Halloween 2018: Horror movies and supernatural thrillers in theaters on All Hallows’ Eve

October 1, 2018

by Carla Hay

There are numerous horror movies available to watch on TV, computers or mobile devices, but for Halloween 2018, there are a select number of horror flicks and supernatural thrillers that will be released in theaters in October.  Horror and supernatural movies released before October 2018 that should still be in theaters during the Halloween season include “The Nun” (rated PG-13); “The House With a Clock in Its Walls” (rated PG); “Hell Fest” (rated R); “The Predator” (rated R); and “Slender Man” (rated PG-13). Here are the movies that have an October 2018 release:

Information in this article is about U.S. releases.

RELEASES FOR MATURE AUDIENCES

(Movies that are rated R)

“Halloween” (2018)

Jamie Lee Curtis reprises her role as Laurie Strode, the most famous target of serial killer Michael Myers’ murderous wrath. Curtis played the role in the first “Halloween” movie in 1978, the 1981 sequel “Halloween II” and in 1998’s “Halloween H20: 20 Years Later.” In the 2018 “Halloween,” Laurie once again faces off against Michael Myers, as he returns to their hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois. John Carpenter, who wrote and directed the first “Halloween” movie, is not a key player in this 2018 sequel, which was directed and co-written by David Gordon Green. The 2018 “Halloween” cast also includes Nick Castle (who played Michael Myers in the first “Halloween” movie), Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, Will Patton, and Virginia Gardner.  The 2018 “Halloween” sequel got mostly positive reviews after its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The movie, which is rated R, opens in wide release on October 19, 2018.

“Suspiria” (2018)

This remake of Dario Argento’s 1977 horror movie is also set in the 1970s (just like the original “Suspiria”) and the concept is the same: a young American female dancer joins a dance company in Germany that is plagued by evil forces. Luca Guadagnino (Oscar-nominated producer of “Call My By Your Name”) directed this “Suspiria” remake, whose cast includes Tilda Swinton as the troupe’s artistic director; Jessica Harper, who starred in the original “Suspiria”; and Dakota Johnson, Mia Goth and Chloë Grace Moretz as members of the dance company. Radiohead’s Thom Yorke makes his debut as a film composer with this movie. “Suspiria” got divisive reviews (critics loved it or hated it) after its world premiere at the 2018 Venice International Film Festival. The movie arrives in select U.S. theaters on October 26, 2018, before getting a wider release on November 2, 2018.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RELEASES

(Movies that are rated PG or PG-13)

“I Still See You”

In a post-apocalyptic world, the ghosts of dead people can still be seen performing activities on a repetitive loop before they disappear. When a high-school student Veronica “Roni” Calder (played Bella Thorne) receives threatening warnings from a mysterious young male ghost, she teams up with a classmate (played by Richard Harmon) to get to the bottom of the mystery. “I Still See You” also stars Dermot Mulroney as one of Roni’s school teachers. The movie is based on the novel “Break My Heart One Thousand Times” by Daniel Waters. Directed by Scott Speer, “I Still See You,” which is rated PG-13, opens in limited release on October 12, 2018. The movie is also available on demand on the same date.

“Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”

This sequel to 2015’s “Goosebumps” doesn’t have most of the first “Goosebumps” movie’s cast, but it follows the same premise: a group of kids discover toys that come to life and often scare them after a mysterious book is opened. Based on author R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” book series, “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween,” directed by Ari Sandel, has a cast that includes Wendi McLendon-Covey, Madison Iseman, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Caleel Harris, Chris Parnell and Ken Jeong. Jack Black has a cameo reprising his role as R.L. Stine from the first “Goosebumps” movie. “Goosebumps 2,” which is rated PG, opens in wide release on October 12, 2018.

SPECIAL RE-RELEASES

“Beetlejuice”

Tim Burton’s classic 1988 horror comedy tells the story of deceased young couple Adam and Barbara Maitland (played by Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis), who haunt their former home and try unsuccessfully to scare away the house’s new residents: Charles and Delia Deetz (played by Jeffrey Jones and Catherine O’Hara) and their moody teenage daughter Lydia (Winona Ryder). In desperation, the Maitlands conjur up the obnoxious ghost Betelgeuse (played by Michael Keaton) to enlist his help in terrifying the Deetz family into moving out of the house. As part of the Cinépolis Handpicked series, the Cinépolis theater chain is showing “Beetlejuice” (which is rated PG) on October 17 to celebrate the movie’s 30th anniversary.  More information and ticket purchases can be found here.

“Evil Dead 2”

Sam Raimi’s “Evil Dead 2” is a rare sequel that is considered just as good if not better than the original movie: 1981’s “The Evil Dead,” which Raimi also wrote and directed. In a plot similar to that of its predecessor, 1987’s “Evil Dead 2” has Ash Williams (played by Bruce Campbell) fighting off demons in a secluded cabin in the woods. This time, instead of reading from the Book of the Dead that conjures the evil spirits, it’s a discovered audiotape of a professor reading from the book that unleashes the horrific beasts once again. “Evil Dead 2,” which is rated R, has been given a 4K restoration and a limited re-release in select U.S. theaters, as of October 1, 2018. More information can be found here.

“The Fog”

Writer/director John Carpenter followed up his 1978 classic horror film “Halloween” with 1980’s “The Fog,” a ghost story about a fictional seaside California town named Antonio Bay that is haunted by sinister spirits whose presence is foreshadowed by an eerie fog. The movie’s cast includes Adrienne Barbeau, Tom Atkins, Hal Holbrook and the mother-daughter duo of Janet Leigh and original “Halloween” star Jamie Lee Curtis. “Halloween” co-star Nancy Loomis, who now goes by the name Nancy Kyes, also has a role in this movie. “The Fog,” which is rated R, has received a 4K restoration and is getting a limited re-release in select U.S. theaters by Rialto Pictures, beginning on October 26, 2018. More information can be found here.

“Frankenstein” (1931)

The original “Frankenstein” movie is considered one of the all-time great horror movie classics. The story of mad scientist Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his man-made horror creature has been told on screen many times, but film historians consider the original movie version to be the best. The original “Frankenstein” movie also made Boris Karloff, who played the creature, a horror-movie icon. As part of the Cinépolis Handpicked series, the Cinépolis theater chain is showing “Frankenstein” (which is unrated) on October 16. More information and ticket purchases can be found here.

“Frankenstein” (2011 National Theatre stage production)

In 2011, Fathom Events released a screening of the U.K.’s “Frankenstein” National Theatre stage production, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller switching roles as Dr. Frankenstein and his Creature in different versions of the play. Directed by Danny Boyle, this special screening (which is not rated) is getting a re-release in select U.S. cinemas on two dates: October 22 will have Miller as Dr. Frankenstein and Cumberbatch as the Creature, while October 29 will feature Cumberbatch as Dr. Frankenstein and Miller as the Creature. More information and ticket purchases are available here.

“Ghostbusters” (1984)

The original 1984 “Ghostbusters” movie is considered a horror-comedy classic. Directed by Ivan Reitman, the movie tells the story of three paranormal investigators (played by Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis), their first recruit (Ernie Hudson), their socialite client (played by Sigourney Weaver), her neighbor (played by Rick Moranis), and how they stumble upon ghosts and demons in New York City. As part of the Cinépolis Handpicked series, the Cinépolis theater chain is showing “Ghostbusters” (which is rated PG) on October 9. More information and ticket purchases can be found here.

“Halloween” (1978)

John Carpenter’s “Halloween” is considered one of the most influential horror movies of all time, and certainly one of the top films representing the “slasher” subgenre of horror flicks. The mask-wearing, knife-wielding, mute serial killer Michael Myers has become a much-parodied and imitated horror icon, but at the time that “Halloween” was released, many of the terror-inducing elements of this movie were considered groundbreaking. The slow-burn suspense of “Halloween,” which spawned numerous inferior sequels, can be fully appreciated on the big screen, considering that most modern “slasher” movies follow a formula of someone getting killed every 15 to 20 minutes. Jamie Lee Curtis, as teenage babysitter Laurie Strode, made her movie debut in “Halloween,” one of many horror films in which she’s had a starring role, including the 2018 movie sequel of the same name. Donald Pleasence also stars in the original “Halloween” as Myers’ psychiatric doctor, who doggedly tries to find his patient after Myers escapes from a psychiatric institution. The original 1978 “Halloween,”  which is rated R, is getting a 40th anniversary re-release, with a restored and remastered digital print, in select theaters in the U.S. and other countries.  CineLife Entertainment teamed up with Compass International Pictures and Trancas International Films for the re-release that begins for a limited time on September 27, 2018. More information can be found here. The Cinépolis theater chain is showing “Halloween” on October 30, with Squared Co photo ops and giveaways. A select number of Cinépolis locations will have director’s commentary on SoundFI devices.

“Hocus Pocus”

The supernatural comedy film “Hocus Pocus,” directed by Kenny Ortega, tells the story of three ancient sister witches (played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy) who are accidentally conjured up by a teenage boy (played by Omri Katz) after he and his family move from Los Angeles to Salem, Massachusetts. “Hocus Pocus,” which is rated PG, is getting a special 25th anniversary re-release at AMC Theatres from October 26 to October 31. More information and ticket purchases are available here.

