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    <title>NBC.com Entertainment News</title>
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    <id>tag:www.nbc.com,2008-11-07:/news/20</id>
    <updated>2012-02-09T04:49:42Z</updated>
    
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<entry>
    <title>SNL Alum Maya Rudolph Returns To Saturday Night Live As Host On February 18 With Musical Guest Sleigh Bells</title>
    <link rel="alternate"  href="http://www.nbc.com/news/2012/02/08/snl-alum-maya-rudolph-returns-to-saturday-night-live-as-host-on-february-18-with-musical-guest-sleig/?__source=News|RSS" />
    <id>tag:www.nbc.com,2012:/news//20.102577</id>

    <published>2012-02-08T23:48:02Z</published>
    <updated>2012-02-09T04:49:42Z</updated>

    <summary>New York, NY - February 8, 2012 - Maya Rudolph returns to her SNL roots as host on February 18th. The SNL alum, known for her memorable impressions and uproarious characters, currently stars in the NBC sitcom &quot;Up All Night&quot;...</summary>
 
    
    <category term="mayarudolph" label="Maya Rudolph" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="saturdaynightlive" label="Saturday Night Live" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="sleighbells" label="Sleigh Bells" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="snl" label="SNL" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.nbc.com/news/">
        <![CDATA[<div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></span></div><a href="http://www.nbc.com/news/snl.JPG"><img alt="snl.JPG" src="http://www.nbc.com/news/assets_c/2012/01/snl-thumb-300x111-26403.jpg" width="300" height="111" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" /></a><div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; ">New York, NY - February 8, 2012 - Maya Rudolph returns to her <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/">SNL</a> roots as host on February 18th. The <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/">SNL</a> alum, known for her memorable impressions and uproarious characters, currently stars in the NBC sitcom "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/up-all-night/ ">Up All Night</a>" alongside Will Arnett and Christina Applegate. Rudolph was last seen in the <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/golden-globes/">Golden Globe</a> nominated best film, "Bridesmaids."</span></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Sleigh Bells will make their network television debut on <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/">SNL</a>. The Brooklyn duo quickly earned the adoration of critics with their debut album in 2010, "Treats," ending up on over 150 "Best-Of" lists for that year. Their newest album, "Reign of Terror," will be released on February 21.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/">Saturday Night Live</a>" is produced in association with Broadway Video. The creator and executive producer is Lorne Michaels.</font></div><div><br /></div>]]>
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<entry>
    <title>Michelle Obama And Jimmy Fallon Go Head-To-Head In A Fitness Challenge When The First Lady Of The United States Makes Her Debut Appearance On NBC&apos;s  &quot;Late Night With Jimmy Fallon&quot; In A Special Comedy Sketch Airing Tonight, February 7 At 12:35 A.M. ET</title>
    <link rel="alternate"  href="http://www.nbc.com/news/2012/02/07/michelle-obama-and-jimmy-fallon-go-head-to-head-in-a-fitness-challenge-when-the-first-lady-of-the-un/?__source=News|RSS" />
    <id>tag:www.nbc.com,2012:/news//20.102456</id>

    <published>2012-02-07T18:00:59Z</published>
    <updated>2012-02-07T18:08:46Z</updated>

    <summary>NEW YORK, New York. - February 7, 2012 - Tonight on &quot;Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,&quot; (12:35 a.m. ET on NBC) First Lady Michelle Obama makes her debut appearance when Fallon visits the White House to show support of Mrs....</summary>
 
    
    <category term="jimmyfallon" label="Jimmy Fallon" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="latenight" label="Late Night" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="michelleobama" label="Michelle Obama" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.nbc.com/news/">
        <![CDATA[<div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></span></div><a href="http://www.nbc.com/news/assets_c/2012/01/michelle_obama-thumb-300x451-26794.jpg"><img alt="Thumbnail image for michelle_obama.JPG" src="http://www.nbc.com/news/assets_c/2012/01/michelle_obama-thumb-300x451-26794-thumb-300x451-26795.jpg" width="300" height="451" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" /></a><div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; ">NEW YORK, New York. - February 7, 2012 - Tonight on "<a href="http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/"><b>Late Night with Jimmy Fallon</b></a>," (12:35 a.m. ET on NBC) First Lady Michelle Obama makes her debut appearance when Fallon visits the White House to show support of Mrs. Obama's Let's Move! initiative, which celebrates its 2nd anniversary Thursday. In a special comedy sketch, Fallon and Mrs. Obama face-off in several fitness challenges including tug of war and dodgeball to show kids staying healthy and active can be fun. Tune-in to see who prevails as the fitness champ.&nbsp;</span></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"<a href="http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/"><b>Late Night with Jimmy Fallon</b></a>" is produced by Universal Television and Broadway Video. Lorne Michaels is the executive producer. Michael Shoemaker produces. Gavin Purcell is the supervising producer.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font size="3"><br /></font></div>]]>
        
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<entry>
    <title>George Lucas To Receive Prestigious NAACP Vanguard Award During Live Broadcast Of &apos;43rd NAACP Image Awards&apos; February 17 On NBC</title>
    <link rel="alternate"  href="http://www.nbc.com/news/2012/02/06/george-lucas-to-receive-prestigious-naacp-vanguard-award-during-live-broadcast-of-43rd-naacp-image-a/?__source=News|RSS" />
    <id>tag:www.nbc.com,2012:/news//20.102380</id>

    <published>2012-02-06T18:46:42Z</published>
    <updated>2012-02-06T18:48:33Z</updated>

    <summary>Confirmed Presenters Include Samuel L. Jackson, LL Cool J, Vanessa Williams, Cicely Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Archie Panjabi and Hill Harper with Performances by Lenny Kravitz and Jill Scott During Two-Hour Live SpecialUNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - February 6, 2012 - Academy...</summary>
 
    
    <category term="archiepanjabi" label="Archie Panjabi" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="cicelytyson" label="Cicely Tyson" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="diahanncarroll" label="Diahann Carroll" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="georgelucas" label="George Lucas" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="hillharper" label="Hill Harper" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="jillscott" label="Jill Scott" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="lennykravitz" label="Lenny Kravitz" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="llcoolj" label="LL Cool J" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="naacp" label="NAACP" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="samuelljackson" label="Samuel L. Jackson" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="vanessawilliams" label="Vanessa Williams" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.nbc.com/news/">
        <![CDATA[<div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></span></div><a href="http://www.nbc.com/movies-specials-more/"><img alt="Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for naacp.jpg" src="http://www.nbc.com/news/assets_c/2012/02/naacp-thumb-300x140-27190-thumb-300x140-27191-thumb-300x140-27192.jpg" width="300" height="140" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" /></a><div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Confirmed Presenters Include Samuel L. Jackson, LL Cool J, Vanessa Williams, Cicely Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Archie Panjabi and Hill Harper with Performances by Lenny Kravitz and Jill Scott During <a href="http://www.nbc.com/movies-specials-more/"><b>Two-Hour Live Special</b></a></span></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - February 6, 2012 - Academy Award-winning director, filmmaker, and executive producer George Lucas will be honored with the prestigious NAACP Vanguard Award Presented by UAW/Chrysler at the "<a href="http://www.nbc.com/movies-specials-more/"><b>43RD NAACP Image Awards</b></a>," broadcast live from Los Angeles' historic Shrine Auditorium on Friday, February 17 (8-10 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on NBC.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">In addition, some of the biggest names in film, television and music are schedule to be part of the two-hour live special, including Samuel L. Jackson, LL Cool J, Vanessa Williams, Cicely Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Archie Panjabi and Hill Harper with incredible performances by Lenny Kravitz and Jill Scott.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The Vanguard Award is presented to a person whose groundbreaking work increases understanding and awareness of racial and social issues. &nbsp;Previous honorees include Wyclef Jean, Tyler Perry, Russell Simmons, Aretha Franklin, Prince, Stanley Kramer and Steven Spielberg.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Lucas' devotion to timeless storytelling and cutting-edge innovation has resulted in some of the most successful and beloved films of all time. &nbsp;The creator of "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones," Lucas has given birth to characters who have entertained and inspired generations of filmgoers and become bedrocks of worldwide popular culture. &nbsp;Lucas has directed or produced such memorable films as "THX 1138," "American Graffiti," "Willow," and "Tucker: A Man and His Dream." &nbsp;His independent production company, Lucasfilm Ltd., has garnered over 100 Academy Award nominations and more than 40 Oscars and special achievement awards. <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/news-sports/?__source=news">Today</a>, Lucas is executive producer of the popular animated television series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and he served as executive producer on "Red Tails," a new film inspired by the historic and heroic exploits of America's first all-black aerial combat unit.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">As previously announced, TV One Founder and President Cathy Hughes will receive the NAACP Chairman's Award.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The awards event is a production of Vicangelo Films. &nbsp;The executive producer is Vicangelo Bulluck.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The NAACP Image Awards is the premier multicultural awards show. &nbsp;It celebrates 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. &nbsp;Event sponsors include UAW/Chrysler, AARP, FedEx, Hyundai, Wells Fargo, Ford Motor Company, Walgreens, Bank of America, AT&amp;T, American Airlines and General Motors.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. For more information on the NAACP Image Awards, please visit www.naacpimageawards.net.</font></div><div><br /></div>]]>
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<entry>
    <title>NBC Unveils Intriguing New Drama &apos;Awake&apos; To Premiere On Thursday, March 1 (10-11 P.M. ET)</title>
    <link rel="alternate"  href="http://www.nbc.com/news/2012/02/03/nbc-unveils-intriguing-new-drama-awake-to-premiere-on-thursday-march-1-10-11-pm-et/?__source=News|RSS" />
    <id>tag:www.nbc.com,2012:/news//20.102216</id>

