*NSYNC Unveils New T-Shirt For Charity
(03.19) Source - Launch: *NSYNC members Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, and Chris Kirkpatrick were at the Planet Hollywood in New York City's Times Square on Sunday (March 18) to unveil a T-shirt that will benefit the group's Challenge For The Children charity.
�����The black T-shirt features the handprints and signatures of all five *NSYNC members in neon colors, and incorporates the Challenge For The Children and Planet Hollywood logos. The T-shirts, available at Planet Hollywood restaurants nationwide, cost $22 and $24.
�����In addition to selling record-breaking numbers of albums and selling out concert arenas in a matter of minutes, the members of *NSYNC still make it a point to give back to those in need. "All the proceeds go to the Challenge For The Children, which is our charity," said Chasez. "Each year, we choose new benefactors who get the help of the charity. Of course, our charities deal with children."
�����Timberlake, commenting on the group's success last year, wants to get the momentum going again this year. "On top of everything that happened to us entertainment-wise, we raised a lot of money," he said, reminding the fans who packed the inside of the restaurant that the band will be dropping a new album later this year. "We want to do that again this year."
�����Thanks to Kirkpatrick, who is a fan of CBS's Survivor: The Australian Outback, Alicia Calaway, the show's most recent castoff, joined the group at Planet Hollywood. The former Kucha tribe member had her shirt personally signed by Chasez, Timberlake, and Kirkpatrick.
�����Challenge For The Children has raised more than $700,000 since *NSYNC founded it in 1999. It offers financial support to children's programs and charities throughout the country. The organization focuses on providing funds to schools that have made cuts in sports and music programs. The charity also focuses on children's healthcare programs, including pediatric AIDS, adoption, foster care, teen pregnancy, alcohol/drug programs, and the fight against violence. Challenge For The Children has already provided funding to the Justin Timberlake Foundation, the Arnold Palmer Hospital For Children & Women, Hope For Children, LifeBeat, the Nordoff-Robbins Foundation, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation, Childwatch, and Childplace.
�����Each year, *NSYNC holds a Challenge For The Children event, which has grown from a one-day fundraiser to a weekend-long event that culminates in a celebrity basketball game. The first event was held in August 1999 in Atlanta, Georgia. Last year's Challenge For The Children game was held at St. John's University in New York. This year's event is slated to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, in July.
AllStarCharity.com Treasures
(03.17) Source - All Star Charity: Pop superstars *NSYNC have put up a collection of items for bid through allstarcharity.com. Proceeds for most of the donations will benefit Challenge For The Children, a charity program founded in 1999 by all five members and dedicated to offering financial support to children's programs and charities throughout the country. Other beneficiaries include the Musicians' Assistance Program (MAP) and the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF).
�����Donated items for bid:
�����~Super Bowl XXXV Half-Time Performance Mini Helmet Signed by *NSYNC, Britney Spears, Aerosmith, & Nelly
�����~Super Bowl XXXV Half-Time Performance Football Signed by *NSYNC, Britney Spears, Aerosmith, & Nelly
�����~Signed Fender Squier Stratocaster�
�����~Concert Tickets and Meet-and-Greet Passes
�����~Signed Embroidered Blue Jean Jacket
�����~Signed Photo Collection
Lance Bass Prot�g� Meredith Edwards In Sync With Country
(03.16) Source - MTV: Anyone hoping that the music industry's infatuation with youth was just a passing fad got a big wake-up call when 21-year-old Lance Bass announced he was opening a management company last year. A member of pop group *NSYNC, Bass sent a message to all of the jaded industryites who refused to take young superstars seriously: they're here, they're hot, and they ain't going away.
�����That Bass' first client would be 16-year-old country singer Meredith Edwards (she turned 17 in early March) therefore seemed somehow appropriate. Bass obviously knows something about launching teen acts; as for entering the world of Nashville, said Edwards, "he has got so many friends in country music. He is definitely a great manager. He is the guy who has got the connections, he knows people."
�����Indeed, no sooner had Edwards landed at Bass' Free Lance Entertainment than she was holding a contract with Mercury Nashville in her manicured hands. Her debut, Reach, releases May 15 on Bass' imprint label with Mercury, Freelance Entertainment, while the first single, "A Rose Is a Rose," is at #44 this week on Billboard's Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
�����Which begs the question: How did Edwards land a gig other 16 year-old girls would give their eyeteeth for? In fact, Edwards reeled in her Bass the old-fashioned way: the two are childhood friends. Both hail from Clinton, Miss., a small suburb of Jackson. Their mothers are friends, and the two have known each other since both were members of the Mississippi Showstoppers touring group.