 “Night of the Living Dead” (1968)

George A. Romero’s zombie-invasion classic is often on people’s lists of the best horror movies of all time, and it’s considered the best of all the sequels, spinoffs and remakes that this original movie inspired. Filmed in black and white, “The Night of the Living Dead” has a plot that is simple but executed to chilling effect: A group of strangers trapped in a rural Pennsylvania farmhouse try to survive an unexpected plague of zombies. Duane Jones and Judith O’Dea were among the cast of relatively unknown actors in the film. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the movie’s release, Fathom Events,  in association with Museum of Modern Art and the George Lucas Family Foundation, are presenting a restored and remastered print of “Night of the Living Dead,” which is rated R, in select U.S. theaters on October 24 and October 25. More information and ticket purchases are available here.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas”

The 1993 animated musical “The Nightmare Before Christmas”—produced and conceived by Tim Burton and directed by Henry Selick—tells the story of Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween Town, who accidentally goes through a portal to Christmas Town.  When he returns to Halloween Town to celebrate Christmas and share  his knowledge about Christmas, chaos ensues. Danny Elfman, who wrote the film’s songs and score, provided the singing voice of Jack. The voice cast also includes Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, William Hickey, Ken Page, Paul Reubens, Glenn Shadix, and Ed Ivory. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is getting a 25th anniversary re-release at Regal movie theaters from October 26 to October 31.  Screenings will be available in standard 2D at all participating Regal theaters, as well as in 4DX at select locations. Regal Crown Club members who purchase tickets to the event will also receive a $5 concession combo offer, including a small popcorn and drink, while supplies last. More information and ticket purchases can be found here.

“Rosemary’s Baby”

Roman Polanski’s 1968 sinister horror film tells the story of a young New York City wife named Rosemary Woodhouse (played by Mia Farrow) and her struggling actor husband Guy (played by John Cassevetes), whose joy of having their first child turns to horror when strange things start happening around them, including people they know becoming severely ill or dying. The couple’s strange neighbors Roman and Minnie Castavet (played by Sidney Blackmer and Ruth Gordon), who have a creepy interest in Rosemary’s pregnancy, might have something to do with it. As part of the Cinépolis Handpicked series, the Cinépolis theater chain is showing “Rosemary’s Baby” (which is rated R) on October 2 to celebrate the movie’s 50th anniversary.

“Spirited Away”

Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 Japanese fantasy adventure “Spirited Away” is an Oscar-winning movie (Best Animated Feature) that tells the story of a 10-year-old girl named Chihiro Ogino who enters the spirit world after her parents are turned into pigs by a witch named Yubaba. Chihiro then works in Yubaba’s bath house to try and find a way to free her parents from the spell and get them back into the real world. Fathom Events is presenting “Spirited Away,” which is rated PG, in select U.S. theaters on October 28, 29 and 30. The October 28 and 30 screenings will be dubbed in English, while the October 29 screening will be in Japanese with English subtitles. More information and ticket purchases can be found here.

“Twilight”

The vampire film series “Twilight” (based on Stephanie Meyer’s young-adult book series) evoked love/hate responses from moviegoing audiences. Rabid fans of “Twilight” loved the romance of vampire Edward Cullen (played by Robert Pattinson) and human teenager Bella Swan (played by Kristen Stewart); the Cullen vampire clan’s complicated relationship with werewolves; and the battles of good versus evil. However, there was an immense backlash against “Twilight” by the time the movie series ended in 2012, with critics deriding the acting, dialogue and visual effects. And even though the “Twilight” series made Pattinson and Stewart into highly paid teen-idol celebrities (and sparked a doomed real-life romance between the two co-stars), they have since given interviews saying they dislike their “Twilight” notoriety. For people who want to remember or experience the film that started the “Twilight” movie craze, Fathom Events will have a 10th anniversary re-release of the first “Twilight” movie (which is rated PG-13 and directed by Catherine Hardwicke) in select U.S. theaters on October 21 and October 23. The screening includes a filmed introduction by Hardwicke and an exclusive sneak peek of the new special feature “Twilight Tour…10 Years Later.” More information and ticket purchases can be found here.

“Young Frankenstein”

This 1974 horror comedy is widely considered to be director Mel Brooks’ greatest film. Brooks co-wrote the “Young Frankenstein” screenplay with Gene Wilder, who stars as Frederick Frankenstein, a grandson of Victor Frankenstein, who travels to Transylvania and unwittingly creates another monster creature (played by Peter Boyle). The movie also stars Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman, Teri Garr, Kenneth Mars and Marty Feldman. As part of the Cinépolis Handpicked series, the Cinépolis theater chain is showing “Young Frankenstein” (which is rated PG) on October 23. More information and ticket purchases can be found here.

2018 American Humane Hero Dog Awards: Golden retriever Chi Chi wins top prize; Hallmark Channel to televise awards

September 30, 2018

American Humane Hero Dog Awards
Therapy Dog of the Year: Chi Chi (Photo courtesy of American Humane Hero Dog Awards)

The following is a press release from American Humane:

Following more than a million votes by the American public and the opinions of an expert panel of celebrity animal lovers and dog experts, “Chi Chi,” a four-year-old Golden Retriever from Phoenix, Arizona has been named this year’s most heroic dog, besting 265 other brave canines and capturing the top title of “American Hero Dog” at the 2018 American Humane Hero Dog Awards®. The eighth annual Hero Dogs Awards is sponsored by the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc. and Zoetis Petcare (a U.S. business unit of Zoetis) and will be broadcast nationally on Hallmark Channel October 24 at 8:00 pm ET/PT.

Chi Chi is a quadruple amputee who is inspiring people all over the world. She was left for dead in South Korea where she was found in a garbage bag with her legs bound, worn to the bone, and already necrotized. The only way to save her life was to amputate portions of all four of her legs. When she first arrived at our home, she was afraid of people, but with time and lots of love and grace, she realized that she is safe and no one will ever hurt her again. She forgave and decided to trust people again. She quickly adapted to her first set of custom prosthetics and now loves spending her days as a certified therapy dog sharing her joy and cheerful demeanor with people of all ages. Recently, she had surgery to remove cancer tumors, so she is a cancer survivor. When people meet Chi Chi, they are inspired by her courage, perseverance, ability to overcome adversity and her never-give-up attitude. She exemplifies resilience and forgiveness, and openly shares her love and compassion in abundance. Her sweet-tempered and gentle spirit opens people’s hearts and her perceptive spirit senses where her love is needed. When people hear Chi Chi’s story and experience her attitude of joy, they are often inspired to face their challenges with renewed courage and a fresh perspective. Chi Chi brings joy everywhere she goes and her optimism and smile spreads quickly to others. She positively impacts thousands of people all over the world via her online therapy work through her social media account.

For her extraordinary bravery and good works, Chi Chi won the American Humane Hero Dog Awards’ “Therapy Dog” category. This year, the Therapy Dog category is sponsored by Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food, the official pet food sponsor of the 2018 American Humane Hero Dog Awards. We thank them for helping draw attention to Chi Chi’s story and spotlighting the remarkable ways dogs are capable of forgiveness and moving on to do good things for others even when they themselves were in need of help.

A Galaxy of Stars Honors Hero Dogs

The sold-out, star-studded awards honoring America’s most courageous canines were hosted at the Beverly Hilton Hotel last night by television and film star James Denton and model and animal advocate Beth Stern, accompanied by a galaxy of celebrity stars and presenters including TV star Erik Estrada; actress Danielle Fishel; TV and film personality Carrie Ann Inaba; actress Bailee Madison; TV actress Kellie Martin; TV host Debbie Matenopoulos; TV host Cameron Mathison; TV host and animal trainer Brandon McMillan; actress Barbara Niven, actress Denise Richards; actress Rebecca Romijn; TV host and actress Alison Sweeney; “Modern Family” actress Ariel Winter; and TV actress Larissa Wohl. “Lois and Clark” star Dean Cain brought his super powers in the form of heroic voiceovers of the individual finalists’ tribute videos.

Wildlife conservationist and popular TV personality Jack Hanna provided a delightful pre-taped video congratulating all the dogs and urging everyone to support the animals of the earth. Before the show, the audience was treated to the artistry of The Alex Donner Band, the Nunziata brothers, and a special appearance by Hallmark Channel’s Goodwill Ambassador Happy the Dog.

The Hero Dog Awards were created to celebrate the powerful relationship between dogs and people and recognize extraordinary acts of heroism performed by ordinary dogs. The event will be broadcast nationwide by Hallmark Channel on October 24 at 8 pm ET/PT, 7 pm Central. The program will air as part of Hallmark Channel’s Pet Project, the network’s cross-platform advocacy campaign designed to celebrate the joy and enrichment animals bring to our lives. During American Humane’s annual “Adopt-a-Dog Month” this October, the organization is teaming up with Hallmark Channel’s “Adoption Ever After” campaign to help get more of the millions of beautiful animals left in shelters each year into forever homes. All throughout the month, animal lovers can go to www.AmericanHumane.org to find adoptable dogs in your area, tips on preparing their home for a new four-legged companion, and other vital information, social media campaigns and blogs to help build a better world for our best friends.

“The American Humane Hero Dog Awards were created to honor some of the most extraordinary heroes the world has ever known, the very best of our best friends,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization. “These heroic canines have gone above and beyond the call of duty, saving lives on the battlefield, comforting the ill, aged and afflicted, bringing hope to those who have lost it, and reminding us of the powerful, age-old bond between animals and people. All seven category winners tonight exemplify what it means to be a hero, and we hope that their stories – and Chi Chi’s – will inspire people to value our animal friends and to recognize and honor how much they do for us every day.”

“It is an honor to support an effort to recognize the best of our ‘best friends,'” said philanthropist Lois Pope, who has been the awards’ presenting sponsor for seven years. “From those who defend our country to those who help us heal, guide us, protect us, and help find the lost, every single contender exemplifies the courage and heroism we seek to spotlight in the Hero Dog Awards campaign. Through this national forum we have helped educate America about the lifesaving, life-affirming work of our nation’s canine heroes.”

The winner is chosen through a combination of public votes and voting by a panel of animal advocates and celebrity judges including Michelle Beadle, Prince Lorenzo BorgheseKristin ChenowethJamie Chung, Philippe and Ashlan Gorse Cousteau, Erik EstradaDanielle FishelCarolyn HennesyCarson KressleyMiranda LambertBailee MadisonAdrienne Maloof, Agent Jerry MeansLaura Nativo, Carlos and Alexa PenaVega, Mark Steines, and Lisa Vanderpump.

