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NBC's "Fashion Star" Will Premiere with a 90-Minute Episode on Tuesday, March 13 (9:30-11 p.m. ET) with Celebrity Mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie, John Varvatos and Host/Executive Producer Elle Macpherson.UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - January 26, 2012-- NBC's "Fashion Star" revealed today the 14 designers competing to become America's next big Fashion Star and a chance to win the multi-million dollar prize of launching their collections in three of America's largest retailers: Macy's, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue. The new series, hosted and executive-produced by Elle Macpherson, and featuring celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos will premiere on Tuesday, March 13 (9:30-11 p.m. ET) and resume with one-hour episodes on Tuesday, March 20 (10-11 p.m. ET). The competing designers are:BARBARA BATES (Age: 55) -- Chicago, Ill. -- A recent breast cancer survivor, Bates, is a Chicago native and designer who has been working in the fashion industry for over 25 years knows what it means to be a fighter. In 1999, she founded the Bates Foundation, which provides custom prom attire/dresses for underprivileged young women and men from inner-city Chicago schools. EDMOND NEWTON (Age: 32) -- Atlanta, Ga. -- From his junior high school days when he was voted "best dressed" to later becoming a professional male model at the age of 17, Edmond Newton has always been destined for a career in the fashion world. His ultimate dream is to create a successful fashion house and become a household name.@edmondnewtonKARA LARICKS (Age: 38) -- New York City, N.Y. -- Former fourth-grade school teacher Laricks always told her students to be true to themselves. Finally, she took her own advice and pursued a career in fashion. She designs androgynous clothing for women, inspired by her love of menswear and an avant-garde Japanese design aesthetic.@karalaricksLISA VIAN HUNTER (Age: 47) -- Mercer

BURBANK, Calif. - January 19, 2012 - Michelle Obama will make her late night talk show debut as the First Lady of the United States on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" (Monday - Friday, 11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET on NBC) on Tuesday, January 31. The First Lady is expected to talk about her "Let's Move" campaign, what life is like for her and her family in the White House and her upcoming book about the White House kitchen garden. Mrs. Obama's first appearance was on October 27, 2008, a few weeks prior to her husband, Barack Obama, being elected President of the United States."The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" is from Big Dog Productions in association with Universal Television. Debbie Vickers is the executive producer.Please follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jayleno and on Twitter at http//twitter.com/jayleno

Louis J. Horvitz to Return as Director for the Second Year in a Row HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - January 9, 2012 - Antonio Banderas (1997, 1999 and 2004 Golden Globe nominee), Jake Gyllenhaal (2011 Golden Globe nominee), Salma Hayek (2003 Golden Globe nominee), Nicole Kidman (1996, 2002 and 2003 Golden Globe winner; 1992, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2011 Golden Globe nominee), Clive Owen (2005 Golden Globe winner), Melissa McCarthy, Freida Pinto and Natalie Portman (2005 and 2011 Golden Globe winner; 2000 Golden Globe nominee) are set to present at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, January 15, 2012, with host Ricky Gervais. Directed by Emmy Award winning director, Louis J. Horvitz for the second year in a row, the show will air LIVE coast-to-coast on NBC; pre-show from 4:00-5:00 p.m. (PST)/7:00-8:00 p.m. (EST), and main telecast from 5:00-8:00 p.m. (PST)/8:00-11:00 p.m. (EST) from The Beverly Hilton. It was announced today exclusively by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA)."We are thrilled to have these talented individuals join us," said Dr. Aida Takla-O'Reilly, president of the HFPA. "Each will bring something very special to this year's show!"Barry Adelman, EVP of television at dick clark productions and executive producer and writer of the Golden Globes said, "This is a prestigious group of charismatic stars that fits perfectly with our reputation as Hollywood's Party of the Year!"Produced by dick clark productions in association with the HFPA, the Golden Globe Awards are viewed in more than 160 countries worldwide and are one of the few awards ceremonies to include both motion picture and television achievements.  About the Hollywood Foreign Press Association:Founded in the 1940s during World War II, the HFPA was originally comprised of a handful of LA based overseas journalists who sought to bridge the international community with Hollywood, and to provide distraction from

