys Toys “Kamen Rider Kiva” Kivat Belt · MSRP: $320.00 · Available April 2020

Introducing the newest CSM (Complete Selection Modification), Kiva's Kivat Belt! This CSM comes with Kivat and six Fuestles. This item is also compatible with the CSM Tatsulot, and enables the two devices can talk to each other and utilize voice activation functions.

FLAME TOYS

Catch special reveals for new Flame Toys Beast Wars and Transformers Victory Leo Kuro Kara Kuri model kits.

Flame Toys Transformers Optimus Prime Kuro Kara Kuri · MSRP: $450.00 · Available Now!

Optimus Prime, the leader of the heroic Autobots, is locked in eternal battle with the evil Decepticons. Possessing strong moral character, excellent leadership and a strong sense of honor and justice, he continuously battles the Decepticon’s diabolical leader, Megatron.

Standing 21cm., with 5 LED units packed in the body, this poseable figure is packed with accessories; including 2 small swords, 2 small axes, a short cannon, a big sword and 6 pairs of hands. This incredibly detailed an articulated figure also features 3 interchangeable faces to show off different emotions for the Autobot leader.

Storm collectibles

Catch several first-ever world reveals for upcoming new Storm Collectibles figures based on characters from Mortal Kombat, Darkstalker, Streets of Rage and more!

Storm Collectibles Bane “Injustice: Gods Among Us” 1/12 Scale Acton Figure · MSRP: $95.00 · Available Now!

After Superman’s defeat, Bane was betrayed by the Regime and relentlessly pursued by Batman. Having already spent most of his life in prison, he is determined to take revenge against his former Regime masters and turn Gotham into a city where his rule is law. Product Features: 3 pairs of interchangeable hands, and a fully articulated body. The figure features incredible sculpt and details.

Storm Collectibles Scorpion “Mortal Kombat 3” 1/12 Scale Action Figure · MSRP: $70.00 - Available Now!

"Get Over Here!" Scorpion Hanzo Hasashi was once a member of the Japanese Shirai Ryu ninja Clan. Given the name Scorpion for deadly fighting skills, his life was blessed with glorious combat in the name of his Grand Master. His signature move is his spear and hellfire. When his mask is removed, his head is a (flaming) skull. Scorpion is a fan favorite. Product features a newly designed body with highly articulated joints. Accessories include interchangeable face mask / skull face mask, 2 pairs of interchangeable hands, a Battle Axe • a Scorpion Spear and 3 blood effects.


About Bluefin
Bluefin is a leading master and channel distributor of Japanese toys, collectibles, novelty and hobby products. The company’s extensive product line features a diverse and continually expanding catalog of high quality and popular collectibles from Asia. As a Bandai Namco group company, Bluefin distributes products in the U.S. for Bandai Tamashii Nations, Hobby and Shokugan. The company’s array of brand offerings also includes products from Storm Collectibles, Mr. Hobby/GSI, SEN-TI-NEL and Flame Toys, for which the company is the North American exclusive distributor. Bluefin is also the official North American consumer products and retail development partner for Studio Ghibli. Additional company information is available at: https://bluefinbrands.com/

https://www.instagram.com/bluefinbrands/

https://www.facebook.com/BluefinBrands/

https://twitter.com/BluefinBrands

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClaqOdyh-gLzT27x9p-o0nw

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Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Justin Bieber's New Album "Changes" Drops Valentine's Day

Justin Bieber Announces 5th Studio Album, CHANGES, set for February 14th, 2020 Release

Changes Tour—Presented by T-Mobile—Hits the Road in North America With Special Guests Kehlani & Jaden Smith

American Express Pre-sale Began January 30th, 2020

Public on Sale Friday, February 14th


NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Grammy Award®-winning global superstar Justin Bieber, announced his 5th studio album CHANGES will arrive February 14th, 2020, via RBMG/Def Jam Recordings, along with the official public on-sale for tickets to the Changes Tour, presented by T-Mobile with special guests Kehlani and Jaden Smith. The tour, promoted by AEG Presents, kicks off in Seattle at the CenturyLink Field on Thursday, May 14th, 2020. Tickets for the tour go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, February 14th at Noon local time at justinbiebermusic.com.

CHANGES – already receiving early buzz as “futuristic R&B/pop,” “trap-soul jams,” and “a new vocal plateau” – is available now for pre-order/pre-save with the new track “Get Me” featuring Kehlani, and will be released to all DSP partners on February 14th. Special collectors-edition CDs will be available at Target, where each CD will contain one of two exclusive fold-out posters.

As the official wireless partner for the Changes Tour, T-Mobile and Justin Bieber continue their successful partnership, forged in 2017 with their #UnlimitedMoves Super Bowl campaign. T-Mobile customers can get access to stage-front tickets at every U.S. tour stop, even the sold-out shows! Un-carrier customers can snag their Reserved Tickets starting 30 days prior to each show at first day prices – just another way T-Mobile thanks its customers simply for being customers.