    <published>2012-02-03T18:34:19Z</published>
    <updated>2012-02-03T19:03:56Z</updated>

    <summary>UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - February 3, 2012 - NBC will premiere its intriguing new drama &quot;Awake&quot; on Thursday, March 1 (10-11 p.m. ET), starring Jason Isaacs (&quot;Harry Potter,&quot; &quot;Brotherhood&quot;) as a detective who finds he is leading a complex double...</summary>
 
    
    <category term="awake" label="Awake" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.nbc.com/news/">
        <![CDATA[<div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><a href="http://www.nbc.com/news/awake_new.JPG"><img alt="awake_new.JPG" src="http://www.nbc.com/news/assets_c/2012/02/awake_new-thumb-200x241-27113.jpg" width="200" height="241" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" /></a><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - February 3, 2012 - NBC will premiere its intriguing new drama "<a href="http://www.nbc.com/awake/"><b>Awake</b></a>" on Thursday, March 1 (10-11 p.m. ET), starring Jason Isaacs ("Harry Potter," "Brotherhood") as a detective who finds he is leading a complex double life that defies reality. The series will continue on Thursdays (10-11 p.m. ET).</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-firm/">The Firm</a>" will move from Thursdays (10-11 p.m. ET) to Saturdays (9-10 p.m. ET) beginning February 11, where the drama will resume with original episodes. Encore episodes of "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/grimm/">Grimm</a>" will air Thursdays (10-11 p.m. ET) beginning on February 9.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The announcements were made today by Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">From executive producers Kyle Killen ("Lone Star") and Howard Gordon ("Homeland," "24"), "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/awake/">Awake</a>" is an intriguing drama about Detective Michael Britten (Isaacs) who finds he's living two parallel lives. He's involved in a car accident that seems to have killed both his son (Dylan Minnette, "Saving Grace") and wife (Laura Allen, "Terriers"), yet his mind creates an ingenious coping mechanism in which he now lives two separate lives - one where his wife survived and the other where his son did.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 0.8em; "><b>Preview <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/awake/">Awake</a>:</b></font></div><div><iframe id="NBC Video Widget" width="512" height="347" src="http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/widget/widget.html?vid=1327542" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Trying to regain some normalcy, Michael returns to solving crimes in both worlds with the help of two different partners, Detective Isaiah "Bird" Freeman (Steve Harris, "The Practice") and Detective Efrem Vega (Wilmer Valderrama, "That '70s Show"). Michael is assigned a different case in each reality and quickly discovers that his dual existence is actually a powerful tool. He begins to solve impossible cases by using his two realities to gain unique perspectives and link clues that cross over from world to world.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Helping Michael to navigate his two realities are his bureau-assigned therapists Dr. Evans (<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/emmys/">Emmy</a> Award winner Cherry Jones, "24") and Dr. Lee (BD Wong, NBC's "Law &amp; Order: Special Victims Unit"). While both therapists work to untangle his two worlds, Michael has no interest in proving either one is false. But when memories of the accident begin to haunt him, he is forced to confront the truth about what really happened the night of the crash.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"<a href="http://www.nbc.com/awake/"><b>Awake</b></a>" is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television.&nbsp;</font></div><div><br /></div>]]>
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<entry>
    <title>First Songs From NBC&apos;s New Critically Acclaimed Musical Drama &apos;Smash&apos; Now Available On iTunes</title>
    <link rel="alternate"  href="http://www.nbc.com/news/2012/02/02/first-songs-from-nbcs-new-critically-acclaimed-musical-drama-smash-now-available-on-itunes/?__source=News|RSS" />
    <id>tag:www.nbc.com,2012:/news//20.102164</id>

    <published>2012-02-03T00:53:54Z</published>
    <updated>2012-02-03T02:01:03Z</updated>

    <summary><![CDATA[&nbsp;"Smash" Premieres Monday, February 6 on NBC (10-11 p.m. ET)UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - February 2, 2012 - With the premiere of NBC's new critically acclaimed musical drama series "Smash," NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products and Columbia Records will make select songs...]]></summary>
 
    
    <category term="itunes" label="iTunes" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="smash" label="Smash" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.nbc.com/news/">
        <![CDATA[<div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">&nbsp;</font></div><a href="http://www.nbc.com/news/smash_keyart.jpg"><img alt="smash_keyart.jpg" src="http://www.nbc.com/news/assets_c/2012/02/smash_keyart-thumb-300x443-27089.jpg" width="300" height="443" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" /></a><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>" Premieres Monday, February 6 on NBC (10-11 p.m. ET)</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - February 2, 2012 - With the premiere of NBC's new critically acclaimed musical drama series "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>," NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products and Columbia Records will make select songs from each episode available on the iTunes store <a href="http://www.iTunes.com/NBCSmash"><b>http://www.iTunes.com/NBCSmash</b></a>. Each week, episode recaps, photos, video and musical performance highlights, as well as games, songs and fan challenges from the new "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>" episode, will be available at <a href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/"><b>http://www.nbc.com/smash/</b></a>.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Timed with the debut of "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>," which begins on Monday, February 6 (10-11 p.m. ET), three songs have been made available on iTunes:&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"Beautiful" - written by Linda Perry; performed by Katharine McPhee</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"Let Me Be Your Star" - written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman; performed by Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"National Pastime" - written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman; performed by Megan Hilty</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">In the first episode of "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>," which The Hollywood Reporter calls "...excellent, a bar-raiser for broadcast networks...." and TV Guide calls "... the most faaabulous show....," the hit-making Broadway writing team of Julia Houston (Debra Messing) and Tom Levitt (Christian Borle) unite with veteran producer Eileen Rand (Anjelica Huston) to create a new musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe. Seasoned chorus girl Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty) and newcomer Karen Cartwright (Katharine McPhee) compete for the dream role of Marilyn. Jack Davenport, Raza Jaffrey, Brian d'Arcy James and Jaime Cepero also star.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>" is a musical drama that celebrates the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway theater as it follows a cross section of dreamers and schemers who all have one common desire - to be a "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>." Evolving from an idea of executive producer and multiple <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/emmys/">Emmy</a> and Oscar winner Steven Spielberg and created by executive producer/acclaimed playwright Theresa Rebeck, the series is also executive-produced by Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, Craig Zadan, Neil Meron, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>" is a production of Universal Television in association with DreamWorks Television and Madwoman in the Attic.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><br /></div>]]>
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<entry>
    <title>Radio One/TV One Founder &amp; Chairperson Cathy Hughes To Receive NAACP Chairman&apos;s Award At 43rd NAACP Image Awards</title>
    <link rel="alternate"  href="http://www.nbc.com/news/2012/02/01/radio-onetv-one-founder-chairperson-cathy-hughes-to-receive-naacp-chairmans-award-at-43rd-naacp-imag/?__source=News|RSS" />
    <id>tag:www.nbc.com,2012:/news//20.102379</id>