�����"We have known each other since I was like eight," says Edwards. "We used to sing together, we lived in the same town. It's just a really weird connection. He always said, 'If I ever go anywhere in the music business, I want to take you with me.'" Still, once Bass reached the lofty heights of superstardom, even Edwards didn't expect him to make good on his word. "But he was like, 'Meredith, I want you to be my debut artist for the management company!'," she trilled. "I was like, Woah! I didn't really believe him! But we set it all up and it works great."
�����There are some obvious advantages to having a member of a multi-platinum selling pop group serve as your manager. When Bass squired a virtually unknown Edwards to last year's CMA Awards show, it made headlines in Nashville and beyond. She toured with *NSYNC last fall, opening one of the hottest tours in industry history. The singer admits to being "really scared" on those first gigs � after all, *NSYNC is one of the world's top touring acts, grossing $76.4 million last year, according to trade publication Pollstar. That's more than rockers Kiss or country's own reigning king and queen, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
�����"I didn't know what [the *NSYNC fans] were going to act like, if they were going to be responsive or not," Edwards says. "I'm not *NSYNC, I don't sing pop music! But they were great, they accepted it totally. I was really lucky, definitely."
�����While cynics may wonder how hands-on a manager can be when he's cultivating his own red-hot artists' career, Edwards claims that Bass is, in fact, very involved in decisions affecting her career. Furthermore, she notes, Free Lance Entertainment is strictly a family-run operation, so there's a familiarity factor there.
�����Though she vows she's strictly country, the coming months will see Edwards open a few more shows for *NSYNC, "because that's such an amazing opportunity. To perform in front of these kids that are these huge fans, it's such great exposure." Negotiations are also underway to put her on a big summer tour, though nothing has been signed at this point.
�����For an artist whose debut release is still two months away, things seem to be moving expeditiously for Edwards. It's another wake-up call from music's youthquake: they're here, and they're putting down roots.
Destiny's Child Takes PYT On The Road
(03.15) Source - Billboard: When chart topping R&B act Destiny's Child kicks off the first leg of its North American tour Sunday night (March 18) in Farmington, Mo., the female trio will be filling the role of mentor to a group of aspiring teens.
�����Epic act PYT - comprised of four 15 year-old girls - will open each show on the 12-date tour, which will wrap March 31 in Manhattan, Kan., at the Bramlage Coliseum. The girls, who have been friends since age six, have plenty of experience under their collective belt already, having toured with Britney Spears and *NSYNC, and performing at this year's Super Bowl.
�����The group's first single, "Same 'Ol, Same 'Ol," is out now in advance of its debut album, "PYT (Down With Me)," due in June. Destiny's Child is touring in advance of its upcoming Columbia album "Survivor," due out this spring. The title track and first single takes a huge jump on The Billboard Hot 100 this week, leaping 43-17 in its second week on the chart.
*NSYNC Autographed Super Bowl Football Up For Auction
(03.14) Source - Launch: *NSYNC has put an autographed Super Bowl XXXV halftime commemorative football up for auction at the website allstarcharity.com. The white, green, orange, and light blue-colored Wilson football is signed in black ink by all of the members of *NSYNC, Britney Spears, all of the members Aerosmith, and rapper Nelly.
�����The entirety of the winning bid will go directly to *NSYNC's Challenge For The Children, a charitable organization whose mission is to offer financial support to children's programs, including funding schools that have suffered educational budget cutbacks in sports programs and music education. Challenge For The Children also assists children's health-care causes such as pediatric AIDS, adoption and foster care, teen pregnancy, alcohol/drug programs, and the fight against teen violence. The football also comes with a certificate of authenticity from allstarcharity.com. The auction is open now through April 12.
Foo Fighters, Bono, Moby To Induct Artists Into Rock Hall
(03.14) Source - MTV: The Foo Fighters, Bono and Moby will join *NSYNC as presenters at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 16th annual induction ceremony.
�����The Foo Fighters will induct bombastic rockers Queen, whose anthems "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions" as well as the operatic "Bohemian Rhapsody" are classic-rock staples.