Fans will have several opportunities to purchase tickets for the Changes Tour in advance of the February 14th public on-sale.

American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Thursday, January 30th at 10:00 a.m. local time through Thursday, February 13th at 10:00 p.m. local time.

A limited number of exclusive VIP Packages will also be available starting January 30th at 10 a.m. These exceptional offers can include an amazing selection of reserved seated tickets, custom merchandise and much more.

And on Monday, February 3rd, 2020, 10:00 a.m. local time, the Justin Bieber official online store will begin offering CHANGES album pre-sales, the Changes Tour pre-sales, and exclusive merchandise.

Additionally, $1.00 from each ticket purchased will be donated to the Bieber Foundation which is committed to supporting mental health wellness.

In step with the premiere of the “Justin Bieber: Seasons” YouTube Originals docuseries, Justin is once again ruling the airwaves and dominating the charts. He made radio history when his new single "Yummy" netted the highest number of official adds ever in a debut week. The track has now surged to over 300 million streams globally.

Over the course of his career, Bieber has amassed over 50 billion streams and over 60 million album equivalent sales worldwide. Justin’s Grammy Award®--winning 2015 album Purpose has sold over 21 million copies worldwide. The Purpose Tour sold out 64 U.S. and 52 international tour dates, thrilling fans around the world with Justin’s dynamic, must-see live performance.

THE CHANGES TOUR DATES:

Date
City
Venue

May 2020:

May 14, 2020
Seattle, WA
CenturyLink Field

May 17th
Portland, OR
Moda Center

May 19th
Sacramento, CA
Golden 1 Center

May 22nd
Santa Clara, CA
Levi's® Stadium

May 26th
San Diego, CA
Pechanga Arena San Diego

May 29th
Pasadena, CA
Rose Bowl Stadium

June 2020:
June 2nd
Las Vegas, NV
T-Mobile Arena

June 5th
Glendale, AZ
State Farm Stadium

June 9th
Salt Lake City, UT
Vivint Smart Home Arena

June 13th
Denver, CO
Empower Field at Mile High Stadium

June 16th
Lincoln, NE
Pinnacle Bank Arena

June 19th
Chicago, IL
Soldier Field

June 21st
Minneapolis, MN
Target Center

June 24th
Milwaukee, WI
American Family Insurance Amphitheater during Summerfest

June 27th
Arlington, TX
AT&T Stadium

June 30th
New Orleans, LA
Smoothie King Center

July 2020:

July 2th
Houston, TX
NRG Stadium

July 6th
Kansas City, MO
Sprint Center

July 8th
Tulsa, OK*
BOK Center

July 11th
Nashville, TN
Nissan Stadium

July 13th
St. Louis, MO
Enterprise Center

July 15th
Little Rock, AR
Simmons Bank Arena

July 18th
Atlanta, GA
Mercedes-Benz Stadium

July 21st
Miami, FL
AmericanAirlines Arena

July 25th
Tampa, FL
Raymond James Stadium

July 27th
Columbia, SC
Colonial Life Arena

July 29th
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro Coliseum

Aug. 2020:

August 1st
Philadelphia, PA
Lincoln Financial Field

August 4th
Pittsburgh, PA
PPG Paints Arena

August 6th
University Park, PA
Bryce Jordan Center

August 8th
Columbus, OH
Ohio Stadium

August 12th
Louisville, KY
KFC Yum! Center

August 14th
Cleveland, OH
FirstEnergy Stadium

August 16th
Grand Rapids, MI
Van Andel Arena

August 18th
Lexington, KY
Rupp Arena

August 21st
Landover, MD
FedExField

August 24th
Buffalo, NY
KeyBank Center

August 26th
Albany, NY
Times Union Center

August 29th
Detroit, MI
Ford Field

Sept. 2020:

September 1st
Ottawa, ON
Canadian Tire Centre

September 3rd
Québec City, QC
Videotron Centre

September10th
Toronto, ON
Rogers Centre

Sepetember 14th
Montreal, QC
Bell Centre

September 17th
Foxboro, MA
Gillette Stadium

September 26th
E. Rutherford, NJ
MetLife Stadium

*Jaden Smith will not appear on the Tulsa date

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Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Essence "Black Women in Hollywood" to Be Held Thurs., Feb. 6th

ESSENCE Celebrates Women Owning Their Narrative and Transforming the Art of Storytelling at “Black Women in Hollywood” Oscar-Week Celebration

Honorees: Niecy Nash, Melina Matsoukas, Lashana Lynch and TV Series Pose Billy Porter Joins Star-Studded Lineup of Presenters

First-Ever ESSENCE House: Hollywood Edition Launches During Oscar Week

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ESSENCE, the number one media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women globally, has unveiled the honorees for its highly-esteemed 2020 Black Women in Hollywood Awards. The highly coveted invitation-only Oscar-week event—spotlighting Hollywood’s most renowned and accomplished women at the forefront of the industry—will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, CA. This year’s theme, in honor of the brand’s 50th anniversary, will be a celebration of women owning, expanding and transforming the art of storytelling. ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood is presented by Ford and sponsored by AT&T Humanity of Connection, Geico, L’OrĂ©al Paris and Netflix.