    <published>2012-02-02T02:44:00Z</published>
    <updated>2012-02-06T18:45:38Z</updated>

    <summary><![CDATA[Broadcast Airs February 17th On NBCLOS ANGELES - February 1, 2012 - &nbsp;TV One Founder and President Cathy Hughes will receive the NAACP Chairman's Award during the 43rd NAACP Image Awards, broadcast live on Friday, February 17th (8:00-10:00 PM EST)...]]></summary>
 
    
    <category term="cathyhughes" label="Cathy Hughes" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="naacp" label="NAACP" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.nbc.com/news/">
        <![CDATA[<div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></span></div><a href="http://www.nbc.com/movies-specials-more/"><img alt="Thumbnail image for naacp.jpg" src="http://www.nbc.com/news/assets_c/2012/02/naacp-thumb-300x140-27190-thumb-300x140-27191.jpg" width="300" height="140" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" /></a><div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Broadcast Airs February 17th On NBC</span></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">LOS ANGELES - February 1, 2012 - &nbsp;TV One Founder and President Cathy Hughes will receive the NAACP Chairman's Award during the <a href="http://www.nbc.com/movies-specials-more/"><b>43rd NAACP Image Awards</b></a>, broadcast live on Friday, February 17th (8:00-10:00 PM EST) on NBC.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The Chairman's Award, chosen by NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock, is bestowed in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service. Past honorees include U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin, Tyler Perry, Former Vice President Al Gore and Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai, Aretha Franklin, Bono, then-Senator Barack Obama, The Dave Matthews Band, Danny Glover, and Aaron McGruder.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"I am thrilled to offer Cathy Hughes the NAACP Chairman's Award," stated Chairman Brock. &nbsp;"This recognition is long overdue for her accomplishments as a trailblazer in the media industry. As the founder of Radio One and TV One, an advocate for small business entrepreneurship, and philanthropist, Cathy Hughes reminds us that collectively and as individuals, we can make a difference. Her presence at the Image Awards continues the NAACP's quest to celebrate and uplift individuals who model principles of hard work, perseverance and <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/community/">community</a> empowerment."</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"This is the most humbling honor to ever be bestowed on me," stated Ms. Hughes. "Those who have received the Chairman's Award in the past are counted among the very best that America has ever produced, and I am honored and very humbled to be included in their ranks."</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">In 1979, Hughes founded the communications company Radio One and built it into a major media institution with over 70 stations in 16 major markets. When the company went public in 1998, Hughes became the first and only African-American female to head a publicly traded corporation. <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/news-sports/?__source=news">Today</a>, Radio One is the largest black-owned media corporation in the nation with a platform that includes TV One, Interactive One, Music One and Reach Media, the home of the Tom Joyner Morning show.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">In January 2004, Radio One launched TV One, a national cable and satellite television network which is the "lifestyle and entertainment network for African-American adults." TV One is currently available in over 58 million homes.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Before founding Radio One, Hughes served as President and General Manager of WHUR-FM in Washington, DC, where she rejuvenated the station's struggling sales revenue and created the, still immensely popular, Quiet Storm format, which has become the most successful format in urban radio history. After that, she served as Vice President and General Manager of DC's WYCB Radio.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The NAACP Image Awards is the premiere multicultural awards show. It celebrates 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.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Event sponsors include UAW/Chrysler, AARP, FedEx, Hyundai , Wells Fargo, Ford Motor Company, Walgreens, Bank of America, AT&amp;T, American Airlines, and General Motors.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. For more information on the NAACP Image Awards, please visit www.naacpimageawards.net.</font></div><div><br /></div>]]>
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</entry>

<entry>
    <title>NBC Announces Stars Joining &quot;Late Night with Jimmy Fallon&quot; In Indianapolis for Special Super Bowl</title>
    <link rel="alternate"  href="http://www.nbc.com/news/2012/01/27/nbc-announces-stars-joining-late-night-with-jimmy-fallon-in-indianapolis-for-special-super-bowl/?__source=News|RSS" />
    <id>tag:www.nbc.com,2012:/news//20.101959</id>

    <published>2012-01-27T21:51:08Z</published>
    <updated>2012-01-31T21:57:21Z</updated>

    <summary>Tracy Morgan, Tim Tebow, Taylor Lautner, Drew Brees, Adam Levine, Snoop Dogg, Shaquille O&apos;Neal, Deion Sanders, Michael Strahan, Bob Costas and Musical Guests All American Rejects, Nas and Fitz and The Tantrums to Appear February 1 - 3Adam Sandler and...</summary>
 
    
    <category term="adamlevine" label="Adam Levine" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="allamericanrejects" label="All American Rejects" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="bobcostas" label="Bob Costas" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="deionsanders" label="Deion Sanders" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="drewbrees" label="Drew Brees" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="fitz" label="Fitz" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="jimmyfallon" label="Jimmy Fallon" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="latenight" label="Late Night" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="michaelstrahan" label="Michael Strahan" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="nas" label="Nas" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="shaquilleoneal" label="Shaquille O&apos;Neal" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="snoopdogg" label="Snoop Dogg" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="tantrums" label="Tantrums" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="taylorlautner" label="Taylor Lautner" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="timtebow" label="Tim Tebow" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="tracymorgan" label="Tracy Morgan" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.nbc.com/news/">
        <![CDATA[<div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></span></div><a href="http://www.nbc.com/news/fallon.jpg"><img alt="fallon.jpg" src="http://www.nbc.com/news/assets_c/2012/01/fallon-thumb-300x168-27010.jpg" width="300" height="168" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" /></a><div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Tracy Morgan, Tim Tebow, Taylor Lautner, Drew Brees, <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/coaches/adam-levine/twitter/">Adam Levine</a>, Snoop Dogg, Shaquille O'Neal, Deion Sanders, Michael Strahan, Bob Costas and Musical Guests All American Rejects, Nas and Fitz and The Tantrums to Appear February 1 - 3</span></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg Stop By for "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/">Jimmy Fallon</a>'s Super Bowl Special" Airing Live on February 5</font></div><div><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">NEW YORK, NY - January 27, 2012 - NBC's "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/">Late Night with <a class="autolink" href="http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/">Jimmy Fallon</a></a>" will jumpstart the Super Bowl XLVI fun February 1 through February 3 (12:35 a.m. ET) with a spectacular lineup of guests. Broadcasting from the Hilbert Circle Theatre each night, "Late Night's" Indianapolis debut on Wednesday, February 1 kicks off with actor/comedian Tracy Morgan, Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow and a performance by rock band All American Rejects. The excitement continues Thursday, February 2 when actor Taylor Lautner and musician <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/coaches/adam-levine/twitter/">Adam Levine</a> join Fallon for interviews, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees makes a guest appearance and musical guest Nas hits the stage to perform. On Friday, February 3 rapper Snoop Dogg drops by to chat, former NBA all-star Shaquille O'Neal makes an appearance and soul/pop band Fitz and The Tantrums perform.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Additionally, Fallon welcomes Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders (February 1), retired Super Bowl Champion Michael Strahan (February 2) and NBC Sports Super Bowl host Bob Costas (February 3) to the "Late Night" stage at the Hilbert Circle Theatre as guest announcers, while Steve Higgins returns for the live post Super Bowl show on Sunday.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">For the first-time ever, Fallon will host a post-Super BowI game program "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/">Jimmy Fallon</a>'s Super Bowl Special," featuring comedians Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg live on Sunday, February 5. The show will air following NBC's presentation of Super Bowl XLVI, the season two premiere of NBC's hit competition series "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/">The Voice</a>" and the NBC stations' late local news. "Late Night's" celebrated house band, <a class="autolink" href="http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/about/the-roots/">The Roots</a>, will be on hand for all the Indianapolis festivities as well.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The special set of Super Bowl episodes are sponsored by Subway and Budweiser.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Additional guests announcements to be released in the upcoming days.&nbsp;</font></div><div><br /></div>]]>
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    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>NBC Announces The 14 Contestants Vying To Be America&apos;s Next Big &apos;Fashion Star&apos;</title>
    <link rel="alternate"  href="http://www.nbc.com/news/2012/01/26/nbc-announces-the-14-contestants-vying-to-be-americas-next-big-fashion-star/?__source=News|RSS" />
    <id>tag:www.nbc.com,2012:/news//20.101663</id>

    <published>2012-01-26T18:30:53Z</published>
    <updated>2012-01-26T19:25:55Z</updated>