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - January 6, 2012 - NBC has launched a strong and comprehensive promotional campaign to build a positive initial sampling prior to the premiere of "Smash" (Monday, February 6, 10-11 p.m. ET) with a full spectrum of initiatives. Some of these include:NBC is exhibiting the "Smash" series pilot during consumer screenings in 10 major markets on January 9 in Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland and San Francisco. In Chicago, NBC will have some of the cast and creative team on hand for a Q-n-A after the screening followed by a reception. On January 11, there will also be a focus on the LGBT community at the Outfest Screening in Los Angeles. From January 15-30, selected American Airlines flights will show in-flight screenings of the pilot.It is being offered to digital download platforms including Apple iTunes, Amazon Video on Demand, Xbox/Zune, Playstation, Samsung MediaHub and Vudu beginning January 16 through February 6. From January 16 through February 6, Video on Demand partners, including parent company Comcast, will offer the pilot via Set-Top-Box On Demand.Beginning January 23 through February 6, online streaming via NBC.com and Hulu.

Music Legend Lionel Richie and Multi-Platinum Artists Kelly Clarkson, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Alanis Morissette, Ne-Yo and Robin Thicke Are Set to Lend Their Expertise During the Battle Rounds Stage of Competition on Season Two of the Hit SeriesUNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -- January 6, 2012-- NBC's "The Voice" coaches have enlisted multi-platinum singer-songwriters Kelly Clarkson, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds," Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Alanis Morissette, Ne-Yo, Lionel Richie and Robin Thicke to lend their knowledge and skills as advisers to six separate artists on Teams Adam (Levine), Blake (Shelton), Cee Lo (Green) and Christina (Aguilera), respectively, during the "battle rounds" phase of competition on the upcoming season.Sneak Peek at Season 2's Advisors:"The Voice" premieres on a special night and time, Sunday, February 5, (10-11 p.m. ET; time approximate) following Super Bowl XLVI on NBC before settling into its regular time slot of Mondays (8-10 p.m. ET) beginning Monday, February 6. The adviser and team pairings are as follows:Team Adam: Alanis Morissette (@morissette) and Robin Thicke (@robinthicke) Team Blake: Kelly Clarkson (@Kelly_Clarkson) and Miranda Lambert (@Miranda_Lambert)Team Cee Lo: Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds (@KennyEdmonds) and Ne-Yo (@NeYoCompound)Team Christina: Jewel (@jeweljk) and Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) The announcement was made today by Paul Telegdy, President, Late Night and Alternative Programming, NBC. "These renowned musicians will bring their unique and recognizable musical styles to the teams," said Telegdy. "They are well-respected singers whose invaluable experience will be a tremendous asset to Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton's artists." The battle rounds will pit two artists from each team against each other to sing a duet. At the end of each battle round performance, the artists' respective coach will decide who among their team will move on to the live shows, and who will be eliminated from the competition. Aguilera (@TheRealXtina), Green (@CeeLoGreen), Levine (@adamlevine) and Shelton (@blakeshelton)