All Finalists Are Winners

Chi Chi was the one chosen as 2018 American Hero Dog, but all seven finalists were winners in their categories, and we salute them for their courage, service and compassion. Here are their official nominations, as told by their handlers and owners:

Law Enforcement/Arson Dog of the Year (category sponsored by K-9 Courage from Zoetis Petcare)

Law Enforcement_Arson Dog of the Year: K-9 Flash (Photo courtesy of American Humane Hero Dog Awards)

K-9 Flash (Detroit, MI) – K-9 Flash was found in an animal shelter when she was only 9 months old. She was picked up on the streets of Everett, Washington, with no home, no name, and no family. We were starting a Narcotics K-9 course at the Washington State Patrol Academy in Sept of 2005, when we were evaluating dogs in shelters who possess a good hunt, air scent, retrieve, and prey drive. Flash excelled in all of those areas, so we took a chance on her and included her in the class just one day before she was to be euthanized. Once she had her chance, Flash excelled in Narcotics detection and graduated as the only dog to score 100 percent on her certification. She was assigned as the first Narcotics K-9 on Patrol at the Yakima Police Department while assisting two DEA Narcotics Task Force Teams, Regional SWAT Team, and the Patrol Division. K-9 Flash had over 3,000 deployments in her career with over 2,200 narcotics-related finds and seizures. When Flash retired in 2013, she was just getting started. Because of her fortitude and her will to be successful, she inspired her handler to start a national nonprofit to take care of retired K-9 heroes like her with medical assistance, food, and end-of-duty services. Most people don’t know that when K-9 heroes like Flash retire they lose all funding from the agencies they served. Therefore in 2016, K-9 Flash was the sole inspiration for the start of Project K-9 Hero. She now has her own children’s book and travels the nation reading it at schools and inspiring children.

Emerging Hero Dog of the Year

Emerging Hero Dog of the Year: Willow (Photo courtesy of American Humane Hero Dog Awards)

Willow (Las Vegas, NV) – Willow is a survivor of the South Korean dog meat trade. His owners turned him in to the slaughterhouse because he was old. Neglected, with cut ears, matted hair, a mouth of bad teeth and an infected tongue, he was allowed to be rescued because he “didn’t offer much meat.” He was one of the lucky ones. Arriving in September of 2016, Willow is spreading awareness on social media and making public appearances to educate people on animal welfare topics (including the dog and cat meat trade) through non-traumatic and non-graphic ways, and presenting resources to help more of his four-legged friends. Willow travels internationally in foamboard form and poses with trade survivors. His campaign, “I Am Willow, I Am Not Food” raises flight funds for dogs. He is the mascot for a newly created Animal Rights Club at a local school, helping students advocate for change in the classroom and aiding their school in becoming the first vegan option cafeteria in the State. We are developing educational tools to use in an animal welfare speaking series for schools and conferences. He is also getting therapy dog certification to spread awareness to disabled children through animal-related books/reading programs. Willow is a voice and inspirational leader for millions of animals, not just those subjected to the dog and cat meat trade. People listen, learn and respond to Willow. He is a vehicle for raising awareness. Willow is an EMERGING HERO who will grow that status into something that makes a lifelong paw print in the animal welfare world.

Guide/Hearing Dog of the Year

Guide/Hearing Dog of the Year: Frances (Photo courtesy of American Humane Hero Dog Awards)

Frances (Staten Island, NY) – At the age of 32, I lost my eyesight from a rare complication after battling breast cancer. Over the next six months, I would have to relearn everything from crossing the street to sorting laundry. Then, the universe threw me the ultimate curveball – I found out I was pregnant! When people asked me how I planned on traveling with my baby, I responded, “I’m going to get a guide dog.” In September of 2016, Guiding Eyes for the Blind matched with me with Frances, a female yellow Labrador. Since then, “Franny” and I have become partners in both parenting and advocacy work for visually impaired parents. Now the mother of two daughters, I depend on Frances to help guide me to pre-school, doctor’s appointments and extracurricular activities. When “Franny” is not helping me meet the demands of motherhood, she accompanies me to help educate kids through our Visually Impaired Education Program (VIEP). Aimed at grades K-2, VIEP’s mission is to engage school-aged children through classroom interaction with the blind/visually impaired community; helping diminish stereotypes associated with blindness. Frances attends every presentation, a beautiful reminder about the important work of guide dogs. I believe Frances deserves to be the American Hero Guide Dog because her partnership allows me to be the woman I want to be. She helps me juggle all that comes with being a working mom while educating our community about living with vision loss.

Military Dog of the Year (category sponsored by K-9 Courage from Zoetis Petcare)

Military Dog of the Year: Sergeant. Fieldy (Photo courtesy of American Humane Hero Dog Awards)

Sergeant Fieldy (McAllen, TX) – Sgt. Fieldy is an 11-year-old Black Lab with the heart and energy of a 3-year-old who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and retired in August 2014. I am his handler and I met him in South Carolina as part of a group of specialized units formed to combat the number-one threat in Afghanistan: Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). We were deployed to Afghanistanin February 2011. We both experienced first-hand the effects of IEDs when a vehicle struck a pressure plate during a patrol and injured the occupants. Knowing that we were both targets for insurgent observers, we worked tirelessly to detect explosives. He alerted me and found yet another IED, a 60-pound plastic barrel containing homemade explosives. During our deployment, Sgt. Fieldy found several more IEDs and their components, which helped save countless lives during our tour. After his deployment, he was taken back for refitting and training, and I returned home. I later found out that Sgt. Fieldy deployed two more times to Afghanistan and continued to find more IEDs and save many more lives. After serving four tours, on Aug. 7, 2014, I was finally able to adopt him. Since then he has very much enjoyed his retirement. In Nov. 2014 he participated in the Veterans Day Parade in New York City. And in July 2016, he was honored with the K-9 Medal of Courage award on Capitol Hill, and has been recognized for his bravery and courageous sacrifice on several other occasions. He has made a life-changing impact on my life. He is my hero!

Search and Rescue Dog of the Year

Search and Rescue Dog of the Year: Ruby (Photo courtesy of American Humane Hero Dog Awards)

Ruby (East Greenwich, RI) – In October of 2017, a teenage boy went missing from his home in the town of Gloucester. After 36 hours and failed attempts to find him, the Gloucester Police Department requested the services of the Rhode Island State Police K-9 Division. K-9 Ruby and I answered the call and responded to the scene along with other K-9 teams. As part of normal protocol, I briefly interviewed the boy’s mother. During the conversation, it was revealed that the boy’s mother had volunteered her services working with Ruby six years ago at the RISPCA and fostered her each time she was returned. After hours of searching, K-9 Ruby and I were ultimately successful in finding the missing teenager, but unfortunately, he was found in grave medical condition. The state police and EMS services removed the boy from the scene and transported him to a local hospital where he made a full recovery. If it were not for the effort of the state police and especially K-9 Ruby, that young boy’s life may have been lost. You can think what you may, but I believe that was Ruby’s way of saying thank you to the boy’s mother for taking care of her during her rough beginning. Ruby was given a chance at life and ended up saving a life. With the efforts of two organizations (RISP and RISPCA) and a handful of amazing and dedicated people, great things can happen. Ruby will also be featured in a soon-to-be-released award-winning film, which documents her rescue, her rigorous training to become a certified Search & Rescue K9, and accompanies her on her first official searches with her handler, Daniel O’Neil.

Service Dog of the Year (category sponsored by Modern Dog magazine)

Service Dog of the Year: Roxy (Photo courtesy of American Humane Hero Dog Awards)

Roxy (Canton, NC) – Hello, everyone. My name is Justin. I am a disabled veteran from the Iraq war. I was deployed to Iraq as a U.S. Army infantry soldier. While in Baghdad during my 2006 deployment, I was blown up by an IED. I now suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Once I was out of the military, I received Roxy as a fully trained PTS Service Dog from Off Leash K9 Training in Asheville, North Carolina. Roxy is trained in basic and advanced obedience, with three Canine Good Citizenship Awards. Roxy has been trained to indicate on my anxiety, so she can help alert me before the PTS gets out of control. She helps provide a distraction, so I can concentrate on something else besides the PTS. She helps me on a daily basis with simple life tasks. If it wasn’t for her showing me that it’s okay to be in society, I probably wouldn’t be here today. I take Roxy to our local V.A. hospital to help share Roxy’s ability with other Veterans. We enjoy bringing happiness and joy to the veterans of the V.A. Most people have never seen a pit bull as a service dog, but once they meet Roxy and see what she does, you can tell how much they really enjoy meeting her. We really hope Roxy can be the next top Hero Dog, to help continue to show the world that pit bulls are good dogs, but also amazing service dogs. We appreciate your time in reading our story. Please help Roxy get to the top! Thank you for your support. God bless our Troops and our veterans until they all come home.

Each of the seven finalists received $2,500 to be donated to one of American Humane’s charity partners. Chi Chi won an additional $5,000 for her charity, Pet Partners. In this way, more heroes may be nurtured.

Efforts Featured to Help Repay Our Best Friends and Those Who Protect Our Country

During the awards, two special video packages were presented about efforts by American Humane to help repay the debt we owe mankind’s best friend and those who protect our country. The first featured American Humane’s “Pups4Patriots” program, a national effort supported by Hallmark Channel, that rescues abandoned animals in need of forever homes and trains them to become lifesaving service dogs for veterans coping with Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury. Saving lives at both ends of the leash, the Pups4Patriots program seeks to help stem the tide of pet euthanasia and veteran suicide. Following the presentation, Dr. Ganzert led the audience in an ovation to recognize and honor the 130 veterans and their families in the audience. A second video featured a recent effort to assist more of the animals around the country who desperately require medical care after being abandoned or whose owners cannot afford to have them treated. In August, American Humane rallied an army of volunteers to the help animals at St. Landry Parish Animal Shelter in Louisiana.  Seven veterinarians, including Dr. Mike McFarland of Zoetis Petcare and the renowned Dr. Marty Becker, as well as more than 50 veterinary and veterinary nursing students volunteered their time for this project. Zoetis Petcare provided all the medicines and supplies needed to treat 230 dogs, 45 cats, and six horses. Not only did their efforts help prepare these animals for adoption locally; several were flown to Los Angeles for the Hero Dog Awards, where they were presented for adoption by an enthusiastic audience all too willing to take them home.