�����The induction ceremony will be held March 19 and will air at 9 PM ET on VH1 two days later.
�����Moby will induct Steely Dan, the jazz-rock duo of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, whose revolving cast of collaborators produced a string of hits in the 1970s and early '80s, including "Do It Again," "Peg" and "Hey Nineteen." The group's Two Against Nature (2000) garnered Steely Dan their first Grammy, for Album of the Year.
�����*NSYNC will do the honors for Michael Jackson, whose previous induction as a member of the Jackson 5 means he'll join a relatively small group of artists to be inducted more than once. Double inductees include John Lennon and Paul McCartney as solo artists and as members of the Beatles, while Eric Clapton is a three-time honoree for his work with the Yardbirds and Cream and as a solo performer.
�����Paul Simon also joins that list this year � already inducted as one half of Simon & Garfunkel, he'll be honored for a solo career that includes the classic 1986 album Graceland, which combined Simon's folksy songwriting style with South African music. No presenter has been announced for him yet.
�����Bono will induct Island Records founder Chris Blackwell in the nonperformer category. Blackwell started Island in Jamaica in 1961 and eventually released albums by a wide array of performers, including Bob Marley, Tom Waits, U2 and Traffic.
�����Rolling Stone Keith Richards will induct James Burton and Johnnie Johnson in the sidemen category. Burton, a seminal rock and country guitarist, is best known for his work with Elvis Presley and Ricky Nelson; he's also recorded with artists ranging from Gram Parsons to the Monkees to Elvis Costello. Johnson not only played piano for Chuck Berry, but arranged many of his best-known singles, including "Maybellene" and "Johnny B. Goode."
�����No presenters have been announced to induct Aerosmith, Solomon Burke, the Flamingos or Ritchie Valens.
Jackson Feted As Inaugural 'mtvICON'
(03.12) Source - Billboard: Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City was the site Saturday night for the first "mtvICON" gala, celebrating the career and pop culture influence of Janet Jackson, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The special will air tomorrow night (March 13) on MTV.
�����Set in a multi-level studio with two stages and a huge video monitor, the event featured many younger acts who have been influenced by Jackson's music and videos. There were also live and taped testimonials, performances, and video packages that traced her private life and career - from her early days on television's "Good Times," "Diff'rent Strokes," and "Fame," to her phenomenal recording career.
�����Rap duo Outkast opened the show with a lyrically altered version of its recent No. 1 hit, "Ms. Jackson." Those performing the honoree's songs included Destiny's Child ("Let's Wait Awhile"), Macy Gray ("Love Will Never Do (Without You)"), and modern rockers Buckcherry ("Nasty"). Aaliyah introduced a dance performance of Jackson hits featuring Pink on "Miss You Much," Usher on "Alright," and Mya on "The Pleasure Principle." All three then teamed on "Rhythm Nation," backed by a dozen dancers.
�����Other celebs taking part included Tyrese, Method Man, Redman, Taye Diggs, David Alan Grier, Jamie Foxx, Busta Rhymes, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, and *NSYNC.
�����Janet's brothers - Marlon, Jackie, Jermaine, and Tito Jackson - were introduced as the Jackson 5, and noted that brother Randy was under the weather and could not make the show. The artists shared memories of their littlest sister, and watched a taped message from youngest brother Michael Jackson.
�����The family act then introduced the guest of honor, who descended from the rafters with a pair of dancers and took the stage to perform her new single, "All For You," which debuted at No. 14 on The Billboard Hot 100 this week.
�����With everyone onstage dressed in all-white - a stark contrast to Jackson's '80s videos - the performance went smoothly until the end. The music seemed to end abruptly, and Jackson and the dancers appeared unsure of what to do next. An offstage voice was heard to say, "Let's try it again from the top." But they didn't - and that was the show, which ended without the planned medley of Jackson's classic hits.
�����MTV plans to honor one artist a year with an "mtvICON" tribute. Criteria include a performer's influence on the art of music video and/or inspiring a new generation of music artists.
MTV Names Janet Jackson an Icon
(03.12) Source - Wall Of Sound: MTV pulled out all the stops Saturday night, as the video music channel saluted the multitalented Janet Jackson with a star-studded celebration, honoring her as its first-ever MTV Icon.