     "NBC's 'Smash': Make a Musical" Set to Launch This Month in 20 Schools in 20 U.S. Cities   UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -- January 6, 2012 - NBC and iTheatrics are teaming up for the national launch of "NBC's 'Smash': Make a Musical," a philanthropic initiative that will help create sustainable musical theater programs in underserved schools nationwide.Timed with NBC's launch of the new musical drama series "Smash," the initiative will work with local schools across the country to stage their own productions and implement self-sustaining programs. The initiative will launch in 20 schools in 20 U.S. cities (see market list below) this month. NBC will underwrite the initial 20-market program rollout with Broadway master professionals going into the schools and mentoring students and teachers. Additionally, the network and its affiliates will provide marketing and publicity support across multiple platforms including on-air, online and print media. NBC is also cross-promoting the initiative with several of its strategic partners, including Gilt City, Music Theatre International and Broadwayworld.com. The partnership will kick off in earnest at The Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta January 13-15, where stars from "Smash" will join with iTheatrics to announce the first 20 schools selected. The 20-market pilot launch will be the catalyst for iTheatrics' Junior Theater Project to produce 180 additional "Make a Musical" programs in the fall. In 2013, iTheatrics plans to launch an additional 200 programs and by 2014, the goal is to have 1,000 new arts programs positively impacting over one million U.S. students.America has the opportunity to apply now for local schools to be a part of the Fall 2012 program (second cycle) at makeamusical.org.NBC's new drama "Smash" premieres February 6 (10-11 p.m. ET) and stars Debra Messing ("Will & Grace"), Katharine McPhee ("American Idol") and Oscar winner Anjelica Huston ("Prizzi's Honor"), among others.The nationwide partnership

  Martin Sheen, Marisa Tomei, Blair Underwood, Reba McEntire, Rob Lowe, Helen Hunt, Rita Wilson, Edie Falco, Rashida Jones, Jerome Bettis, Jason Sudeikis and Paula Deen Take a Look Inside Their Family Histories on NBC's Genealogy Alternative Series Produced by Lisa Kudrow  UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif.-- January 6, 2012-- Viewers can take an up-close and personal look inside the family history of some of today's most beloved and iconic celebrities when NBC's "Who Do You Think You Are?" returns for its third season on Friday, February 3 (8-9 p.m. ET). The celebrities who star in the series are Martin Sheen, Marisa Tomei, Blair Underwood, Reba McEntire, Rob Lowe, Helen Hunt, Rita Wilson, Edie Falco, Rashida Jones, Jerome Bettis, Jason Sudeikis and Paula Deen.From executive producers Lisa Kudrow ("Friends," "Web Therapy") and Dan Bucatinsky ("Lipstick Jungle," "The Comeback") - through their production company Is or Isn't Entertainment and Shed Media U.S. ("Supernanny," "The Real Housewives of New York City") -- "Who Do You Think You Are?" is an adaptation of the award-winning hit British television documentary series that leads celebrities on a journey of self-discovery as they unearth their family trees that reveal surprising, inspiring and even tragic stories that often are linked to crucial events in American history."We're very excited about the stories we have this season. This fantastic group of people we have will take us to countries we haven't visited before which is thrilling and gives us glimpses into crucial details of history that not only shaped their families, but our world," said executive producers Kudrow and Bucatinsky. "This is what we love about this series; it's so enriching for us the viewer, as well as the participants and their families."From Ireland's freedom fighters to the American Revolutionary War, and from the African nation of Cameroon to Bulgaria, "Who Do You

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -- January 6, 2012 -- Three-time Grammy Award winner, two-time Emmy Award winner and Tony Award nominee Harry Connick Jr. will have a multi-episode, guest-starring turn on the Wolf Films/NBC drama "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (Wednesdays, 10-11 p.m. ET).Connick will guest-star as Executive ADA David Haden, a dedicated, straight-shooting prosecutor who is assigned a case with Detective Benson (Mariska Hargitay). Although Benson is at first wary of Haden, they are both surprised to find they work well together. As the case develops, so does their relationship. Connick's first episode will air January 18."This is a home run on so many levels," said Hargitay. "The show is very fortunate to have Harry's extraordinary talent, and I'm lucky because I get to work with my friend. I think Olivia couldn't have asked for a better companion to take her through a new stage in her life and career." Mariska and Harry Say Hello from the Set:A star in music, theater, film and television, Connick recently won his second Emmy for musical direction of his live concert television special, "Harry Connick Jr. in Concert on Broadway." He currently is starring on Broadway in the musical "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever" about which USA Today said: "Harry Connick Jr. has never sung or acted more powerfully." The musical is directed by Tony Award-winner Michael Mayer, who also is the director of NBC's upcoming Broadway-themed drama "Smash."This year Connick starred in the hit film "Dolphin Tale" which debuted at #1 at the box office with Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman and Kris Kristofferson. He also added author to his credentials with "The Happy Elf," his beloved song and children's Christmas stage musical turned into a keepsake children's book with an accompanying instrumental jazz CD released by Marsalis Music. On