Heroes Who Save and Keep Our Hero Pets Healthy All Year Round Honored

Behind every hero pet is a hero vet or vet tech.  Each year at the Hero Dog Awards, American Humane also announced the winners of its Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards. Dr. David Chico from Albany, New York, as named 2018’s American Hero Veterinarian, and Tammy Boland of Oceanport, New Jersey was declared 2018’s American Hero Veterinary Nurse.

“To us, all vets and vet techs are heroes and this is why we want to honor the best of the best in their fields,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane president and CEO. “Indeed, Dr. Chico and Ms. Boland are tremendous animal welfare advocates and we are so proud to learn of their laudable accomplishments aiding the animals in need in their communities and beyond. And our thanks go out to our friends at Zoetis Petcare for sponsoring this special national campaign because we know how committed they are to recognizing the achievements of the veterinary community.”

“Zoetis Petcare is honored to sponsor these awards that recognize the extraordinary veterinarians and veterinary nurses who help keep the pets in our lives happy and healthy, strengthening the powerful human-animal bond between pets and the families who love them,” said J. Michael McFarland, executive director of Zoetis Petcare marketing. “Dr. Chico and Tammy have raised the bar for other veterinary professionals in the field through their inspiring service and compassionate care for animals.”

Hero Dog Awards Host and Animal Advocate Beth Stern Wins Surprise Award

Longtime Hero Dog Awards co-host and animal advocate Beth Stern was surprised with Hallmark’s “Adoption Ever After” for her work in helping thousands of shelter animals find forever homes. The award, which brought an ovation from the 700+ guests at the Hero Dog Awards gala, was presented by Real Housewives of New York’s Carole Radziwill.
                                                                

And Thanks to Sponsors

Finally, American Humane honored the many generous sponsors who support the Hero Dog Awards and made them possible. “We thank the animals, their dedicated owners and handlers, and the generous sponsors who have helped bring about that recognition,” said Dr. Ganzert. “Thank you to Lois Pope and the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation; Hallmark Channel; Zoetis Petcare, the Hero Dog Awards corporate sponsor and sponsor of the Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards; Military Dog sponsor K-9 Courage Program from Zoetis Petcare; Law Enforcement/Arson Dog sponsor K-9 Courage Program from Zoetis Petcare; Emerging Hero Dog sponsor, the maker of NexGard® (afoxolaner) Chewables; Service Dog sponsor Modern Dog Magazine; and Therapy Dog sponsor Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food, the official pet food of the 2018 Hero Dog Awards. Dogs may be our best friends, but these caring organizations are theirs.”

About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization, founded in 1877. For more information, please visit www.americanhumane.org.

About Lois Pope, The Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., and LIFE (Leaders in Furthering Education)
As one of America’s leading philanthropists, Lois Pope has positively impacted the lives of individuals at the local, national and international levels. She has established three separate organizations dedicated to helping those in need. These organizations are the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., Leaders In Furthering Education (LIFE), and the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation.  For more than 20 years she has been the driving force behind the Lois Pope LIFE Center at the University of Miami School of Medicine, The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, and a groundbreaking new program with American Humane in Palm Beach County. Lois Pope has recently donated several Lois Pope Rescue Vehicles. Each rescue vehicle is a 50-foot long response unit, complete with a Ford F-350 truck and trailer, which is specifically designed and outfitted to provide an array of animal emergency services and cruelty responses within the region.

On October 5, 2014, Mrs. Pope saw the completion of a decades-long dream – the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, which was dedicated by President Obama in Washington DC.  It will stand in perpetuity as a reminder to the public and legislators of the courage and sacrifices of the four million-plus living disabled veterans and all those who died before them, as well as the need to be vigilant in assuring their support and understanding the human cost of war.  Through her advocacy, October 5 every year will serve as a National Day of Honor for disabled veterans.

A mother and a grandmother, Lois has trained for and completed five New York City Marathons.

About Hallmark Channel
Hallmark Channel is Crown Media Family Networks’ flagship 24-hour cable television network, distributed nationwide in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to 88 million homes. As the country’s leading destination for quality family entertainment, Hallmark Channel delivers on the 100-year legacy of the Hallmark brand. In addition to its signature new, original movies, the network features an ambitious lineup of other new, original content, including scripted primetime series, such as “Good Witch,” “When Calls the Heart” and “Chesapeake Shores“; annual specials including “Kitten Bowl” and “Hero Dog Awards”; and a daily, two-hour lifestyle show, “Home & Family.”  Additionally, Hallmark Channel is the exclusive home to world premiere presentations of the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame franchise. Dedicated to helping viewers celebrate life’s special moments, Hallmark Channel also offers annual holiday programming franchises, including “Countdown to Christmas,” “Countdown to Valentine’s Day,” “Summer Nights,” “Fall Harvest” and “Winterfest.” Rounding out the network’s diverse slate are some of television’s most beloved comedies and series, including “The Golden Girls” and “Frasier.”

Hallmark Cards, Inc. owns and operates Crown Media Family Networks.
To visit the network website, please visit www.hallmarkchannel.com 
Hallmark Channel on Social Media: FacebookTwitterPinterestYouTube

About Zoetis
Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products, genetic tests, biodevices and a range of services. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2017, the company generated annual revenue of $5.3 billion with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.

About Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food
Chicken Soup for the Soul understands the unique relationship between people and pets. Health conscious consumers have been feeding their cats and dogs Chicken Soup for the Soul wholesome and balanced, super premium pet food for over 15 years. Holistic in nature, the entire line of products is made from only the finest ingredients: real meats, fruits, vegetables and herbs. With no added corn, wheat, soy, artificial coloring, flavoring or preservatives, Chicken Soup for the Soul pet food is inspired by your love for pets, and promotes overall health and well-being for dogs and cats. The products are proudly made in the USA, and feature rescued shelter pets on every bag. Core and grain-free formulas and a line of treats are available in independent pet specialty stores nationwide and online.

A portion of all proceeds from the sale of Chicken Soup for the Soul pet food goes to help shelters and pets in need through Chicken Soup for the Soul’s Fill-a-Bowl … Feed-a-Soul™ program. The program, which was launched in association with the American Humane, aims to provide over a million meals to shelter pets annually. www.chickensouppets.com.

About Modern Dog magazine
Modern Dog — “the best dog magazine ever” and the #1 dog publication in North America — is a must-read for dog lovers. Your source for the best ideas and solutions for life with dogs, Modern Dog features training tips, insight into your dog’s behavior, the best gear, wellness, rescue, DIY how-tos, contests and more! A large part of Modern Dog’s mission is to support rescue and the organizations that work tirelessly to help dogs in need. Find Modern Dog online — www.moderndogmagazine.com — on newsstands across North America, and on all major social platforms. Modern Dog, your guide to a better bond with your dog!

2018 American Music Awards: Aretha Franklin tribute, Ciara, Dua Lipa, Missy Elliott added to show

September 28, 2018

AMAs logo

The following is a press release from Dick Clark Productions and ABC:

Dick Clark Productions and ABC have announced an all-star lineup of soul and gospel legends who will come together to pay homage to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, at the “2018 American Music Awards.” Gladys Knight, Ledisi, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin and CeCe Winans, friends of the late, luminary singer/songwriter, will take the AMAs stage for a moving tribute honoring Franklin’s gospel roots and iconic gospel album, Amazing Grace. Consulting producer for the tribute is the Emmy Award® winning music director, composer and producer Rickey Minor.
Also announced:  a red-hot collaboration from multi-platinum selling artist Ciara and two-time American Music Award winner Missy Elliott, as well as a performance from singer/songwriter and first-time AMA nominee Dua Lipa.
Set to perform on the American Music Awards stage for the first time since in 2005, award-winning artist Ciara will be joined by Hip-Hop and R&B legend Missy Elliott for two heavy-hitting performances, including Ciara’s “Level Up,” which debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, ranked in the Top 10 on the Digital Song Sales chart, and became the No. 1-trending topic on YouTube after spawning the Level Up Challenge. Additionally, Ciara will perform “Dose,” the new single from her forthcoming studio album. American Music Awards newcomer and New Artist of the Year presented by Capital One® Savor® Card nominee, Dua Lipa, will take the AMAs performance stage for the first time with two of her hits from the complete edition of her self-titled, debut studio album, including “Electricity,” her latest Billboard Hot 100 collaboration.  Since its debut, the popular house track has landed spots amongst Billboard’s Dance Club Songs, Hot Dance/Electronic Songs and Pop Songs airplay charts.
They join previously announced performers Benny Blanco with Halsey and Khalid, Cardi B with Bad Bunny and J Balvin, Mariah Carey, Post Malone featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Carrie Underwood, with additional performers to be announced.

Hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross, the “2018 American Music Awards,” the world’s largest fan-voted awards show, will broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the American Music Awards, dick clark productions and American Music Awards’ producer, Larry Klein, for honoring Aretha Franklin with a musical tribute for this year’s broadcast,” said Sabrina Owens, Franklin’s niece and executor of the Aretha Franklin Estate. “Throughout its 46-year history, the American Music Awards has continued to stand by the music and honor the best in talent and the greatest in popular music culture. When I heard some of the initial ideas for the tribute, I knew without a doubt that this tribute will go down as one of the best in American music.”  Owens adds, “We still remember when Aretha won her first American Music Award in 1976 for Favorite Female Artist – Soul/R&B, and throughout the years, she went on to win five more awards and we will never forget when she hosted the show; as well as her memorable performances. Dick Clark helped to revolutionize American music, and along the way, Aretha Franklin was part of that revolution.”

“It’s a blessing to be a part of this moving musical tribute to honor our late queen and sister, Aretha,” said Gladys Knight. “She was an icon and visionary, radiated light and love through all of her life’s work, and touched all of us through her incredible gift of music.”