�����The glittering talent roster included Destiny's Child, Macy Gray, *NSYNC, Jessica Simpson, and Aaliyah, among many others � and though many of the stars are of a younger generation than the 35-year-old Jackson, none have careers that are more vital: Jackson's latest single, "All for You," broke chart records last week, by being added to the rotation of every single pop, rhythmic, and urban station that reports to trade magazine Radio & Records.
�����The show, which was shot live-to-tape for broadcast tomorrow, consisted mostly of celebrity tributes and charged live musical performances. One highlight was Mya, Pink, and Usher's dance tribute, where each did a separate Janet-style dance routine to a classic hit and then a final song that included all three workin' it together.
�����Gray added her own unique flavor to Jackson's "Love Will Never Do," while Destiny's Child didn't hold back on a cover of "Let's Wait Awhile," and the hard rockers of Buckcherry took "Nasty Girl" to an even more down-and-dirty place. *NSYNC's Justin Timberlake and Chris Kirkpatrick took a more intimate with their performance of "That's the Way Love Goes."
�����But the centerpiece of the show came with Jackson's own performance. She and two dancers were lowered from the ceiling, curled up in hoops with microphones in hand and then hit the stage jammin' with "All for You."
�����Jackson, dressed all in white in a half-tuxedo, half-halter outfit, didn't miss a beat and was bursting with the same energy and charisma that energized America's pop music scene more than 10 years ago.
�����Her musical family � sans superstar Michael � was also on hand for the event. Jermaine expressed how proud he was of his kid sister. "We love it," he said. "She's a representative of the whole Jackson family, and the fact that we've laid the foundation, and she's picked it up and ran with it, that's fine with us."
�����The younger stars were effusive in their praise for Jackson.
�����"In the third grade and fourth grade I used to dress up like her," said Destiny's Child leader Beyonc� Knowles. "I know all the kids at my school thought I was trying to be grown up. I had the lipstick, had the hair � even had some leather boots. But at that time they weren't real leather. But I tried."
�����Gray, whose own career was recently boosted by a Grammy Award, said, "As a personality she has inspired a lot of people. She's a really good role model for other artists because she always presents herself right. She always looks good, dances right. Always singing the right song � never says nothing bad. She's a good all-around person for people to look up to."
�����R&B legend Stevie Wonder was one of the few present who witnessed the singer's career develop as an adult. "It's just incredible to see how she's grown throughout the years," he said. "Her commitment to make the world a better place not just by words, but also by action."
*NSYNC And Planet Hollywood Team Up For Celebrity Edition T-Shirt
(03.12) Source - Launch: *NSYNC has teamed up with Planet Hollywood to create a new *NSYNC-Planet Hollywood Celebrity Edition T-Shirt, and sales of the item will benefit the group's Challenge For The Children charity. *NSYNC are Planet Hollywood's most recent celebrity partners, and the group will personally unveil the shirt at the new Planet Hollywood Times Square in New York City on Sunday (March 18) at 4 PM ET. After the event, the shirt will be available exclusively at all U.S. Planet Hollywood locations.
�����The members of *NSYNC said of the T-shirt venture in a statement: "Planet Hollywood asked how they could help with a new fundraising effort for our charity, Challenge For The Children, and the T-shirt seemed like a natural fit. We designed the shirt working with a theme that is very familiar to Planet Hollywood guests: handprints. We believe this design will attract all of our fans to get out and buy the shirt. With the help and support of our friends and fans, we will raise needed funds for programs that we all believe in."
�����The shirt features the handprints and corresponding signatures of singers Chris Kirkpatrick, Lance Bass, Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, and Joey Fatone in bold neon colors. The shirt is black and made of 100 percent cotton, and it is available in a full-cut, short-sleeve tee for $22 and in a fitted women's version for $24. The shirt also incorporates both the Planet Hollywood and Challenge For The Children logos. A portion of the proceeds from sales of each shirt will go directly to Challenge For The Children.
�����Challenge For The Children is a charity *NSYNC founded in 1999 to offer financial support to children's programs and charities throughout the country. The organization focuses on funding schools that have suffered cutbacks in sports and music programs, as well as children's health care and education programs. The group raises funds in support of their charity in a variety of ways throughout the year, including its Challenge For The Children weekend of sports challenges and other activities. This year's Challenge for the Children III will be held in Las Vegas over the last weekend in July.