    “For fifty years, ESSENCE has remained committed to portraying and highlighting the triumphs, aspirations and dynamic lives of Black women”

The 2020 illustrious Black Women in Hollywood honorees include: EMMY Award-winning actress, comedian, director and producer Niecy Nash (When They See Us, Claws, Kidnapped: The Kamiyah Mobley Story); DGA nominated director and two-time Grammy Award winning music video director Melina Matsoukas (Queen & Slim, Master of None’s “Thanksgiving”, “Formation” by BeyoncĂ©); actress Lashana Lynch (Captain Marvel and the upcoming No Time to Die); and the trailblazing cast and co-executive producer/director/writer of Pose (Janet Mock, Mj Rodriguez, Indya Moore, Dominique Jackson, Angelica Ross and Hailie Sahar). The star-studded list of presenters will include EMMY, GRAMMY and Tony award-winning actor Billy Porter (Pose, American Horror Story.) Additional presenters will be announced at a later date.

“For fifty years, ESSENCE has remained committed to portraying and highlighting the triumphs, aspirations and dynamic lives of Black women," said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of ESSENCE Communications, Inc. "The ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood luncheon has become an amazing platform to recognize and honor the unparalleled talents of Black women in an industry that often hasn’t. We celebrate all of our honorees this year for their fearlessness and strength as they boldly continue to own their narratives and share our stories.”

“ESSENCE is thrilled to commemorate the creative and critical achievements of Black women as originators, nurturers, makers and creators during our 13th Black Women in Hollywood awards luncheon,” said MoAna Luu, ESSENCE Chief Content & Creative Officer. “Whether they’re reclaiming our culture or dismantling traditional gender ideas, each of our honorees uplift us as they present their unique gifts on the screen and behind the camera. As ESSENCE celebrates 50 years of the power of our presence, we are proud to salute them all.”

In addition, ESSENCE’s Oscar week activities will culminate with the launch of the inaugural ESSENCE House: Hollywood Edition, which will be held on Friday, February 7th, 2020. This communal space will provide a catalyst for diverse creatives to connect and collaborate through an interactive program. The event will feature a curated schedule of panels, workshops and screenings focused on uplifting emerging storytellers through the mentorship of established Hollywood movers and shakers. Scheduled speakers and participants include talent attorney Nina Shaw; celeb hairstylist Kim Kimble; filmmaker/author Nelson George, producer Nina Yang Bongiovi and more. For more on ESSENCE House: Hollywood Edition visit ESSENCE.com.

ESSENCE’s January/February 2020 issue (on newsstands now) features its annual Black Women in Hollywood package highlighting each honoree. Stay tuned to ESSENCE.com for highlights and behind-the-scenes access to the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards Luncheon. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @essence #BlackWomeninHollywood. Join in the discussion on Facebook.


ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS INC.
Essence Communications is the number one media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 20 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival. Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures, an independent Black-owned, technology-driven company focused on merging content, community and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color.

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Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Recording Academy Announces "Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince"

Prince's Prolific Career Celebrated with "Let's Go Crazy: The GRAMMY® Salute to Prince"

All-Star Lineup Set to Perform Songs from Prince's Remarkable Catalog During Live Concert Taping on Jan. 28

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just two days after the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards®, the Recording Academy®, AEG Ehrlich Ventures and CBS will celebrate the unparalleled career of 38-time GRAMMY® nominee and seven-time GRAMMY winner Prince by presenting "Let's Go Crazy: The GRAMMY® Salute to Prince." The live concert taping will be held Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. PT at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The special will be broadcast later in 2020 on the CBS Television Network. Tickets are on sale now and available for purchase here.

The special will feature a lineup of all-star artists paying tribute to Prince's unprecedented influence on music, including GRAMMY Award-winning artists Beck, Common, Gary Clark Jr., Earth, Wind & Fire, Foo Fighters, H.E.R., Juanes, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Coldplay's Chris Martin, Mavis Staples, St. Vincent, and Usher, and singer/songwriter Susanna Hoffs. Plus, a historic joint performance by several of Prince's most celebrated musical friends and collaborators, including GRAMMY Award-winning band the Revolution, past GRAMMY Award nominee Sheila E., and legendary funk band Morris Day And The Time. Additional performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

"Prince. The Purple One. His Royal Badness — regardless of how you identify him, he is indisputably one of the greatest musical virtuosos of all time," said Deborah Dugan, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. "With his subversive attitude and commanding nature, he straddled musical genres and created electrifying music that was bursting with character. He continues to serve as an inspirational icon for artists and fans worldwide, and we are so honored to pay tribute to his legacy at this year's post-GRAMMYs® special."