“Aretha was the voice of a generation,” said music director, composer and producer, Rickey Minor. “She transcended racial barriers by reaching into the depths of her soul and taking us on a journey with every note she sang. Her spirit will live forever in her music.”

One of the most iconic voices in music history, Franklin accumulated six American Music Awards in her lifetime, including Favorite Female Artist – Soul/R&B (1976, 1977, 1984 and 1986), Favorite Female Video Artist – Soul/R&B (1986) and Favorite Album – Soul/R&B (1983). She served as host of, and performed on, the AMAs in 1976 and 1983, and last performed on the AMAs stage in 1986. Franklin left a resounding mark on the music world and beyond, also garnering an induction into the Rock and Roll and Rhythm and Blues Halls of Fame, a Kennedy Center Honor, a Presidential Medal of Freedom and by utilizing her voice for social issues including civil and women’s rights.

The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last fifty years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time Grammy winner has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance. Fall of 2015 marked the release of Knight’s first mainstream dance record, “Just A Little” in nearly twenty years. The song serves as lead single from her twelfth studio album that she is currently working on. Knight, who is a two-time Grammy winner in the gospel category, yet again embraced her gospel roots, releasing her inspirational album “Where My Heart Belongs,” in September 2014. The album was a major success and won an NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Gospel Album.” All told, Knight has recorded more than 38 albums over the years, including four solo albums during the past decade:  “Good Woman” (1991); “Just for You” (1994); the inspirational “Many Different Roads” (1999); and “At Last” (2001).  “At Last” showed the world that she still has what it takes to record a hit album, employing the talents of contemporary producers like Randy Jackson, Gary Brown and James D.C. Williams III, Jon John, Jamey Jaz, Keith Thomas, Tom Dowd and Tiger Roberts. Her involvement in other creative undertakings, business ventures and humanitarian activities has been extensive, and has brought her honors from industry and community alike.

Ledisi is a 12x Grammy-nominated vocal powerhouse who has wowed fans ever since she came onto the scene. She’s earned a place in the pantheon of the best soul singers of her generation. Ledisi is a favorite of The Obamas and has performed eight times at the White House. Her fans include icons, legends and current chart-toppers like the late- Prince, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and more. She has headlined two national sold-out tours, performed alongside Richie Sambora, Dave Matthews, Kelly Clarkson, Jill Scott, Maxwell and many more. She’s appeared on nationally recognized shows like Good Morning America, HARRY, The David Letterman Show, The Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and VH-1’s Diva’s Live to name a few. In 2015 she appeared in the Oscar-nominated movie Selma as Mahalia Jackson and is currently starring in Gabourey Sidibe’s Shatterbox Anthology film, The Tale Of Four. Ledisi released her ninth Grammy nominated studio album Let Love Rule, which features John Legend, Kirk Franklin, and B.J. The Chicago Kid among others. The album received three GRAMMY nominations in the “Best R&B Album,” “Best R&B Performance” (High), and “Best Traditional R&B Performance” (All The Way) categories.

Mary Mary is the multi-Grammy® and multi-award winning Gospel recording, sister duo of Erica and Tina Campbell. The sisters broke through in 2000 as Mary Mary with the pioneering hit “Shackles (Praise You).” Mary Mary has earned numerous Stellar & Dove Awards, four Grammy® Awards, three NAACP Image Awards, two American Music Awards, a Soul Train Award, a BET Award, the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Award, ASCAP Golden Note Award and more. After seven Mary Mary albums and a lifetime–18 plus years of professionally singing–the commercially successful and critically acclaimed Mary Mary has sold more than 5 million albums, toured internationally, graced the covers of multiple high-profile magazines and both have recently launched successful, award-winning solo careers. Erica Campbell’s solo debut album, Help, won a 2015 Grammy® Award for Best Gospel Album. Erica is the host of the nationally syndicated radio show, “Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell.” In 2015, Tina Campbell independently released her solo debut album, It’s Personal, winning the 2016 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Gospel Album. Her single, “Too Hard Not To,” from her follow-up album, It’s Still Personal, received a 2018 Grammy® nomination for “Best Gospel Performance/Song. Erica and Tina continue to perform as Mary Mary while embracing their solo careers. They are loving wives and mothers who are devoted to their faith and their families.

The three-time Grammy winner, Donnie McClurkin, debuted as a solo artist in 1996 with his self-titled album Donnie McClurkin, featuring mega-hits Stand and Speak To My Heart.Before launching his solo career, he started the New York Restoration Choir and recorded his first album, I See A World that contained the original version “Speak To My Heart.” The gospel anthems, We Fall Down and Great Is Your Mercy, both from the top-selling Live In London And More album was released in 2000.  The acclaimed gospel singer won his first Grammy in 2004 for Again for Best Soul Traditional Gospel Album. McClurkin’s double CD, Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs earned a Grammy in 2006 as Best Traditional Gospel Album.  In 2010, he accepted his third Grammy (Best Gospel Performance) for Wait on the Lord, featuring Karen Clark Sheard from his We Are One: Live in Detroit album.  His other top honors include over 12 Stellar Awards; two BET Awards, three NAACP Image Awards, two Soul Train Awards and three Dove Awards.   He appeared as a judge on BET’s Sunday Best for six seasons 2010-2015. McClurkin is currently in the recording studio, look for new music in 2019.

CeCeWinans has released a slew of duo and solo albums that crossed genres and boundaries and influenced a generation of gospel and secular vocalists. Her mantel today holds a staggering 12 GRAMMY Awards, 23 Dove Awards, and seven Stellar Awards. She’s been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Hollywood Walk of Fame and Nashville Music City Walk of Fame, in addition to being named a Trailblazer of Soul by BMI and garnering multiple NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train Awards, Essence Awards, and more. She’s sold in excess of five million albums in the U.S. alone, topping the Gospel charts repeatedly while managing to cross over with smashes like “Count On Me,” her stunning duet with Whitney Houston from the multi-platinum ‘Waiting To Exhale’ soundtrack, which sold two million copies and cracked the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and Adult Contemporary charts. She touched millions more with inspirational performances everywhere from Oprah to The White House, and even showed off her acting chops on television series like ‘7th Heaven’ and ‘Doc.’ In 2016, Winans became a member of the Artist Committee for the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors.  Winans’ upcoming project, Something’s Happening!  A Christmas Album is scheduled for release on October 19th.

Rickey Minor is a composer and Emmy Award winning Music Director who’s worked with such renowned recording artists as: Whitney Houston, Adele, Rihanna, Demi Lovato, Keith Urban, Diana Ross, Katy Perry, Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Lopez, Little Big Town, Stevie Wonder, Arianna Grande, Carrie Underwood, Sting, John Legend, Common, Elton John, Andra Day, Usher and Beyoncé. His numerous television credits include The Tonight Show starring Jay LenoThe Emmys, American IdolThe American Music Awards, and The Kennedy Center Honors. In addition, he has worked on several major live events and award shows, including some of the most memorable Super Bowl and Grammy Award performances. He has received seven Emmy Award nominations and one win for Outstanding Music Direction — Genius: A Night for Ray Charles, An Evening of Stars: A Tribute to Chaka Khan, The 50th Annual Grammy Awards, The 51st Annual Grammy Awards, The Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House, Stayin’ Alive: A Grammy Salute to the Music of the Bee Gees, Taking The Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America.  

Ciara is an award-winning singer/songwriter, producer, model and actress. Over her 13-year career, she has sold over 23 million records and 16 million singles worldwide, including chart-topping hits “Goodies,” “Ride,” “Oh,” “1, 2 Step,” “Body Party” and “I Bet.” Most recently, Ciara has been scorching summer with her new song “Level Up,” which has transformed into a defining moment for the culture with the subsequent movement it has incited. Beyond clocking over 80 million views on YouTube, the song spent several weeks at No. 1 on the iTunes Top R&B/Soul Songs Chart and Top 10 on iTunes overall, and attracted Missy Elliott and Fatman Scoop for a high-profile remix which also shot up the iTunes charts. Its high-powered dance initially inspired fans to shoot their own videos with the hashtag #LevelUpChallenge—stirring up a viral buzz that has seen over 2 million posts across social media and launched the video to a No. 1-trending topic on YouTube. Ciara is a devoted wife and mother of two as well as a philanthropist who is dedicated to improving the lives of children and empowering women across the globe.

MissyElliott is a groundbreaking solo superstar, pioneering producer/songwriter/singer/rapper, and cultural icon. The five-time GRAMMY® Award winner – with nominations spanning three decades – has achieved unprecedented success, including U.S. sales in excess of 30 million. Missy’s six studio albums (including 2001’s landmark “MISS E… SO ADDICTIVE” and 2002’s blockbuster “UNDER CONSTRUCTION”) have each been RIAA platinum certified or better, marking her as the only female rapper to achieve that milestone accomplishment. Missy returned to the scene in November of 2015 with her explosive single, “WTF (Where They From)” Feat. Pharrell Williams. The track’s accompanying video has garnered over 40 million YouTube views and immediately became the #1 trending topic on both Twitter and Facebook upon its release. “WTF (Where They From) Feat Pharrell Williams was also featured as the official theme to ESPN’s kickoff coverage of the 2015/2016 NBA season. Shortly after, Elliott released fan-favorite single, “Pep Rally”, which was featured in Amazon’s Super Bowl commercial starring Alec Baldwin, Dan Marino, Jason Schwartzman, and Missy herself. In March, Missy teamed up with First Lady Michelle Obama to release the female empowerment anthem, “This is For My Girls,”. The track supports various ongoing campaigns that center around empowering young women, and also features the talents of Kelly Rowland, Janelle Monáe, Kelly Clarkson and Zendaya. Most recently, Missy unveiled her latest smash, “I’m Better (feat. Lamb)” which is accompanied by an incredible companion video that has garnered over 19 million views since its release. The following half decade plus has also seen Elliott featured on tracks from artists including Ginuwine, Ciara, K. Michelle, Demi Lovato, The Black Keys, J. Cole, G-Dragon, Fantasia, Monica, Busta Rhymes, Jazmine Sullivan, and of course, Katy Perry, with whom she famously teamed up for 2011’s “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) (Remix).” Additionally, Missy lit up 2014 with a series of surprise event appearances, joining Pharrell Williams to open the BET Awards with a “Come Get It Bae/Pass That Dutch” mash-up, reuniting with Da Brat and Lil Kim at the Soul Train Music Awards for their 1997 breakthrough, “Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix)” – the trio’s first live performance together in more than 16 years – and of course her unforgettable performance at 2015’s Super Bowl XLIX. Missy joined Katy Perry for the historic happening, wowing 118.5 million viewers – the largest ever audience in Super Bowl history – with a medley of “Get Ur Freak On,” “Work It,” and “Lose Control.” Digital sales skyrocketed in the following days, with both “Get Ur Freak On” and “Work It” returning to the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart more than 10 years after their initial successes. In addition, Elliott has been heard on such recent tracks as Faith Evans’ 2014 single, “I Deserve It (Feat, Missy Elliott & Sharaya J),” Jack Ü’s 2015 “Take Ü There (Feat. Kiesza) (Missy Elliott Remix),” and most recently, Janet Jackson’s “BURNITUP! (Feat. Missy Elliott).”