    <summary>NBC&apos;s &quot;Fashion Star&quot; 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&apos;s &quot;Fashion Star&quot; revealed...</summary>
 
    
    <category term="ellemacpherson" label="Elle Macpherson" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="fashionstar" label="Fashion Star" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="jessicasimpson" label="Jessica Simpson" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="johnvarvatos" label="John Varvatos" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="nicolerichie" label="Nicole Richie" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.nbc.com/news/">
        <![CDATA[<div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><a href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/"><img alt="fashionstar_elle.jpg" src="http://www.nbc.com/news/assets_c/2012/01/fashionstar_elle-thumb-300x285-26921.jpg" width="300" height="285" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" /></a><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">NBC's "<a href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/"><b>Fashion Star</b></a>" Will Premiere with a 90-Minute Episode on Tuesday, March 13 (9:30-11 p.m. ET) with Celebrity Mentors <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/mentors/jessica-simpson/">Jessica Simpson</a>, <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/mentors/nicole-richie/">Nicole Richie</a>, <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/mentors/john-varvatos/">John Varvatos</a> and Host/Executive Producer <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/elle-macpherson/">Elle Macpherson</a>.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - January 26, 2012-- NBC's "<a href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/"><b>Fashion Star</b></a>" revealed today the 14 designers competing to become America's next big <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/">Fashion Star</a> and a chance to win the multi-million dollar prize of launching their collections in three of America's largest retailers: Macy's, H&amp;M and Saks Fifth Avenue. The new series, hosted and executive-produced by <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/elle-macpherson/">Elle Macpherson</a>, and featuring celebrity mentors <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/mentors/jessica-simpson/">Jessica Simpson</a>, <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/mentors/nicole-richie/">Nicole Richie</a> and <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/mentors/john-varvatos/">John Varvatos</a> 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).&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The competing designers are:</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">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.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">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, <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/designers/edmond-newton/">Edmond Newton</a> 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.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">@edmondnewton</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">KARA 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.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">@karalaricks</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">LISA VIAN HUNTER (Age: 47) -- Mercer Island, Wash. -- Women's wear designer Vian Hunter is a mother of two and lover of all things vintage. Hunter says that women are desperate for gorgeous, affordable clothing made in the USA -- and that's exactly what she intends to give them.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">@lisavianhunter</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">LIZZIE PARKER (Age: 41) -- Seattle, Wash. --Parker has always made it a point to follow her dreams, even if it meant leaving something behind. That's exactly what she did when she left her corporate job in software development to pursue a career in fashion. Parker loves designing clothing that works for the everyday consumer, sizes 0-16, and creating a wardrobe that truly performs for today's modern, multifaceted woman.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">@lizzie_parker</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">LUCIANA SCARABELLO (Age: 30) --Miami, Fla. -- Born and raised in Argentina, Scarabello did not move to America until she attended college in Boston. Upon graduating, Scarabello went on to study at Parsons School of Design. She ultimately wants to see her dress collection expand into a line that includes separates.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">@l_scarabello</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">NICHOLAS BOWES (Age: 38) --Los Angeles, Calif.--Born in Australia, Bowes began his career in fashion as a model in the mid-1990s but soon cultivated his fashion interests into a screen printing business. This venture led to designing vintage tees and leather jackets and ultimately creating his own clothing line. Bowes hopes to become the next commercially viable brand.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">@nicholasbowes</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">NIKKI POULOS (Age: 43) --Delray Beach, Fla. -- Poulos grew up on a farm with no electricity in the Australian Outback on 54,000 acres of land. With no television -- and only the outdoors to entertain her and her siblings -- they were forced to be creative. Poulos could not stay away from fashion and she is selling her clothing online and in stores across the U.S., Caribbean and Australia.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">@nikkipoulos</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/designers/nzimiro-oputa/">NZIMIRO OPUTA</a> (Age: 28) --New York, N.Y. -- A Detroit native and the youngest male of five siblings, Oputa was no stranger to hand-me-downs from his older brothers while growing up. The beginning of Oputa's fashion creativity was finding innovative way to transform his brother's old clothes into new designs. Oputa credits his upbringing for his creativity, and quit his job as an engineer to pursue his lifelong dream of a career in fashion."</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">@nzimirooputa</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/designers/orly-shani/">ORLY SHANI</a>(Age: 26) -- New York, N.Y. -- In high school Shani was determined to emulate the clothes she loved in magazines and would spend a few dollars at local thrift stores and transform what she bought into masterpieces. This later became her first business venture. Shani who specializes in convertible fashion wants to build an empire, and with her strong entrepreneurial mindset and determination, nothing will stand in her way.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">@tucandwes</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/designers/oscar-fierro/">OSCAR FIERRO</a> (Age: 37) -- Lewisville, Texas--Growing up in his poverty-stricken hometown in El Salvador only further fed the ambitious <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/designers/oscar-fierro/">Oscar Fierro</a>'s desire to become successful. Fierro is a thriving businessman who owns four assisted living facilities and has designed several clothing lines including couture dresses and a "To Go" line, which features women's wear for under $30.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">@theoscarfierro&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/designers/ronnie-escalante/">RONNIE ESCALANTE</a> (Age: 32) -- San Francisco, Calif. -- Raised in the Philippines, Escalante spent most of his days on an agricultural province. At the age of 17, Escalante and his family moved to the U.S. in search of a better life and soon after, he joined the U.S. Navy where he served for nine months. Keeping his chic and confident female consumers in mind, Escalante wants to keep the price point of his collection affordable.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">@escalanteronnie</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/designers/ross-bennett/">ROSS BENNETT</a> (Age: 27) -- Austin, Texas -- Raised in Texas, Bennett is a mixture of a big city kid and true country boy who likes to hunt, fish and design custom one-of-a kind dresses and other tailored items for women. Bennett studied under some of the most prestigious presidential tailors in the state. He currently has a dress shop in Austin, Texas where he designs cocktail, formal, and wedding dresses, along with suiting and garments needed for everyday at the office.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">@rbcollection</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/designers/sarah-parrott/">SARAH PARROTT</a> (Age: 31) -- Marietta, Ga. -- Parrott may be a newcomer to the fashion world, but she has always had a penchant for style. This stay-at-home mom decided to pursue her passion when she turned 30. She recently entered her first collection into the Charleston fashion week and won the People's Choice Award. With such a successful first showing, Parrott is an emerging designer to keep in sight.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">@sarahgparrott</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">In a weekly one-hour format, the 14 competing designers will participate in tasks, where they will be mentored by <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/mentors/jessica-simpson/">Jessica Simpson</a>, <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/mentors/nicole-richie/">Nicole Richie</a> and <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/mentors/john-varvatos/">John Varvatos</a>, designed to further develop and expand their brands.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">At the end of each episode, America will have the chance to immediately purchase the winning designs showcased on the episode that week at Macy's, H&amp;M and Saks Fifth Avenue. The winning designs will be available on-line immediately and in-stores the following day. With just a single trip down an extravagant runway, "Fashion Star" will change the lives and fortunes of these aspiring designers forever.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Caprice Willard (Macy's), Terron E. Schaefer (Saks Fifth Avenue) and Nicole Christie (H&amp;M) who serve as the judges will make on-the-spot decisions as they vie for the right to purchase and exclusively carry the work of the up-and-coming designers each week. The designers who do not sell any of their items to the buyers will be up for elimination. In addition, celebrity mentors Simpson, Richie and Varvatos will be able to save one of these designers from the chopping block.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Additionally, viewers will have unprecedented, behind-the-scenes access to each designer on <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/">NBC.com</a>'s contestant blogs.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"Fashion Star" scours the country in search for the next big brand in fashion. Featuring host and executive producer <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/elle-macpherson/">Elle Macpherson</a> along with celebrity mentors <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/mentors/jessica-simpson/">Jessica Simpson</a>, <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/mentors/nicole-richie/">Nicole Richie</a> and <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/about/bios/mentors/john-varvatos/">John Varvatos</a>, the series will give 14 unknown designers the chance to win a multi-million dollar prize to launch their collections in three of America's largest retailers: Macy's, H&amp;M and Saks Fifth Avenue.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The "Fashion Star" format was developed by Ben Silverman of Electus (NBC's "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/?__source=news">The Biggest Loser</a>," "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/?__source=news">The Office</a>," and "The Tudors"), Rick Ringbakk of <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/emmys/">Emmy</a> Award-winning 5x5 Media ("Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution"), and E.J. Johnston and James Deutch of EJD Productions.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The show is executive-produced by Macpherson, Silverman of Electus, Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth of The Magical Elves, Rick Ringbakk of 5x5 Media) and E.J. Johnston and James Deutch of EJD Productions. Electus/Engine Distribution will retain all international distribution rights.</font></div><div><br /></div>]]>
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<entry>
    <title>Michelle Obama Makes Her Late Night Talk Show Debut As The First Lady Of The United States On NBC&apos;s &apos;The Tonight Show With Jay Leno&apos; On Tuesday, January 31</title>
    <link rel="alternate"  href="http://www.nbc.com/news/2012/01/19/michelle-obama-makes-her-late-night-talk-show-debut-as-the-first-lady-of-the-united-states-on-nbcs-t/?__source=News|RSS" />
    <id>tag:www.nbc.com,2012:/news//20.101233</id>

