Unsigned performers vie for chance to play with Foo Fighters
GRAMMY.com
The Recording Academy today officially launched the second installment of "My GRAMMY Moment" for the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards, following the successful "My GRAMMY Moment" debut segment with Justin Timberlake on the 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
Continuing its mission of discovering and nurturing music makers, this year The Academy is giving unsigned instrumentalists the opportunity to vie for a performance on Music's Biggest Night with current five-time GRAMMY-nominated rock band the Foo Fighters. Interested musicians can submit up to a 60-second performance video showcasing their talent and view a special message from the Foo Fighters on YouTube — the official online partner of "My GRAMMY Moment 2008."
A GRAMMY Blue Ribbon Panel will determine the 45 quarter finalists, with the public vote narrowing the field to semi-finalists who will perform with the Foo Fighters as part of an orchestra, and one winner as the featured instrumentalist. Users can log directly on to YouTube to access the video submissions, video viewing and voting site. Content also will be available on the CBS Audience Network and its more than 200 online partners.
The 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, and is scheduled to be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).
"We are pleased to once again provide talented and unsigned musicians the chance to grace the GRAMMY stage," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "This year, we reach even deeper into the incredibly diverse musical community by giving an ensemble of instrumentalists the chance to participate in another special and unique 'GRAMMY Moment.' The Academy and our GRAMMY Foundation have made music education and career enhancement a priority 365 days of the year, and this interactive component is yet another reflection of our mission to directly engage young musicians with the opportunity of a lifetime."
"This is an incredible opportunity for an up-and-coming musician to perform live on the GRAMMY stage on Music's Biggest Night with one of the most creative and successful rock bands today," said Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music and Live Events, CBS.
"An appearance on the GRAMMY Awards is one of the highest honors a musical artist can achieve," said Ken Ehrlich, co-executive producer of the GRAMMY Awards. "By opening our show to a new generation of young musicians who will realize their dreams early in their career, we hope to inspire a generation of future music makers who will see that anything is possible."
"From the classical cellist to the emerging rock star, YouTube provides a unique opportunity for all musicians to market and promote their music and directly engage their fans," said Chad Hurley, CEO and co-founder, YouTube. "'My GRAMMY Moment 2008' is an amazing opportunity for a talented group of people to play on stage with one of the most iconic bands today, and I'm excited to see the performance."
"Bringing all these powerhouse brands together — CBS, the GRAMMYs, the Foo Fighters and YouTube — to allow fans to be an integral part of the GRAMMY experience is what the interactive community is all about," said Joe Ferreira, Sr. Vice President/GM, CBS Audience Network.
Last year, 19-year-old singer Robyn Troup was voted a performance slot with Justin Timberlake in a well-received first My GRAMMY Moment segment on the 49th GRAMMY Awards.
For complete information about the submission and voting processes, please click here.