With the release of her self-titled debut album, London born, Kosovo raised  DuaLipa  has won over the hearts of fans and press alike. The songs on  Dua Lipa  announce the arrival of a new force in pop—irresistible on the dance floor, thoughtful under closer inspection, constantly discovering creative possibilities. Her critically acclaimed debut has made everyone’s “best of” list, from The FADER  to  Rolling Stone  to  Time Magazine. With her powerful anthem and viral video for “New Rules” making her the youngest female solo artist to reach 1 billion views on YouTube, Dua continues to find herself on the top of the charts. The track reached #1 on Billboard’s Pop Songs airplay chart, and broke the longstanding record for  the most weeks ever on the list.  She was consistently the most streamed female artist on Spotify and in the top 5 globally this past year.  She has  sold 3 million copies, with singles reaching 32 million sold. Most recently, Dua made BRIT Award history becoming the first woman artist to pick up five nominations, taking home the awards for British Breakthrough Act and British Female Solo Artist.

The American Music Awards winners are voted entirely by fans. Voting is now open in all categories. For New Artist of the Year presented by Capital One® Savor® Card, Favorite Social Artist presented by Xfinity and Collaboration of the Year, fans can vote for each award 100 times per day, per voting platform in one or both of the ways below. Fans can vote for all other awards once per day, per voting platform.

  • Via web at VoteAMAs.com
  • Posting a tweet on Twitter that includes the nominee’s name or Twitter handle, the category name and #AMAs within the tweet
Voting for New Artist of the Year presented by Capital One Savor Card and Collaboration of the Year will close on Tuesday, October 9 at 5:59:59pm PT, one hour into the live broadcast. Voting for all other categories will close on Thursday, October 4 at 11:59:59pm PT.
American Music Awards nominees are based on key fan interactions as reflected on Billboard.com, including streaming, album and digital song sales, radio airplay, social activity and touring. These measurements are tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound, and reflect the time period of September 15, 2017 through August 9, 2018.
YouTube Music is the presenting sponsor of the “2018 American Music Awards.”
Capital One Savor Card and Subaru of America, Inc. are sponsors of the “2018 American Music Awards.” Media partner is Cumulus Media/Westwood One.

The “2018 American Music Awards” is produced by dick clark productions. Barry Adelman, Mark Bracco and Tracee Ellis Ross are Executive Producers. Larry Klein is Producer.

For the latest American Music Awards news, exclusive content and more, be sure to follow the AMAs on social and join the conversation by using the official hashtag for the show, #AMAs.

Facebook: Facebook.com/AMAs
Twitter: @AMAs
Instagram: @AMAs
Snapchat: TheAMAs
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheAMAs

Tickets are now on sale at www.axs.com.

About the American Music Awards
The American Music Awards, the world’s largest fan-voted award show, features performances from today’s hottest artists and presents fan-voted awards in the music genres of Pop/Rock, Alternative Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Adult Contemporary, Contemporary Inspirational, Latin, EDM and Soundtrack, and the categories of Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year presented by Capital One Savor Card, Collaboration of the Year, Tour of The Year, Favorite Social Artist presented by Xfinity and Favorite Music Video. The American Music Awards pays tribute to today’s most influential and iconic artists.  The show is produced by dick clark productions and is seen in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. For more information, visit www.theamas.comwww.dickclark.com or abc.go.com/shows/american-music-awards.

About dick clark productions
dick clark productions (dcp) is the world’s largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming with the “Academy of Country Music Awards,” “American Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” and the “Streamy Awards.” Weekly television programming includes “So You Think You Can Dance” from 19 Entertainment and dcp. dcp also owns one of the world’s most unique and extensive entertainment archive libraries with over 60 years of award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances and legendary programming. dcp is a division of Valence Media, a diversified media company with divisions and strategic investments in premium television, wide release film, specialty film, live events and digital media. For additional information, visit www.dickclark.com.

About YouTube Music 
YouTube Music is a completely reimagined streaming music service with music videos, official albums, singles, remixes, live performances, covers and hard-to-find music you can only get on YouTube. It’s ALL here! YouTube Music serves music based on your tastes and what’s moving the community around you. Discover something new or keep up with what’s trending. Basic functions such as playing music and watching videos are totally free, but you can upgrade to YouTube Music Premium to explore the world of music ad-free, offline, and with the screen locked. Available on mobile and desktop.  For additional information, visit  www.youtube.com/musicpremium.

Bill Cosby sentenced to 3 to 10 years in prison for sexual assault

September 25, 2018

by Jim Larson

Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby at the 2014 American Comedy Awards in New York City (Photo courtesy of NBC)

On September 25, 2018, disgraced actor/comedian Bill Cosby received a prison sentence of three to 10 years for the felony sexual assault of Andrea Constand, who claims that he drugged and raped her in his Pennsylvania home in 2004. It’s a crime that he continues to deny because he says the sex was consensual. According to the Associated Press, Cosby was denied bail and “led away to prison in handcuffs.” Cosby’s wife Camille and his three surviving children were not present in the Norristown, Pennsylvania, courtroom where he received his sentence.

Cosby was found guilty of felony sexual assault in April 2018 in a second trial for the crime. The first trial, which took place in 2017, ended in a hung jury.

Since being arrested for the crime, Cosby’s legacy has been permanently tarnished. Several networks stopped showing reruns of his TV shows, numerous awards and honors he received over the years were rescinded, and his membership was canceled in many industry organizations, such as the Television Academy.

June 30, 2021 UPDATE: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned Cosby’s conviction, and he was released from prison on June 30, 2021. He cannot be re-tried for this case. According to the Associated Press, the court decided to overturn the conviction because “the prosecutor who brought the case was bound by his predecessor’s agreement not to charge Cosby.”

2018 American Music Awards: Performers include Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, Post Malone, Cardi B, Khalid, Halsey, Benny Blanco

September 26, 2018

The following are press release excerpts from Dick Clark Productions and ABC:

Dick Clark Productions and ABC have announced that multi-platinum rapper, singer and songwriter, Cardi B will perform at the “2018 American Music Awards,” marking her very first televised awards show performance since the birth of her child in July. Cardi B ties for top-nominated AMA artist this year with a total of eight nominations, including New Artist of the Year presented by Capital One® Savor® Card and Favorite Artist – Rap/Hip-Hop. Joining Cardi B on stage will be multi-platinum selling Latin singers Bad Bunny and J Balvin.

There will also be performances from 10-time American Music Award-winning icon Mariah Carey, as well as a collaboration from award-winning record producer and songwriter, benny blanco with multiplatinum artist Halsey and global superstar Khalid, who is up for four AMAs this year. These artists join previously announced performers Post Malone featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Carrie Underwood. Hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross, the “2018 American Music Awards,” the world’s largest fan-voted awards show, will broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 8:00 p.m. EDT, on ABC.

Multi-platinum songstress, Cardi B will take the stage to perform the genre-bending, Latin-trap hit “I Like It,” alongside Bad Bunny and 2018 AMA-nominated artist J Balvin (Favorite Artist – Latin).  The track earned Cardi B her second No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (now totaling three No. 1s) – the most for a female rapper in the chart’s history. “I Like It,” which also marks the first No. 1 for both Bad Bunny and J Balvin – landed the No. 3 spot on Billboard’s Pop Songs airplay chart, and went on to earn the No. 1 spots on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Rhythmic Airplay charts. This will be Cardi B, Bad Bunny and J Balvin’s first performance on the American Music Awards stage.

Mariah Carey, who first performed at the AMAs in 1991 for a rendition of her dance-pop hit “Someday,” will make her world television debut of “With You,” the first single from her new album, returning to the AMA stage for the first time since 2008. benny blanco will take the American Music Awards stage for the very first time, joined by multiplatinum artists and AMAs performance veterans Halsey and Khalid, to perform their nostalgic love song, “Eastside,” which is already in the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and Pop Songs Airplay charts with more than 300 million streams to date.

Carrie Underwood and multi-platinum selling band Imagine Dragons as part of the first round of performers at the “2018 American Music Awards.” Additionally, multi-platinum selling artists Post Malone and Ty Dolla $ign will team up for their first-ever AMA performance. Hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross, the “2018 American Music Awards,” the world’s largest fan-voted awards show, will broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

Twelve-time American Music Award winning artist and 2018 nominee in the Favorite Female Artist – Country category, Carrie Underwood returns to the AMAs stage for the first time since 2015 to perform a song hot off her recently released sixth studio album, Cry Pretty. The album follows Underwood’s six earlier No. 1s on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. Three-time American Music Award winning band, and 2018 nominees, Imagine Dragons will take the stage to perform their standalone single and Billboard Hot 100 track, “Natural,” which has earned the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Rock Airplay and Alternative Songs charts since its debut. Chart-topping musician, and seven-time AMA nominee, Post Malone will make his American Music Awards stage debut, joined by acclaimed singer/songwriter/producer and previous AMA nominee Ty Dolla $ign, to perform the #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit “Psycho” from Post Malone’s second studio album, beerbongs & bentleys. Additionally, Post Malone will treat fans to a solo performance of a track off the same album.