    <published>2012-01-19T18:35:15Z</published>
    <updated>2012-01-19T18:48:31Z</updated>

    <summary>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&apos;s &quot;The Tonight Show with Jay Leno&quot; (Monday - Friday, 11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET...</summary>
 
    
    <category term="jayleno" label="Jay Leno" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="michelleobama" label="Michelle Obama" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="tonightshow" label="Tonight Show" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.nbc.com/news/">
        <![CDATA[<div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><a href="http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/"><img alt="michelle_obama.JPG" src="http://www.nbc.com/news/assets_c/2012/01/michelle_obama-thumb-300x451-26794.jpg" width="300" height="451" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" /></a><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">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 "<a href="http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/"><b>The Tonight Show with Jay Leno</b></a>" (Monday - Friday, 11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET on NBC) on Tuesday, January 31.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">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.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">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.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"The <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/">Tonight Show</a> with <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/">Jay Leno</a>" is from Big Dog Productions in association with Universal Television. Debbie Vickers is the executive producer.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Please follow us on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jayleno"><b>http://www.facebook.com/jayleno</b></a> and on Twitter at <a href="http//twitter.com/jayleno"><b>http//twitter.com/jayleno</b></a></font></div><div><br /></div>]]>
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<entry>
    <title>NBC To Broadcast &apos;The 43rd NAACP Image Awards&apos; In Live, Two-Hour Event On February 17</title>
    <link rel="alternate"  href="http://www.nbc.com/news/2012/01/17/nbc-to-broadcast-the-43rd-naacp-image-awards-in-live-two-hour-event-on-february-17/?__source=News|RSS" />
    <id>tag:www.nbc.com,2012:/news//20.102378</id>

    <published>2012-01-18T02:39:13Z</published>
    <updated>2012-02-06T18:43:01Z</updated>

    <summary>UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - January 17, 2012 - NBC will broadcast &quot;The 43rd NAACP Image Awards,&quot; a live, two-hour special on Friday, February 17 (8-10 p.m. ET) that will showcase the best achievements and performances of people of color in...</summary>
 
    
    <category term="naacp" label="NAACP" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.nbc.com/news/">
        <![CDATA[<div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></span></div><a href="http://www.nbc.com/news/naacp.jpg"><img alt="naacp.jpg" src="http://www.nbc.com/news/assets_c/2012/02/naacp-thumb-300x140-27190.jpg" width="300" height="140" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" /></a><div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; ">UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - January 17, 2012 - NBC will broadcast "<a href="http://www.nbc.com/movies-specials-more/"><b>The 43rd NAACP Image Awards</b></a>," a live, two-hour special on Friday, February 17 (8-10 p.m. ET) that will showcase the best achievements and performances of people of color in the arts featuring a star-studded lineup of performers, winners and presenters.</span></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The announcement was made today by Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"NBC is honored to fully partner with the NAACP in a greater effort to celebrate the many deserving diverse artists who have entertained and influenced us in the past year," said Greenblatt. "Viewers can share in the joy that we will see on-stage as a vast spectrum of performers will entertain them in an exciting live venue."</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"We are happy to be coming home to NBC this year," said NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. "The NAACP Image Awards is the nation's premier event that spotlights the outstanding achievements of people of color in the arts as well as those who promote social justice through their creative endeavors. We are excited to honor their efforts this year."</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 19, and will include contributions in television, film, music and literature.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Founded on February 12, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its one-half million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, and monitor equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. For more information on the NAACP Image Awards, please visit www.naacpimageawards.net.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The awards event is a production of Vicangelo Films. The executive producer is Vicangelo Bulluck.</font></div><div><br /></div>]]>
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<entry>
    <title>Antonio Banderas, Jake Gyllenhaal, Salma Hayek, Nicole Kidman, Melissa Mccarthy, Clive Owen, Freida Pinto And Natalie Portman Set To Present At The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards </title>
    <link rel="alternate"  href="http://www.nbc.com/news/2012/01/09/antonio-banderas-jake-gyllenhaal-salma-hayek-nicole-kidman-melissa-mccarthy-clive-owen-freida-pinto/?__source=News|RSS" />
    <id>tag:www.nbc.com,2012:/news//20.100723</id>

    <published>2012-01-10T03:22:47Z</published>
    <updated>2012-01-10T19:25:41Z</updated>

    <summary><![CDATA[Louis J. Horvitz to Return as Director for the Second Year in a Row&nbsp;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...]]></summary>
 
    
    <category term="antoniobanderas" label="Antonio Banderas" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="awards" label="Awards" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="cliveowen" label="Clive Owen" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="freidapinto" label="Freida Pinto" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="goldenglobe" label="Golden Globe" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="jakegyllenhaal" label="Jake Gyllenhaal" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="melissamccarthy" label="Melissa Mccarthy" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="natalieportman" label="Natalie Portman" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="nicolekidman" label="Nicole Kidman" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="salmahayek" label="Salma Hayek" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.nbc.com/news/">
        <![CDATA[<div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><a href="http://www.nbc.com/golden-globes/"><img alt="goldenglobes.jpg" src="http://www.nbc.com/news/assets_c/2012/01/goldenglobes-thumb-300x301-26530.jpg" width="300" height="301" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" /></a><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Louis J. Horvitz to Return as Director for the Second Year in a Row&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - January 9, 2012 - Antonio Banderas (1997, 1999 and 2004 <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/golden-globes/">Golden Globe</a> 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 <a href="http://www.nbc.com/golden-globes/"><b>69th Annual Golden Globe Awards</b></a> on Sunday, January 15, 2012, with host Ricky Gervais. Directed by <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/emmys/">Emmy</a> 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).</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"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!"</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Barry Adelman, EVP of television at dick clark productions and executive producer and writer of the <a href="http://www.nbc.com/golden-globes/"><b>Golden Globes</b></a> said, "This is a prestigious group of charismatic stars that fits perfectly with our reputation as Hollywood's Party of the Year!"</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">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. &nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">About the Hollywood Foreign Press Association:</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">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 <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/community/">community</a> with Hollywood, and to provide distraction from the hardships of war through film. &nbsp;Sixty-eight years later, members of the HFPA represent 55 countries with a combined readership of 250 million in some of the world's most respected publications. &nbsp;Each year, the organization holds the third most watched awards show on television, the Golden Globe Awards, which have enabled the organization to donate more than $12 million to entertainment related charities and scholarship programs. For more information, please visit www.goldenglobes.org, and follow us on Twitter (@goldenglobes) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/goldenglobes) for exclusive celebrity videos and up to the minute Golden Globes news!&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">About dick clark productions, inc.:</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Founded in 1957, dick clark productions, inc. (dcp) is a leading independent producer of television programming. dcp produces perennial hits such as the "American Music Awards," "Golden Globe Awards," "Academy of Country Music Awards," and "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest." &nbsp;dcp also produces popular weekly television programming, including "So You Think You Can Dance," and owns and maintains one of the world's most unique and extensive entertainment libraries, which includes more than 30 years of "American Bandstand" footage. &nbsp;For additional information about dcp, please visit www.dickclarkproductions.com</font></div><div><br /></div>]]>
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<entry>
    <title>NBC Launches Comprehensive Promotional Campaign To Provide Positive Sampling Prior To Debut Of &apos;Smash&apos;</title>
    <link rel="alternate"  href="http://www.nbc.com/news/2012/01/06/nbc-launches-comprehensive-promotional-campaign-to-provide-positive-sampling-prior-to-debut-of-smash/?__source=News|RSS" />
    <id>tag:www.nbc.com,2012:/news//20.100598</id>