"One of the true joys of producing the GRAMMY Awards is both working with and being able to tribute your heroes, and Prince gave me the opportunity of doing both," said Ken Ehrlich. "His GRAMMY appearances, though few, were historic, and it's with mixed feelings that we approach this opportunity to celebrate the amazing legacy he left us. We've gathered a remarkable collection of artists across genres and across generations to salute one of music's truly singular iconic writer/performers, and believe me, it's a tall order to do him justice."

Prince's start in music broke grounds by successfully negotiating with Warner Bros. Records to not only let him produce his 1978 debut album, For You, but to play all 27 instruments featured on the album. In 1984, Prince achieved international fame with the release of his album and film Purple Rain. He has more than 40 RIAA certifications, ranging from platinum to diamond. His catalog includes 19 Top 10 singles and five No. 1 hits, including the GRAMMY-winning "Kiss," as well as five chart-topping albums, including the GRAMMY-winning Purple Rain. Prince has garnered seven GRAMMY Awards, and 38 GRAMMY nominations, and he was presented with the Academy's President's Merit Award in 1985. In 2004, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received the Icon Award at the 2013 Billboard Awards. Releasing nearly 40 studio albums, Prince has solidified his mark as one of the most influential artists of all time.

"Let's Go Crazy: The GRAMMY Salute to Prince" is produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures, LLC, with the cooperation of the Prince Estate. Ehrlich is executive producer, Ron Basile and Chantel Sausedo are producers, and David Wild is the writer/producer. Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Sheila E. are the co-musical directors of the special. To learn more about Prince, visit Prince.com and follow @Prince on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


About the Recording Academy
The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards — music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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Friday, January 24, 2020

Camila Cabello, Jonas Brothers Among Performers at 2020 Grammys

Camila Cabello; H.E.R.; Jonas Brothers; Bonnie Raitt; RosalĂ­a; Run-D.M.C; Tyler, The Creator; and Charlie Wilson Will Take the Stage on the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards®

As Previously Announced, Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato Join Stellar Lineup of Performers

Hosted by Alicia Keys, Music's Biggest Night® Airs Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, on CBS

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Recording Academy® has confirmed the next slate of performers for the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards®. Set to perform on Music's Biggest Night® are current GRAMMY® nominees Camila Cabello; H.E.R.; Jonas Brothers; RosalĂ­a; and Tyler, The Creator; 10-time GRAMMY winner Bonnie Raitt, who will pay tribute to Lifetime Achievement Award recipient John Prine; Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Run-D.M.C will join Aerosmith; and 13-time GRAMMY nominee Charlie Wilson. They join previously announced performers Aerosmith, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Lizzo, Demi Lovato, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani. Live from STAPLES Center, and hosted by Alicia Keys, the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

No stranger to the GRAMMY stage, Camila Cabello is nominated this year with Shawn Mendes for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance ("Señorita").

GRAMMY winner Ariana Grande is nominated for Record Of The Year ("7 Rings"), Album Of The Year (thank u, next), Best Pop Solo Performance ("7 Rings"), Best Pop/Duo Group Performance ("Boyfriend") and Best Pop Vocal Album (thank u, next).

Two-time GRAMMY winner H.E.R. is nominated for Record Of The Year ("Hard Place"), Album Of The Year (I Used To Know Her), Song Of The Year ("Hard Place"), Best R&B Performance ("Could've Been") and Best R&B Song ("Could've Been").

Taking the stage once again, multiplatinum powerhouse trio Jonas Brothers are nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance ("Sucker").

Making her GRAMMY stage debut, flamenco pop star and five-time Latin GRAMMY® winner RosalĂ­a is nominated for Best New Artist and Best Latin Rock, Urban Or Alternative Album (El Mal Querer).

Taking Music's Biggest Night's stage for the first time, three-time GRAMMY nominee Tyler, The Creator is nominated for Best Rap Album (Igor).

The 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for the Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Ben Winston is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, Chantel Sausedo is the talent producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers.


ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY
The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards — music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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Thursday, January 23, 2020

Lizzo, Billie Eilish Among Performers at 2020 Grammy Awards

Aerosmith, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani to Perform on the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards®

Hosted by Alicia Keys, Music's Biggest Night® Airs Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, on CBS

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Recording Academy® has confirmed its first slate of performers for the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards®. Set to take the stage on Music's Biggest Night® are 2020 MusiCares Person of the Year® Aerosmith, who will perform a medley of some of their legendary hits; first-time nominee breakout stars Billie Eilish and Lizzo will each make their GRAMMY stage debuts; and powerhouse artists Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani will take the GRAMMY stage together for the first time. Live from STAPLES Center, and hosted by Alicia Keys, the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Four-time GRAMMY®-winning band Aerosmith first performed on the GRAMMY stage on the 33rd GRAMMY Awards in 1991. This year, they are appearing as the MusiCares Person of the Year, being recognized for their considerable philanthropic efforts over five decades and undeniable impact on American music history.