Carl Reiner, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Vicki Lawrence And John O'hurley Also Pay Tribute To White Along With Previously Announced Guests, Including White's 'Mary Tyler Moore' And 'Hot In Cleveland' Co-StarsAlso Included Is Sneak Preview of the TV Icon's New NBC "Hidden Camera" Series "Betty White's Off Their Rockers" to Follow 90th Birthday Salute from 9:30-10 p.m. (ET)  UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -- January 6, 2012 -- Ellen DeGeneres, Morgan Freeman, Tina Fey, Ray Romano, Seth Meyers and Tracy Morgan have joined the star-studded line-up paying tribute to one of the world's most beloved entertainers in "Betty White's 90th Birthday: A Tribute to America's Golden Girl" on Monday, January 16 (8-9:30 p.m. ET). Also saluting White will be Carl Reiner, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Vicki Lawrence and John O'Hurley. Previously announced stars paying tribute to the seven-time Emmy winner include Mary Tyler Moore and White's "Mary Tyler Moore" co-stars Ed Asner, Valerie Harper and Gavin MacLeod, as well as Hugh Jackman, Carol Burnett, Jay Leno and Amy Poehler. White's "Hot in Cleveland" co-stars Valerie Bertinelli, Wendie Malick and Jane Leeves will also be on hand to deliver birthday wishes along with Joel McHale and William Shatner. Immediately following the birthday special will be a sneak preview of NBC's "Betty White's Off Their Rockers" (9:30-10 p.m.), an outrageously funny hidden-camera season unlike anything viewers have ever seen. The show takes senior stereotypes and blows them out of the water as fearless senior citizens take to the streets to pull shocking, unexpected and hilarious pranks on the younger generation. The birthday special, taping at the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, will include special musical performances, surprise appearances and comedy, and will feature the irreverent tone, spirit and energy that is the hallmark of White's six-decade career in show business. White will take the stage to share some memories

18 Celebrities Will Compete to Win Money for Charity and the Title of Celebrity ApprenticeNEW YORK, NY - Wednesday, January 4 - Donald Trump, executive producer and star of "Celebrity Apprentice," announced today the newest and largest-ever lineup of famous faces appearing on the fifth installment of the series, premiering Sunday, February 12 at 9pm EST/PST on NBC.The men are: late-night legend Arsenio Hall, pop star Clay Aiken, radio host Adam Carolla, the "Incredible Hulk" Lou Ferrigno, magician/comedian Penn Jillette, rock star Dee Snider, actor George Takei, IndyCar legend Michael Andretti, and star of "American Chopper," Paul Teutul, Sr.The women are: supermodel Cheryl Tiegs, pop star Debbie Gibson, actress and multi-Grammy winner Tia Carrere, author and reality star Victoria Gotti, comedienne Lisa Lampanelli, former Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza, singer and actress Aubrey O'Day, actress and model Patricia Velasquez, and star of "Real Housewives of New Jersey," Teresa Giudice."This season of 'Celebrity Apprentice' will be the most exciting yet. The show will be great, with a record number of contestants and 15 episodes. We are thrilled to bring 18 new and talented celebrities who will help me make 'The Celebrity Apprentice' one of the hottest shows on television this spring. This will be season 12 -- Amazing!" said Mr. Trump.Watch Donald Trump Introduce the Cast on The Today Show:Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economyAll 18 business-savvy celebrity contestants will compete with the goal of raising money and awareness for their charity of choice. The last person standing will be chosen as the Celebrity Apprentice and have the honor of delivering a $250,000 bonus check to their designated charity, following in the footsteps of previous winners Piers Morgan, Joan Rivers, Bret Michaels and John Rich.The celebrities will be subject to long hours, grueling deadlines, intellectual challenges,