    <published>2012-01-07T00:55:09Z</published>
    <updated>2012-01-07T01:04:04Z</updated>

    <summary>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 &quot;Smash&quot; (Monday, February 6, 10-11 p.m. ET) with a full spectrum of...</summary>
 
    
    <category term="smash" label="smash" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.nbc.com/news/">
        <![CDATA[<div><br /></div><a href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/"><img alt="smash.jpg" src="http://www.nbc.com/news/assets_c/2011/12/smash-thumb-300x123-25717.jpg" width="300" height="123" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" /></a><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">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 "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>" (Monday, February 6, 10-11 p.m. ET) with a full spectrum of initiatives. Some of these include:</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font><div><font size="3">NBC is exhibiting the "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>" 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 <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/community/">community</a> at the Outfest Screening in Los Angeles.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div><font size="3">From January 15-30, selected American Airlines flights will show in-flight screenings of the pilot.</font></div><div><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div><font size="3">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.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div><font size="3">From January 16 through February 6, Video on Demand partners, including parent company Comcast, will offer the pilot via Set-Top-Box On Demand.</font></div><div><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div><font size="3">Beginning January 23 through February 6, online streaming via <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/">NBC.com</a> and Hulu.</font></div><div style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></div></font></div>]]>
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<entry>
    <title>Eight Award-Winning Musicians Join Coaches Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine And Blake Shelton As Advisers To Their Teams On NBC&apos;s &apos;The Voice&apos; </title>
    <link rel="alternate"  href="http://www.nbc.com/news/2012/01/06/eight-award-winning-musicians-join-coaches-christina-aguilera-cee-lo-green-adam-levine-and-blake-she/?__source=News|RSS" />
    <id>tag:www.nbc.com,2012:/news//20.100553</id>

    <published>2012-01-06T19:50:08Z</published>
    <updated>2012-01-07T00:04:51Z</updated>

    <summary>Music Legend Lionel Richie and Multi-Platinum Artists Kelly Clarkson, Kenny &quot;Babyface&quot; 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...</summary>
 
    
    <category term="alanismorissette" label="Alanis Morissette" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="jewel" label="Jewel" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="kellyclarkson" label="Kelly Clarkson" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="kennybabyfaceedmonds" label="Kenny Babyface Edmonds" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="lionelrichie" label="Lionel Richie" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="mirandalambert" label="Miranda Lambert" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="neyo" label="Ne-Yo" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="robinthicke" label="Robin Thicke" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="voice" label="Voice" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.nbc.com/news/">
        <![CDATA[<div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></span></div><a href="http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/video/sneak-peek-at-season-2s-advisors/1376958/"><img alt="the_voice.jpg" src="http://www.nbc.com/news/assets_c/2011/10/the_voice-thumb-300x168-24376.jpg" width="300" height="168" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" /></a><div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; ">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 Series</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; ">UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -- January 6, 2012-- NBC's "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/">The Voice</a>" 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.</span></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font size="3" style="font-size: 0.8em; "><b>Sneak Peek at Season 2's Advisors:</b></font></div><div><iframe id="NBC Video Widget" width="512" height="347" src="http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/widget/widget.html?vid=1376958" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/">The Voice</a>" 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:</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Team Adam: Alanis Morissette (@morissette) and Robin Thicke (@robinthicke)&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Team Blake: Kelly Clarkson (@Kelly_Clarkson) and Miranda Lambert (@Miranda_Lambert)</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Team Cee Lo: Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds (@KennyEdmonds) and Ne-Yo (@NeYoCompound)</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Team Christina: Jewel (@jeweljk) and Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie)&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The announcement was made today by Paul Telegdy, President, Late Night and Alternative Programming, NBC.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"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 <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/coaches/christina-aguilera/twitter/">Christina Aguilera</a>, <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/coaches/cee-lo-green/">Cee Lo Green</a>, <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/coaches/adam-levine/twitter/">Adam Levine</a> and <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/coaches/blake-shelton/">Blake Shelton</a>'s artists."&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">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.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Aguilera (@TheRealXtina), Green (@CeeLoGreen), Levine (@adamlevine) and Shelton (@blakeshelton) each recruited two music industry giants as advisers to help mentor and prepare six separate artists on their respective teams of 12 for the battle rounds. The artists will receive personal one-on-one training with their coach and adviser as they break down their song selection and stage performance. Each artist will also join their coach and adviser for an intimate conversation whereby they will have the opportunity to ask questions of the superstars before them.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Advisers to Team Christina:</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Jewel -- Jewel is an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, actress, poet, painter, philanthropist and daughter to an Alaskan cowboy singer-songwriter. From the remote ranch of her Alaskan youth to the triumph of international stardom, the four-time Grammy nominee, hailed by the New York Times as a "songwriter bursting with talents," has enjoyed career longevity rare among her generation of artists. Whether alone with her guitar or fronting a band of ace musicians, Jewel has always been a charismatic live performer, earning the respect of other singer-songwriters such as Merle Haggard, Bob Dylan and Neil Young, who, not only invited her to open their shows, but mentored her in the early phases of her career. Her singular style and beauty continuously land her on the covers of such diverse magazines as Time, People, Entertainment Weekly, Vanity Fair, In Style, Glamour and Seventeen. The London Times called her "the most sparkling singer songwriter since Joni Mitchell" while Blender crowned her "rock's sexiest poet."</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Lionel Richie -- Richie is an award-winning International singer-songwriter, producer and humanitarian. His touchingly soulful lyrical prowess and crisp, soothing vocals have earned him recognition as one of the most successful and talented balladeers of all time, and he is behind such #1 hits as "Endless Love," (the iconic duet with Diana Ross) "Truly," "All Night Long (All Night)," "Hello" and "Say You, Say Me."</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Richie has attained long-standing success and international acclaim and has sailed beyond genre to carve out his mark among the best singer-songwriters of all time. A music legend, he has received numerous awards and sold over 100 million albums worldwide. After gaining international fame and widespread recognition as a notable figure in both music history and music present, Richie is now working on his 10th studio album, "Tuskegee," due out in March 2012.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Advisers to Team Cee Lo:&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds - A 10-time Grammy winner with 11 solo albums of his own, Edmonds' impeccably crafted explorations of love, romance and relationships have made an indelible imprint on the evolution of contemporary pop music throughout the world. These include over 125 Top-10 R&amp;B and pop hits, 42 #1 R&amp;B hits, and 51 Top-10 pop hits (including 16 #1's), which have produced single and album sales in excess of over 500 million units worldwide. Just a few of the vocalists from which his music can be heard include Beyoncé, <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/whitney/">Whitney</a> Houston, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Eric Clapton, Mary J. Blige, Michael Jackson, TLC, Toni Braxton, Celine Dion, John Mellencamp, Brandy, Aretha Franklin, Fall Out Boy, Pink, Charlie Wilson, Chrisette Michele and Anthony Hamilton.