Making her GRAMMY performance debut, first-time GRAMMY nominee Billie Eilish is nominated for Record Of The Year ("Bad Guy"), Album Of The Year (When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?), Song Of The Year ("Bad Guy"), Best New Artist, Best Pop Solo Performance ("Bad Guy"), and Best Pop Vocal Album (When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?).

Also taking the stage for the first time, Lizzo received her first GRAMMY nominations this year for Record Of The Year ("Truth Hurts"), Album Of The Year (Cuz I Love You [Deluxe]), Song Of The Year ("Truth Hurts"), Best New Artist, Best Pop Solo Performance ("Truth Hurts"), Best R&B Performance ("Exactly How I Feel"), Best Traditional R&B Performance ("Jerome"), and Best Urban Contemporary Album (Cuz I Love You [Deluxe]).

Three-time GRAMMY winner Gwen Stefani will perform with current GRAMMY nominee Blake Shelton. Shelton is nominated this year for Best Country Solo Performance ("God’s Country").

The 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for the Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Ben Winston is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, Chantel Sausedo is the talent producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers.


ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY
The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards®—music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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Tuesday, November 26, 2019

BET Networks to Broadcast 51st NAACP Image Awards

NAACP Partners With BET Networks to Broadcast the 51st NAACP Image Awards Live on February 22, 2020 From Pasadena, CA

2-HOUR TELECAST TO CELEBRATE THE BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENTS IN BLACK CULTURE

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The NAACP and BET Networks announced a broadcast partnership to air the 51st NAACP Image Awards. The telecast will take place from Pasadena, California and will air on BET Networks for the first time ever. The announcement was made today by NAACP National Board of Directors Chairman Leon W. Russell, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson, President of BET Networks Scott Mills and Executive Vice-President, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy Connie Orlando. The NAACP Image Awards is the preeminent event celebrating the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature, and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.

    “We are confident that the NAACP Image Awards will continue to grow in both impact and legacy.”

“We’re proud to partner with BET Networks to showcase the incredible breadth of Black excellence in television, film, music, and literature, and to bring awareness to the social justice and economic empowerment work of the NAACP,” said Johnson. “Through its diverse platforms, BET delivers culturally enriching and entertaining content to a wide and multigenerational audience. As we head into a critical 2020 election and Census, the collaboration with BET will be critical to reaching our shared communities.”

“The NAACP is vitally important, and BET Networks shares the organization’s commitment to our community and social impact,” added Mills. “With the NAACP’s half-century of history acknowledging the achievements of African Americans across entertainment and activism, this partnership allows BET to further our mission to entertain, engage and empower our viewers by delivering this cultural pillar to the communities we serve. We’re thrilled to welcome the NAACP Image Awards home to BET.”

Karen Boykin-Towns, NAACP National Board of Directors Vice-Chairman is the newly appointed Chairman of the NAACP Image Awards Planning Committee and will provide strategic guidance and leadership. Eris Sims, Chief of Staff will oversee all NAACP Image Awards events and activities.

“We are excited that two storied organizations, NAACP and BET, are partnering to cultivate innovative approaches to our work and to deliver a transformative experience that inspires and empowers the Black community. This is a natural partnership and one which aligns with our strategic focus,” said Boykin-Towns. “We are confident that the NAACP Image Awards will continue to grow in both impact and legacy.”

One of the most iconic annual celebrations of black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws a crowd of the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years attendees include Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Taraji P. Henson, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, Anthony Anderson, Sterling K. Brown, Mandy Moore, Halle Berry, Common, Dwayne Johnson, Steve Harvey, Audra Day, John Legend, Lena Waithe, Tracee Ellis Ross, David Oyelowo, Laverne Cox, Octavia Spencer, Issa Rae, Trevor Noah, Terry Crews, Yara Shahidi, Danai Gurira, Jacob Latimore, Jay Pharoah, Jemele Hill, Josh Gad, Loretta Devine, Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Meta Golding, Michael Smith, Tyler James Williams, Ava DuVernay, Chadwick Boseman, and many more.

“It is our honor to partner with the NAACP as the exclusive broadcast partner of the Image Awards, one of the most influential Award Shows in the black community,” said Orlando. “We will celebrate and acknowledge the excellence and achievements of African-Americans in television, music, arts and give special recognition to the artists that have thrilled us and shaped the past the year in black culture. As we head into our 40th anniversary, it is only right to start off 2020 with this monumental partnership and bring the legacy of NAACP Image Awards to BET.”