Cardi B’s rambunctious spirit and brave tongue garnered instant online popularity, rapidly increasing her fan base. She has evolved into an entertainer and actress and a renowned rapper in just a short time. Cardi has also risen to rap success and fame, releasing her debut studio album “Invasion Of Privacy” in 2018. Cardi B is currently at the top of her game as the first woman with five simultaneous Top 10 hits on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart as well as the first female rapper with two Billboard Hot 100 #1s (“I Like It” and “Bodak Yellow”). Now a GRAMMY-nominated rap superstar, Cardi B released her Platinum-certified debut album “Invasion Of Privacy,” which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. “Invasion Of Privacy” – includes the 6x RIAA platinum certified classic, “Bodak Yellow,” alongside the 2x platinum certified smash, “Bartier Cardi (feat. 21 Savage),” standout favorites like platinum certified “Be Careful” and 2x platinum certified “I Like It,” with Bad Bunny and J Balvin and a spectacular lineup of featured appearances from Chance The Rapper, SZA (Gold certified “I Do”), Kehlani (Gold certified “Ring”), Migos, and YG. Breakout single, “Bodak Yellow,” which is now certified 6x platinum, had an astronomical rise – earning the coveted #1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for three consecutive weeks, making Cardi B the first female rapper to reach #1 without any accompanying acts since Lauryn Hill in 1998. Cardi B has been nominated for numerous prestigious awards including – 2 GRAMMY nominations, 8 AMAs, 9 BET Hip-Hop Awards (2018), 10 VMAs, 7 Teen Choice Awards, 7 BET Awards (2018), 1 Kid’s Choice Award, 2 BET Awards (2017), 9 BET Hip Hop Awards (2017). Cardi has graced the covers of Rolling Stone, Billboard, The New York Times Magazine, New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, CR Fashion Book, i-D Magazine, and The Fader. Additionally, Cardi B was named on Forbes “30 Under 30” list. 2017 saw Cardi make a seemingly unstoppable series of appearances and live events including memorable performance of “Bodak Yellow” on Jimmy Kimmel Live in Brooklyn, during the MTV Video Music Awards pre-show ceremonies, the BET Awards post show. Cardi has since made appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she was the first ever co-host, The GRAMMY Awards, The Ellen DeGeneres show, Saturday Night Live, The VMAs, and more.

Bad Bunny, originally from Puerto Rico, is most recognized for his explosive and infectious trap songs. Rollingstone magazine has named him “The Four-Billion-Stream Man leading the Latin Trap Explosion.” This talented artist has demonstrated his already overwhelming power, influence and demand with completely sold-out concerts for his “La Nueva Religión Tour” (The New Religion Tour) all over Europe, Latin America and the U.S. His unmistakable voice and rhythm have led him to transitioned to the general market, where he is already creating waves of revolution with his participation in “I Like It” alongside Cardi B and J Balvin, which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has continued dominated the chart in the top 3 position. He has been nominated to the iHeart Radio Music Award, MTV VMA’s, Latin AMAs, Latin GRAMMYs, and E! People Choice Awards. Currently, Bad Bunny celebrates being the face of the cover of FADER magazine for the fall issue. The artist boasts a feature story that perfectly recaps his story and properly introduces him to the American market as the Latin trap superstar he has become. He also adds yet another major accomplishment to his book of accolades by appearing on the cover of COMPLEX magazine, along with J Balvin. This is a historic moment, as it is the first time in the magazine’s history that Latin Urban artists are featured in the cover, showing the extent of Bad Bunny’s reach across the globe, breaking cultural boundaries and language barriers and seamlessly transcending into the American market as a full-fledged urban artist of his own right.

Hailing from Medellín, Colombia, José Álvaro Osorio Balvin – better known to a legion of global fans as J BALVIN – has been praised by Billboard as “the biggest breakout act Latin music has seen in many years.” With a distinctive style all his own that pays reverence to the first-wave of Reggaeton stars from Puerto Rico, but fused with additional Colombian and mainstream hip-hop rhythms, more seductive than boastful lyrics, and a strong passion for fashion, J Balvin has become the undeniable leader of a second-generation Reggaeton revolution propelling Urban music back to the forefront of Latin music worldwide. Between his game-changing major-label debut album LA FAMILA, multiplatinum ENERGIA and recent landmark singles such as Mi Gente, and Machika, J Balvin  quickly notched ten #1 Latin singles, Over 50 million social media followers, and over TEN BILLION Total YouTube Views.  With his distinctive style and chart success, J Balvin has also become one of Latin music’s most in-demand collaborators, having now worked with artists, such as Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Cardi B, Liam Payne, Nicky Jam, Pharrell Williams, Ariana Grande, Major LazerPoo Bear, Juanes, Daddy YankeeCamilla Cabelo, and more. Major award recognition has also followed, as J Balvin holds a Guinness World Record for the longest #1 run for a solo Latin single, has won back-to-back Latin Grammy Awards, multiple Billboard Latin Awards, and Premio Lo Nuestro ARTIST OF THE YEAR recognition two years in a row. J Balvin’s recently released new album VIBRAS has been hailed by TIME. Rolling Stone, Billboard and more as: “One of the Best Albums of 2018” ­while also propelling the Colombian star to #1 rankings on both YouTube & Spotify’s global charts as this summer’s #1 streaming artist in the world. As a result, J Balvin is now the leading nominee for this year’s Latin Grammy and Latin AMA Awards.

Mariah Carey is the best-selling female artist of all time with more than 200 million albums sold to date and 18 Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles (17 self-penned), more than any solo artist in history. Mariah is a singer/song­writer/producer recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, numerous American Music Awards, Billboard’s “Artist of the Decade” Award, the World Music Award for “World’s Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium,” and BMI’s “Icon Award” for her outstanding achievements in songwriting, to name a few – with her distinct five-octave vocal range, prolific songwriting, and producing talent, Mariah is truly the template of the modern pop performance. Mariah’s ongoing impact has transcended the music industry to leave an indelible imprint upon the world at large.  She made her entry into the world of independent film with her landmark performance in “WiseGirls” starring alongside Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino and Melora Walters. In 2009, Mariah was recognized with the Breakthrough Performance Award at the Palm Spring International Film Festival for her critically acclaimed role in Lee Daniels’ “Precious.” Mariah went on to appear in Daniels’ stellar ensemble piece “The Butler” (2013). A Congressional Award recipient, Mariah has generously donated her time and energy to a range of philanthropic causes near to her heart including Save the Music, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, World Hunger Relief, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, among many others. A tremendous supporter of children’s charities, both domestic and international, Mariah founded Camp Mariah in partnership with the Fresh Air Fund, a retreat for inner city children to explore career development.

Benjamin Levin, known professionally as Benny Blanco, is a Grammy-winning American record producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and recipient of the 2013 Hal David Starlight Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is also a five-time BMI Songwriter of the Year award winner and 2017 iHeartRadio Producer of the Year award winner. As a producer and songwriter, blanco is responsible for more than 100 million album sales worldwide due to his work with artists including Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Kesha, Sia, The Weeknd, Selena Gomez, Wiz Khalifa, Kanye West among others. He is also the founder of two labels in collaboration with Interscope Records, Mad Love Records and Friends Keep Secrets. In 2016, his work was nominated for a Golden Globe® Award in the category Best Original Song for “Faith” (Stevie Wonder featuring Ariana Grande). In July 2018, blanco released the song “Eastside” under his own name, a collaboration with Halsey and Khalid, which is climbing Top 40 radio charts in the U.S. and is #1 in the U.K.

GRAMMY® Award-nominated multiplatinum alternative pop maverick Halsey claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 with her second release, “hopeless fountain kingdom,” an album Rolling Stone called “bold” in a four-star review, claiming that “Halsey could go anywhere from here.” Indeed, since storming on the music scene in 2015, she has garnered over 7 billion stream globally and nearly 6 million global sales, graced the covers of magazines from Nylon to Billboard to Forbes, among others – a far cry from the New Jersey teen who’d escaped her suburban existence for New York, writing poetry, and scrounging money for concerts and her next slice of pizza. Halsey shows no signs of slowing down. This summer she joined benny blanco and Khalid for the song “Eastside,” which has garnered 300 million streams worldwide in just 2 monthsThe track was the follow-up to the platinum-certified smash with G-Eazy “Him & I,” which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Pop Songs airplay chart and No. 1 at Top 40 radio – marking her second No. 1 since accompanying The Chainsmokers on “Closer,” which dominated for 11 weeks and has been certified diamond by the RIAA. “Him & I” has accrued over 750 million streams worldwide and been certified platinum in several countries. In addition, her own two double-platinum-certified singles, “Bad At Love” and “Now Or Never,” also peaked in the Top 3 on the Pop Songs chart. In addition, Halsey pushes creative boundaries expanding her influence and impact beyond music. Earlier this year, Halsey spoke at the 2018 women’s march advocating for equality. Her speech has been viewed millions of times and has moved people from around the world. As her star continues to rise, Halsey uses her voice to speak up for causes she passionately believes in, including disenfranchised youth, women’s rights, mental health and the LGBTQ community, proving that both she and her music can affect meaningful change, and that, yes, the 23-year-old can go anywhere from here.