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Edmonds is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Soul Train Music Awards, BMI Awards, NAACP Image Awards and American Music Awards, and was the recipient of the third BET Walk of Fame Award (previous honorees were Jackson and Houston), and was named BET's "Entertainer of the Year" at the first Annual BET Awards Ceremony.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Ne-Yo -- This Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, composer, and producer is one of music's most talented and prolific artists and a man who needs only one name: Ne-Yo. In less than five years, he's produced three #1 albums, sold more than 10 million copies worldwide and collaborated with everyone from Michael Jackson to Tim McGraw.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">After taking a few years off to work on several films, Ne-Yo's back with his fourth project, "Libra Scale," a stellar effort that's sure to race up the charts and catapult the R&amp;B superstar to even greater heights.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Advisers to Team Adam:</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Alanis Morissette -- Since 1995, Morissette has been one of the most influential singer-songwriter-musicians in contemporary music. Her deeply expressive music and performances have earned vast critical praise, 12 Canadian Juno Awards, seven Grammy Awards (with an additional 14 nominations), and sales of over 60 million albums worldwide. Morissette's 1995 debut, "Jagged Little Pill," was followed by such eclectic and acclaimed albums as "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie" (1998), "MTV Unplugged" (1999), "Under Rug Swept" (2002), "So-Called Chaos" (2004), "Jagged Little Pill Acoustic" (2005), her greatest hits album, "The Collection" (2005), "Flavors of Entanglement"(2008), as well as musical contributions to theatrical releases. Morissette is currently in the recording studio working on her sixth studio album which is due out this spring. For more information, see www.alanis.com.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Robin Thicke - Thicke's breakthrough release, 2006's "The Evolution of Robin Thicke," produced the mega-hit "Lost Without U," which became the #1 most played song in Urban Adult Contemporary BDS and topped four Billboard charts simultaneously as he established himself as one of the most-respected singer-songwriters in soul and R&amp;B music today. By 2007, his awards included the VH1 Soul/Vibe award for Best Breakthrough Artist and nominations from BET (Best Male R&amp;B and Viewer's Choice), Soul Train (Best R&amp;B Soul Album, Male), MTV VMA (Male Artist of the Year), MOBO (Best Song, "Lost Without U"), the American Music Awards (Favorite Breakthrough Artist) and the ASCAP Song of the Year for "Lost Without You."&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The award-winning multi-platinum superstar returned to center stage in 2008 with "Something Else." Debuting at #3 on The Billboard 200, "Something Else" is Thicke's highest-charted album to date. Thicke obtained yet another Top-10 hit single with "Magic" hitting #2 on the urban charts. In December 2009, Thicke released "Sex Therapy," an album that created a fantasy world of eroticism, while still dealing with the honest struggle a man has with seduction, loneliness and betrayal. The title song, "Sex Therapy," was hailed by critics as "the sexiest song of the year" and went on to be #1 on the R&amp;B/ Hip Hop charts and also won an ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Award. Thicke recently released his fifth studio album, "Love After War."&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Advisers to Team Blake:</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Kelly Clarkson -- Since bursting onto the music scene 10 years ago, Clarkson has released five studio albums ("Thankful," "Breakaway," "My December," "All I Ever Wanted" and "Stronger"), sold over 20 million albums worldwide, 10 million albums in the U.S., and has had nine singles in the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. She is the recipient of two Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, two MTV Awards and 11 Billboard Awards. Clarkson's most recent effort, "Stronger," debuted at #2 on both the Billboard Top 200 and Digital Albums Chart. The album produced the single, "Mr. Know It All," which marks her ninth Top-10 hit.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Miranda Lambert - Lambert is country's reigning Female Vocalist of the Year, as bestowed by both the Country Music Association (CMA) and Academy of Country Music (ACM). She's won the prized Album of the Year trophy from both organizations, as well as from the ACMs, her second record, "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," and from the CMAs and ACMs for her third, "Revolution."</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">She received the top country female vocal performance honor at the most recent Grammy Awards for "The House That Built Me." She's also been named one of People magazine's Most Beautiful People and one of Maxim's Hottest Women of Country. Lambert recently released her fourth studio album, "Four the Record," which debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums Chart and established her as the first country artist in the SoundScan era to have each of her first four albums debut at #1.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/">The Voice</a>" returns with the strongest vocalists from across the country invited to compete in the blockbuster vocal competition show's second season. Celebrity musician coaches <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/coaches/christina-aguilera/twitter/">Christina Aguilera</a>, <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/coaches/cee-lo-green/">Cee Lo Green</a>, <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/coaches/adam-levine/twitter/">Adam Levine</a> and <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/coaches/blake-shelton/">Blake Shelton</a> return along with <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/Last_Call_with_Carson_Daly/">Carson Daly</a> as host. Christina Milian joins as Social Media Correspondent.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The show's innovative format features three stages of competition: the first begins with the blind audition, then the competition enters into a battle phase, and finally, the live performance shows.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">During the blind auditions, the decisions from the musician coaches are based solely on voice and not on looks. The coaches hear the artists perform, but they don't get to see them -- thanks to rotating chairs. If a coach is impressed by the artist's voice, he/she pushes a button to select the artist for his/her team. At this point, the coach's chair will swivel so that he/she can face the artist he/she has selected.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Once the teams are set, the battle is on. Coaches will dedicate themselves to developing their singers, giving them advice, and sharing the secrets of their success. During the battle rounds the coaches will pit two of their own team members against each other to sing the same song together in front of a studio audience.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">After the vocal face-off, the coach must choose which of his/her singers will advance.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">At the end of the battle episodes, only the strongest members of each coach's roster remain and proceed to the live stage shows.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">In this final performance phase of the competition, the top artists from each team will compete against each other during a live broadcast. The television audience will vote to save their favorite talent, leaving the coach to decide live who they want to save and who will not move on. In the end, each coach will have one star artist left ready to compete against the other teams' finalists to be named "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/">The Voice</a>" - the winner will receive the grand prize of a recording contract.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/">The Voice</a>" is a presentation of Mark Burnett's One Three Inc., Talpa Content USA, Inc. and Warner Horizon Television. The series is created by John de Mol, who executive-produces along with Burnett, Audrey Morrissey, Stijn Bakkers and Lee Metzger.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">For previews of the upcoming season including embeddable clips and more, please visit <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/">NBC.com</a>'s official show site: http://www.nbc.com/TheVoice.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Social Media Correspondent Milian finds out why celebrity advisers Richie, Clarkson, Lambert, Jewel, Morrisette, Edmonds, Ne-Yo and Thicke decided to be a part of the show.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">&nbsp; &nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></div><div><br /></div>]]>
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<entry>
    <title>NBC And iTheatrics Announce Philanthropic Initiative To Bring Sustainable Musical Theater Programs To The Nation&apos;s Underserved Schools  </title>
    <link rel="alternate"  href="http://www.nbc.com/news/2012/01/06/nbc-and-itheatrics-announce-philanthropic-initiative-to-bring-sustainable-musical-theater-programs-t/?__source=News|RSS" />
    <id>tag:www.nbc.com,2012:/news//20.100556</id>