Nominations for the “51st NAACP Image Awards” will be announced on January 9, 2020. Additional key dates are as follows:

Dec 6:
Submissions close

Dec 20:
Nominating Committee Voting Opens

Jan 03:
Nominating Committee Voting Closes

Jan 09:
Online Public Voting Opens

Feb 07:
Online Public Voting Closes

Feb 21:
Non-Televised Awards Dinner

For more information and the latest news, please visit the official NAACP Image Awards website at www.naacpimageawards.net.

FB: /naacpimageaward | Twitter: @naacpimageaward (#NAACPImageAwards) | IG: @naacpimageawards


About NAACP:
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas at naacp.org.

About BET Networks:
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news, and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture and news; BET HER, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks - BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET's growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.

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Monday, November 25, 2019

Diana Ross Highlights a Week of" 2019 World AIDS Day" Concerts

AHF to Host 2019 World AIDS Day Concert in Dallas With Special Guest Diana Ross

Free concerts with other artists set for L.A., Atlanta and Miami

In U.S., AHF to host four high profile events—including free concert in Dallas with special guest Diana Ross—as well as events nationwide, in addition to nearly 100 events set in 43 countries that AHF serves in.

    DALLAS - Nov. 29 (Friday) - AHF is partnering with respected local AIDS organization, AIN, to host a free concert with the incomparable Diana Ross. Joining Ms. Ross will be R&B singer KeKe Wyatt and singer, actress Teyana Taylor. The concert will take place at the Bomb Factory.

    LOS ANGELES - Dec. 1 (Sunday) - 2019 Primetime Emmy Award-winner, Billy Porter, will host a concert at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre with Grammy award-winner Faith Evans, singer/songwriter Daya and entertainer Miss Shalae. Partnering with AHF is Impulse United, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.

    ATLANTA - Dec. 5 (Thursday) at Center Stage Atlanta will be Grammy nominated artists Deborah Cox, Raheem DeVaughn and rapper KCamp.

    MIAMI - Dec. 7 (Saturday) - The Adrienne Arscht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami Dade County is the site with performances by singer/songwriter India and multi-talented musician Amara La Negra.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, is once again set to hold a variety of free concerts, community events and formal observations in many of the 43 countries around the globe that AHF serves in, to mark World AIDS Day, formally observed each year on December 1.

    AHF concerts serve as a reminder to world leaders and others that there were over one million AIDS deaths and as many as 2.3 million new HIV infections occurring in the last year—and that there is still much work to be globally to defeat this epidemic.

In the U.S., AHF will host four free high-profile concerts in Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and Atlanta, with the incomparable Diana Ross featured as special guest at the Dallas concert on November 29 at the Bomb Factory. There will also be scores of other events set in the 15 U.S. states that AHF operates in, as well as more than 100 additional AHF World AIDS Day commemorations and events around the globe.

Under its “Keep the Promise!” banner, AHF will acknowledge progress made in the global fight against HIV and AIDS. These AHF World AIDS Day events also serve as a stark reminder to world leaders and others that there were over 1 million AIDS deaths and as many as 2.3 million new HIV infections occurring in the last year—and that there is still much work to be globally to defeat this epidemic.

This year, AHF is also honoring "Our Champions" at all its U.S. World AIDS Day events. “Our Champions” are select group of individuals, both living and dead, who have made a profound impact in the decades-long fight against HIV and AIDS, and these champions include local community advocates, important figures like Princess Diana, Connie Norman, Elizabeth Taylor, Larry Kramer, Pedro Zamora and others, who will be recognized, remembered and honored nationwide.

In the U.S., AHF events scheduled for World AIDS Day 2019 include various activities ranging from free concerts and unifying marches, to exciting fashion shows and empowering advocacy rallies. As always, AHF will be on hand at many of these events to provide free HIV testing services, distribute free condoms, and hold interactive sessions to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and related issues at multiple locations throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and the U.S.

AHF’s premier U.S. event, done in partnership with AHF-affiliate AIN (AIDS Interfaith Network d.b.a. ‘Access & Information Network’) takes place Friday, November 29 at the Bomb Factory in DALLAS.

    In LOS ANGELES: AHF will host a World AIDS Day commemoration event at the historic Wilshire Ebell Theatre, featuring an all-women lineup of entertainers hosted by 2019 Primetime Emmy Award-winner, Billy Porter, with musical performances by the artists Faith Evans, Daya and Miss Shalae.

    WHAT: AHF World AIDS Day LOS ANGELES Commemoration
    WHEN: Sunday, December 1, 2019 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
    WHERE: Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 4401 W. 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90005

    In ATLANTA: Thursday, December 5 at the Center Stage Atlanta will be the site of this commemoration with performances by Deborah Cox, Raheem DeVaughn and KCamp.