    <published>2012-01-06T18:46:32Z</published>
    <updated>2012-01-06T23:59:53Z</updated>

    <summary><![CDATA[&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"NBC's 'Smash': Make a Musical" Set to Launch This Month in 20 Schools in 20 U.S. Cities&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -- January 6, 2012 - NBC and iTheatrics are teaming up for the national launch of "NBC's 'Smash': Make...]]></summary>
 
    
    <category term="makeamusical" label="make a musical" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="smash" label="smash" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.nbc.com/news/">
        <![CDATA[<div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; ">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></div><a href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/"><img alt="smash.jpg" src="http://www.nbc.com/news/assets_c/2011/12/smash-thumb-300x123-25717.jpg" width="300" height="123" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" /></a><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><i>"NBC's '<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>': Make a Musical" Set to Launch This Month in 20 Schools in 20 U.S. Cities</i></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">&nbsp;</font><span style="font-size: 1.25em; ">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -- January 6, 2012 - NBC and iTheatrics are teaming up for the national launch of "NBC's '<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>': Make a Musical," a philanthropic initiative that will help create sustainable musical theater programs in underserved schools nationwide.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Timed with NBC's launch of the new musical drama series "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>," 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.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">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 "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>" will join with iTheatrics to announce the first 20 schools selected.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">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.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">America has the opportunity to apply now for local schools to be a part of the Fall 2012 program (second cycle) at makeamusical.org.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">NBC's new drama "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>" premieres February 6 (10-11 p.m. ET) and stars Debra Messing ("Will &amp; Grace"), Katharine McPhee ("American Idol") and Oscar winner Anjelica Huston ("Prizzi's Honor"), among others.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The nationwide partnership announcement was made by Len Fogge, President of Marketing, NBC Entertainment, and Timothy Allen McDonald, founding chairman of iTheatrics.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"'<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>' centers around a group of people working to be part of a Broadway musical," said Fogge. "It's only fitting that NBC play a role to further empower students and teachers to discover the thrill of one of America's most unique art forms through the process of creating their own musical theater programs."</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"Musical theater is the ultimate team sport. It allows young people to learn important life skills and an appreciation of the arts by working together towards the common goal of presenting a show," said McDonald. "Through 'NBC's '<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>': Make a Musical' program, NBC is literally building the future artists and arts-supporters of tomorrow by giving schools the knowledge they need to create stand-alone arts programs in their communities."</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The 20 programs launching this month are in the following cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland (Ore.), Boston, Baltimore/Washington, D.C., Cleveland, Houston, Nashville, New York, Oakland, Oklahoma City, Pittsburgh, Seattle and St. Louis (participating schools will be announced on January 15).</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Beginning today, local schools, educators and students are encouraged to visit makeamusical.org to apply to be part of the Fall 2012 program. Applications, complete with photos, are due by March 2, 2012, to makeamusical.org to be reviewed by iTheatrics' Junior Theater Project. On March 26, a group of finalists will be posted and the American public will have the chance to vote for its 10 favorites. On May 7, the 10 winning schools selected to have a full Make a Musical program installed in their school will be announced.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Additionally 20 schools will be awarded an MTI Broadway Junior Collection "ShowKit" of resources designed to guide cast and crew through the production process, plus licensing rights to perform a full musical. Schools may continue to apply for the remaining 170 Make a Musical program slots set to launch in the fall, and the schools will be selected in August 2012.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Administered by the Junior Theater Project in partnership with NBC's "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>," the programs in the first 20 schools will launch this month with nationally recognized master theater teachers leading professional development workshops for the school teachers and students in each of the schools. These workshops take educators step-by-step through the process of producing a first-ever musical. The teachers select their musical, hold auditions and cast the show.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Each school is given a MTI Broadway Junior Collection "ShowKit" featuring accompaniment CDs, sheet music, choreography DVDs, scripts and more. They will be guided through the entire process by a local program advisor, offering teachers and students the support and encouragement they need in order to take ownership over their productions. At the completion of the program, each school will put on multiple public performances of its show for the entire <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/community/">community</a> and will take part in a final professional development workshop specifically focused on evaluating the process and planning for the future.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">While this is the first time a program of this nature has been launched nationally, iTheatrics has been involved in similar city-specific projects for Music Theatre International and other organizations in the past. The project was originally developed by Music Theatre International with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and was featured in the nationally televised PBS documentary "Children Will Listen." In 2005, the New York City Department of Education launched a special program for New York City public schools in The Shubert Foundation/Music Theatre International Broadway Junior Project, which to date has built 50 musical theater self-sustaining programs in underserved New York City middle schools with a 100 percent success rate.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>" is a musical drama that celebrates the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway theater as it follows a cross-section of dreamers and schemers who all have one common desire -- to be a "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/smash/">Smash</a>." The cast features Debra Messing, Anjelica Huston, Jack Davenport, Christian Borle, Megan Hilty, Katharine McPhee, Raza Jaffrey, Brian d'Arcy James and Jaime Cepero. The executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Theresa Rebeck, David Marshall Grant, Craig Zadan, Neil Meron, Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">iTheatrics uses the transformative power of the arts to make the world a better place. The company adapts existing Broadway and West End musicals for students at all age levels -- including elementary, middle and high school -- to perform. In addition, iTheatrics also creates a teacher's tool chest of resources which provides educators with enhancements such as choreography DVDs, accompaniment CDs, director's guides and curriculum connections. iTheatrics' clients include The Jim Henson Company, Music Theatre International, Disney Theatrical Group, the Roald Dahl Estate and McMillan/McGraw-Hill. Likewise, iTheatrics also develops new musicals for family audiences such as "The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley," "The Phantom Tollbooth" and "Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach." Junior Teaching Intensives from iTheatrics provide professional development for teachers in the area of musical theater and its Junior Theater Academy provides young artists with an innovative outlet for developing their skills as performers and artists.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></div><div><br /></div>]]>
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<entry>
    <title>NBC Announces The Celebrities Tracing Their Family Trees On Season Three Of &apos;Who Do You Think You Are?&apos; Premiering February 3    </title>
    <link rel="alternate"  href="http://www.nbc.com/news/2012/01/06/nbc-announces-the-celebrities-tracing-their-family-trees-on-season-three-of-who-do-you-think-you-are/?__source=News|RSS" />
    <id>tag:www.nbc.com,2012:/news//20.100555</id>

    <published>2012-01-06T18:40:03Z</published>
    <updated>2012-01-06T23:56:21Z</updated>

    <summary><![CDATA[&nbsp;&nbsp;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...]]></summary>
 
    
    <category term="blairunderwood" label="Blair Underwood" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="ediefalco" label="Edie Falco" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="helenhunt" label="Helen Hunt" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="jasonsudeikis" label="Jason Sudeikis" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="jeromebettis" label="Jerome Bettis" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="lisakudrow" label="Lisa Kudrow" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="marisatomei" label="Marisa Tomei" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="martinsheen" label="Martin Sheen" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="pauladeen" label="Paula Deen" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="rashidajones" label="Rashida Jones" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="rebamcentire" label="Reba McEntire" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="ritawilson" label="Rita Wilson" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="roblowe" label="Rob Lowe" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="whodoyouthinkyouare" label="Who Do You Think You Are" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.nbc.com/news/">
        <![CDATA[<div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; ">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><a href="http://www.nbc.com/who-do-you-think-you-are/"><img alt="wdytya.jpg" src="http://www.nbc.com/news/assets_c/2012/01/wdytya-thumb-300x168-26483.jpg" width="300" height="168" class="mt-image-right" style="float: right; margin: 0 0 20px 20px;" /></a><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">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</font></div><div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; ">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">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 "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/who-do-you-think-you-are/">Who Do You Think You Are</a>?" 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.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">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") -- "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/who-do-you-think-you-are/">Who Do You Think You Are</a>?" 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.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"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."</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">From Ireland's freedom fighters to the American Revolutionary War, and from the African nation of Cameroon to Bulgaria, "<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/who-do-you-think-you-are/">Who Do You Think You Are</a>?" will reveal the fabric of humanity through everyone's place in history. Each week a different celebrity takes a journey into their family's past, traveling all over the world. While giving viewers an in-depth look into their favorite stars' family tree, each episode will expose surprising facts and life changing encounters that will unlock people's emotions, and show just how connected everyone is not only to the past, but to one another.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font size="3"><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Ancestry.com continues in its role as NBC and Shed Media's official partner on the series, helping to provide the exhaustive research used to build each story. "'<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/who-do-you-think-you-are/">Who Do You Think You Are</a>?' is such a beautiful showcase for the type of discoveries people can make through family history research," said Josh Hanna, Executive Vice President for Ancestry.com. "We are extremely proud to help produce a program that inspires so many to begin their own journey of discovery and are excited to see it grow more this season."</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">"<a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/who-do-you-think-you-are/">Who Do You Think You Are</a>?" is produced by Shed Media U.S. in association with Is or Isn't Entertainment. Alex Graham, Kudrow, Bucatinsky, Jennifer O'Connell and Al Edgington are the executive producers. The unique, award-winning series is based on the popular BBC television documentary series from Wall to Wall Productions, created and executive-produced by Graham.</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Shed Media U.S. is noted for its strong characters and memorable casting, and produces several popular television shows including: Bravo's "The Real Housewives of New York City," "Bethenny Ever After" and "It's A Brad, Brad World," Lifetime's "Supernanny," VH1's "Basketball Wives" and TLC's "All American Muslim." Is or Isn't Entertainment has been developing and producing television, features and online content since Kudrow and Bucatinsky formed their partnership in 2003. It is best known for the critically acclaimed, <a class="autolink" href="http://www.nbc.com/emmys/">Emmy</a> Award-nominated series "The Comeback," which made its own comeback on The Sundance Channel in 2011. The company's critically lauded web-series "Web Therapy," won the 2010 and 2011 Webby Awards for Best Online Comedy and was just nominated for a 2012 PGA Award.&nbsp;</font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">The series made a ground-breaking web-to-TV move on Showtime this summer with 10 critically acclaimed half-hours triggering a season two pickup for Summer 2012 with an unprecedented line-up of guest stars including Meryl Streep.</font></div><div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 1.25em; ">Ancestry.com Inc. (Nasdaq: ACOM) is the world's largest online family history resource, with approximately 1.7 million paying subscribers. More than 7 billion records have been added to the site in the past 15 years. Ancestry users have created more than 29 million family trees containing over 3 billion profiles. In addition to its flagship site www.ancestry.com, Ancestry.com offers localized Web sites designed for nine countries that empower people to discover, preserve and share their family history.</span></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; "><br /></font></div><div><font style="font-size: 1.25em; ">&nbsp;</font></div><div><br /></div>]]>
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