    WHAT: AHF World AIDS Day ATLANTA Commemoration
    WHEN: Thursday, December 5, 2019 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
    WHERE: Center Stage Atlanta, 1374 W. Peachtree St., NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

    In MIAMI: The Adrienne Arscht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami Dade County is the site of the Saturday, December 7, 2019 event featuring performances by La India and Amara La Negra.

    WHAT: AHF World AIDS MIAMI Commemoration
    WHEN: Saturday, December 7, 2019 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
    WHERE: The Adrienne Arscht Center for The Performing Arts of Miami Dade County, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132

According to UNAIDS and W.H.O., over 38.9 million people are living with HIV/AIDS around the world. Each year, it is estimated that as many as 2.3 million people become infected with the virus and up to 1 million die of AIDS-related causes. While millions of people today are accessing lifesaving antiretroviral therapy, millions more still desperately need it. The end of the epidemic is only possible if governments and world leaders Keep the Promise on AIDS.

A list of AHF’s other U.S. World AIDS Day events can be accessed at: www.ahf.org/wad/.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over 1.3 million people in 43 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Eastern Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare.

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Thursday, November 21, 2019

"62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards" Nominations Have Been Announced

Recording Academy® Announces Nominees for the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards®

First-time Nominees Lizzo, Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X Are This Year's Most Nominated Artists

Winners Announced Sunday, Jan. 26th, 2020

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Recording Academy® President/CEO Deborah Dugan, alongside Academy Chair of the Board of Trustees and renowned record producer Harvey Mason Jr., as well as GRAMMY Awards® host Alicia Keys and past two-time GRAMMY® nominee Bebe Rexha, revealed nominees for the 62nd GRAMMY Awards in select categories. This year's nominees reflect a melting pot of artistic innovation that defined the year in music, showcasing the unparalleled craftsmanship of established artists and the industry-shifting impact of rising music creators.

Leading nominees Lizzo (8), Billie Eilish (6) and Lil Nas X (6) not only topped the charts but ignited a cultural conversation around their genre-bending hits. As the only peer-selected music award, the GRAMMY Awards are voted on by the Recording Academy's membership body of music makers, who represent all genres and creative disciplines, including recording artists, songwriters, producers, mixers and engineers.

"I am in complete awe of the inspiring nominees who have poured their hearts and souls into their craft, and in turn, have provided fans worldwide a year of music that changed us, stirred our emotions and inspired us to do more," said Dugan. "Today's announcement reflects a new era for the Recording Academy—an army of engaged members that welcomes diversity, embraces creativity and champions young musicians on the rise. It's shaping up to be a year of firsts, and I can promise that the 62nd GRAMMY Awards will pack the same punch as this year's nominees. I am proud to march forward alongside our members and nominated artists."

This year's nominees were selected from more than 20,000 submissions across 84 categories, and reflect the wide range of artistic innovation that defined the year in music (Oct. 1, 2018–Aug. 31, 2019). The final round of GRAMMY voting is Dec. 9, 2019–Jan. 3, 2020. The Recording Academy will present the GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, live from Los Angeles' STAPLES Center and broadcast on the CBS Television Network from 8:00–11:30 p.m. ET/5:00–8:30 p.m. PT.

The following is a sampling of nominations from the GRAMMY Awards' 30 Fields and 84 Categories.

For a complete nominations list, visit www.grammy.com

Record Of The Year:
"Hey, Ma" — Bon Iver
"Bad Guy" — Billie Eilish
"7 Rings" — Ariana Grande
"Hard Place" — H.E.R.
"Talk" — Khalid
"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
"Truth Hurts" — Lizzo
"Sunflower" — Post Malone & Swae Lee

Album Of The Year:
i,i — Bon Iver
Norman F***ing Rockwell! — Lana Del Rey
When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? — Billie Eilish
thank u, next — Ariana Grande
I Used To Know Her — H.E.R.
7 — Lil Nas X
Cuz I Love You (Deluxe) — Lizzo
Father Of The Bride — Vampire Weekend

Song Of The Year:
"Always Remember Us This Way" — Natalie Hemby, Lady Gaga, Hillary Lindsey & Lori McKenna, songwriters (Lady Gaga)
"Bad Guy" — Billie Eilish O'Connell & Finneas O'Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)
"Bring My Flowers Now" — Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth, Tim Hanseroth & Tanya Tucker, songwriters (Tanya Tucker)
"Hard Place" — Ruby Amanfu, Sam Ashworth, D. Arcelious Harris, H.E.R. & Rodney Jerkins, songwriters (H.E.R.)
"Lover" — Taylor Swift, songwriter (Taylor Swift)
"Norman F***ing Rockwell" — Jack Antonoff & Lana Del Rey, songwriters (Lana Del Rey)
"Someone You Loved" — Tom Barnes, Lewis Capaldi, Pete Kelleher, Benjamin Kohn & Sam Roman, songwriters (Lewis Capaldi)
"Truth Hurts" — Steven Cheung, Eric Frederic, Melissa Jefferson & Jesse Saint John, songwriters (Lizzo)

Best New Artist:
Black Pumas
Billie Eilish
Lil Nas X
Lizzo
Maggie Rogers
RosalĂ­a
Tank And The Bangas
Yola

Best Pop Solo Performance:
"Spirit" — BeyoncĂ©
"Bad Guy" — Billie Eilish
"7 Rings" — Ariana Grande
"Truth Hurts" — Lizzo
"You Need To Calm Down" — Taylor Swift

Best Pop Vocal Album:
The Lion King: The Gift — BeyoncĂ©
When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? — Billie Eilish
thank u, next — Ariana Grande
No. 6 Collaborations Project — Ed Sheeran
Lover — Taylor Swift

Best Dance Recording:
"Linked" — Bonobo
"Got To Keep On" — The Chemical Brothers
"Piece Of Your Heart" — Meduza Featuring Goodboys
"Underwater" — RĂśFĂśS DU SOL
"Midnight Hour" — Skrillex & Boys Noize Featuring Ty Dolla $ign

Best Rock Album:
Amo — Bring Me The Horizon
Social Cues — Cage The Elephant
In The End — The Cranberries
Trauma — I Prevail
Feral Roots — Rival Sons

Best R&B Performance:
"Love Again" — Daniel Caesar & Brandy
"Could've Been" — H.E.R. Featuring Bryson Tiller
"Exactly How I Feel" — Lizzo Featuring Gucci Mane
"Roll Some Mo" — Lucky Daye
"Come Home" — Anderson .Paak Featuring AndrĂ© 3000

Best Rap Album:
Revenge Of The Dreamers III — Dreamville
Championships — Meek Mill
I Am > I Was — 21 Savage
Igor — Tyler, The Creator
The Lost Boy — YBN Cordae

Best Country Song:
"Bring My Flowers Now" — Brandie Carlile, Phil Hanseroth, Tim Hanseroth & Tanya Tucker, songwriters (Tanya Tucker)
"Girl Goin' Nowhere" — Jeremy Bussey & Ashley McBryde, songwriters (Ashley McBryde)
"It All Comes Out In The Wash" — Miranda Lambert, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna & Liz Rose, songwriters (Miranda Lambert)
"Some Of It" — Eric Church, Clint Daniels, Jeff Hyde & Bobby Pinson, songwriters (Eric Church)
"Speechless" — Shay Mooney, Jordan Reynolds, Dan Smyers & Laura Veltz, songwriters (Dan + Shay)

Best Jazz Vocal Album:
Thirsty Ghost — Sara Gazarek
Love & Liberation — Jazzmeia Horn
Alone Together — Catherine Russell
12 Little Spells — Esperanza Spalding
Screenplay — The Tierney Sutton Band

Best Gospel Album:
Long Live Love — Kirk Franklin
Goshen — Donald Lawrence Presents The Tri-City Singers
Tunnel Vision — Gene Moore
Settle Here — William Murphy
Something's Happening! A Christmas Album — CeCe Winans

Best Latin Rock, Urban Or Alternative Album:
X 100PRE — Bad Bunny
Oasis — J Balvin & Bad Bunny
Indestructible — Flor De Toloache
Almadura — iLe
El Mal Querer — RosalĂ­a

Best Americana Album:
Years To Burn — Calexico And Iron & Wine
Who Are You Now — Madison Cunningham
Oklahoma — Keb' Mo'
Tales Of America — J.S. Ondara
Walk Through Fire — Yola

Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Storytelling):
Beastie Boys Book — (Various Artists) Michael Diamond, Adam Horovitz, Scott Sherratt & Dan Zitt, producers
Becoming — Michelle Obama
I.V. Catatonia: 20 Years As A Two-Time Cancer Survivor — Eric Alexandrakis
Mr. Know-It-All — John Waters
Sekou Andrews & The String Theory — Sekou Andrews & The String Theory

Best Song Written For Visual Media:
"The Ballad Of The Lonesome Cowboy" — Randy Newman, songwriter (Chris Stapleton), Track from: Toy Story 4
"Girl In The Movies" — Dolly Parton & Linda Perry, songwriters (Dolly Parton), Track from: Dumplin'
"I'll Never Love Again" (Film Version) — Natalie Hemby, Lady Gaga, Hillary Lindsey & Aaron Raitiere, songwriters (Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper), Track from: A Star Is Born
"Spirit" — BeyoncĂ© Knowles-Carter, Timothy McKenzie & Ilya Salmanzadeh, songwriters (BeyoncĂ©), Track from: The Lion King
"Suspirium" — Thom Yorke, songwriter (Thom Yorke), Track from: Suspiria

Best Music Film:
Homecoming — BeyoncĂ©
Remember My Name — David Crosby
Birth Of The Cool — (Miles Davis)
Shangri-La — (Various Artists)
Anima — Thom Yorke


ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY
The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards—music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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