Five-time Grammy® nominated artist Khalid has seen great success since he released his first single “Location” right before his high school graduation. The song’s domination led to Khalid’s major label deal with Right Hand Music Group/RCA Records followed by the release of his debut album American Teen. The album received mass critical acclaim with Rolling Stone calling Khalid a “pop prodigy” and TIME Magazine stating, “His thoughtful, relatable reflections on modern youth culture and the limitations of love are just as pitch-perfect as his soulful, measured delivery.” American Teen shattered expectations, spending more than 80 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart, peaking at #4, and has stayed in the top 20 for more than 50 weeks. The singer-songwriter has over one billion streams worldwide across all partners, his first single “Location” is certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA, his previous single “Young Dumb & Broke” is certified 3X Platinum, and his album is now certified 2x Platinum. Since the American Teen’s debut, Khalid has garnered five 2018 Grammy® nominations including Best New Artist and landed on the cover of Billboard’s 2018 Grammy® Preview issue. He won two 2018 Teen Choice Awards for Choice Breakout Artist and Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Song for “Love Lies.” He was also nominated for 2017 BET Award for Best New Artist, a 2017 Teen Choice Award for Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Song for “Location”, and a 2017 American Music Award for Favorite Song-Soul/R&B for “Location.” Khalid also won Top New Artist at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards, Best New Artist at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards and an MTV’s Woodie To Watch Award. He has recently been nominated for four 2018 American Music Awards including New Artist of the Year, Favorite Male Artist – Soul/R&B, Favorite Album – Soul R&B, and Favorite Song – Soul/R&B for “Young Dumb & Broke.” In addition to American Teen, Khalid has collaborated with some of music’s biggest stars. He has been featured on a number of songs including mega hits like Calvin Harris’s “Rollin” with Future, “1-800-273-8255” with Logic and Alessia Cara, “Silence” with Marshmello, “Lovely” with Billie Eilish, “Youth” with Shawn Mendes, and many more. Khalid’s current singles “Love Lies”, duet with Normani, and “OTW” featuring Ty Dolla $ign and 6lack are burning up the airwaves. “Love Lies” hit #1 on Billboard’s Pop Songs airplay chart and “OTW” is #14 and climbing on the Rhythmic Airplay chart. Khalid just wrapped up his third sold-out North American headlining tour and recently, the Mayor and Council of the city of El Paso honored him with a “Key To The City” marking September 13th, 2018 “Khalid Day.” While in his hometown, Khalid performed two sold-out arena shows and dropped a new track entitled “Better” dedicated to his fans and the city of El Paso.

Carrie Underwood emerged from the promise of her 2005 American Idol win to become a true multi-format, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television, and film. A seven-time GRAMMY® Award winner, she has sold 64 million records worldwide and recorded 26 #1 singles, 13 of which she co-wrote. She released Cry Pretty, her first studio album on Capitol Records Nashville on September 14, marking the first time she has co-produced her own album.  The title track and lead single – co-written by Carrie – was released worldwide in April and topped the iTunes Top Songs charts in 12 countries. Cry Pretty’s second single, “Love Wins,” and its accompanying vibrant and hopeful music video directed by Shane Drake, were released in August to rave reviews.  In spring 2019, Carrie will launch The Cry Pretty Tour 360, which will kick off in May and will play 55 arenas across the U.S. and Canada. Earlier this year, she released the hit event anthem she co-wrote, “The Champion” featuring Ludacris, which opened NBC’s Super Bowl LII and was incorporated into the network’s coverage of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.  “The Champion” has been certified Gold by the R.I.A.A. In 2013, Carrie starred as Maria von Trapp in NBC’s three-hour holiday blockbuster, the Emmy®-winning The Sound of Music Live!, whose airings attracted 44 million viewers.  She is lead designer for her fitness and lifestyle brand, CALIA by Carrie Underwood, which launched in 2015 and is exclusively available at DICK’S Sporting Goods nationwide and online. This spring, Carrie celebrated her 10th anniversary as a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry and returns this fall for her sixth season as the voice of primetime television’s #1 program, Sunday Night Football.

Formed in 2009 and featuring lead vocalist Dan Reynolds, guitarist Wayne Sermon, bassist Ben McKee, and drummer Daniel Platzman, Imagine Dragons earned a grassroots following by independently releasing a series of EPs. After Alex Da Kid signed them to his KIDinaKORNER/Interscope label, the band made its major-label debut with the release of Continued Silence, a 2012 EP featuring the 2x platinum breakthrough single “It’s Time.” Night Visions arrived later that year and Imagine Dragons found themselves on a skyward trajectory that saw the album debut at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart and became the No. 1 album on Spotify Worldwide for 2013. Night Visions has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide. The album’s second single, the 9x-platinum “Radioactive,” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart and earned the band a 2014 Grammy for “Best Rock Performance.” The third single, “Demons,” hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Pop Songs airplay chart and has sold 3.9 million copies in the U.S. Imagine Dragons’ platinum-selling second album, Smoke + Mirrors, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart and has sold 1.1 million copies worldwide. Imagine Dragons’ third studio album, Evolve, has been certified double-platinum within a year of its June 2017 release. Evolve has spent 63 weeks on the Billboard 200 albums chart. The album is 10th in the world on Spotify with over 38 million monthly listeners.

Post Malone stirs a mix of genres into his own sonic sound that’s both intoxicating and invigorating. His RIAA Platinum certified debut album, Stoney, led the genre-bending Dallas, TX artist to his first Top 10 on the Billboard 200 and first #1 R&B/Hip-Hop Album. In 2018, his sophomore album, beerbongs & bentleys, debuted on the Billboard 200 at #1 with the then-largest streaming week ever for an album in the U.S., according to Nielsen Music. Additionally, Post charted nine songs in the Top 20 of the Hot 100, notching a then-record for the most concurrent songs in the Top 20 of the Hot 100. Moreover, he set a then-record for most simultaneous Top 40 Hot 100 hits with 14. As beerbongs & bentleysreturned to #1 for the second consecutive week on the Top 200, his domination shows no sign of slowing down.

Los Angeles-bred singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, TY DOLLA $IGN has been one of the most acclaimed singers and in-demand writers, producers, and featured artists since helming YG’s 2010 smash, “Toot It and Boot It.” Ty Dolla $ign made a major splash with 2014’s critically-acclaimed BEACH HOUSE EP, highlighted by the RIAA platinum certified “Paranoid (Feat. B.o.B)” and 3x platinum smash, “Or Nah (Feat. Wiz Khalifa & The Weeknd).” He released his debut album FREE TC in November 2015, which has since gone on to become RIAA-certified Gold & features the multi-platinum hits “Blasé (feat. Future & Rae Sremmurd) and “Saved (feat. E-40).” Ty’s second studio album, BEACH HOUSE 3, was released in October 2017 followed by the deluxe release in May of this year. Ty undoubtedly took over Summer 2018 as both a writer and featured artist. In addition to receiving his first Billboard Hot 100 #1 with Post Malone’s “Psycho,” the Grammy-nominated phenom’s talents were featured on Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s EVERYTHING IS LOVE (“Boss”,) Drake’s SCORPION (“Jaded” and “After Dark”), Kanye West and Kid Cudi’s KIDS SEE GHOSTS (“Freee Ghost Town Pt. 2”,) Christina Aguilera (“Accelerate”,) Khalid (“OTW”,) 6lack (“Switch”,) Teyana Taylor (“3way”) and Kanye West’s ye, where Ty is featured on 3 out of 7 songs (“All Mine,” “Wouldn’t Leave,” Violent Crimes”.) He’s also been credited with writing several hits such including Rihanna’s 3X platinum hit “FourFiveSeconds” with Kanye West and Paul McCartney and Chris Brown’s “Loyal,” to name a few. Ty also just finished a blockbuster summer on G Eazy’s The Endless Summer Tour.

Nominations for the “2018 American Music Awards” were announced live by Kane Brown, Ella Mai, Normani and Bebe Rexha on Wednesday, Sept. 12, from YouTube Space LA. Cardi B and Drake lead this year’s nominees, with eight possible wins for each. Ed Sheeran and Post Malone each earned six nominations. Camila Cabello, nominated five times this year, could win her first AMA as a solo artist.

The American Music Awards winners are voted entirely by fans. Voting is now open in all categories.

For New Artist of the Year presented by Capital One® Savor® Card, Favorite Social Artist presented by Xfinity and Collaboration of the Year, fans can vote for each award 100 times per day, per voting platform in one or both of the ways below. Fans can vote for all other awards once per day, per voting platform.

  • Via web at VoteAMAs.com
  • Posting a tweet on Twitter that includes the nominee’s name or Twitter handle, the category name and #AMAs within the tweet

Voting for New Artist of the Year presented by Capital One Savor Card and Collaboration of the Year will close on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 5:59:59 p.m. PDT, one hour into the live broadcast. Voting for all other categories will close on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 11:59:59 p.m. PDT. American Music Awards nominees are based on key fan interactions as reflected on Billboard.com, including streaming, album and digital song sales, radio airplay, social activity and touring. These measurements are tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound, and reflect the time period of Sept. 15, 2017, through Aug. 9, 2018.

YouTube Music is the presenting sponsor of the “2018 American Music Awards.”

Capital One Savor Card and Subaru of America, Inc. are sponsors of the “2018 American Music Awards.” Media partner is Cumulus Media/Westwood One.

The “2018 American Music Awards” is produced by dick clark productions. Barry Adelman, Mark Bracco and Tracee Ellis Ross are executive producers. Larry Klein is producer.

For the latest American Music Awards news, exclusive content and more, be sure to follow the AMAs on social and join the conversation by using the official hashtag for the show, #AMAs.

Facebook: Facebook.com/AMAs
Twitter: @AMAs
Instagram: @AMAs
Snapchat: TheAMAs
YouTube: YouTube.com/TheAMAs

Tickets are now on sale at www.axs.com.

About the American Music Awards
The American Music Awards, the world’s largest fan-voted award show, features performances from today’s hottest artists and presents fan-voted awards in the music genres of Pop/Rock, Alternative Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Adult Contemporary, Contemporary Inspirational, Latin, EDM and Soundtrack, and the categories of Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year presented by Capital One Savor Card, Collaboration of the Year, Tour of The Year, Favorite Social Artist presented by Xfinity and Favorite Music Video. The American Music Awards pays tribute to today’s most influential and iconic artists.  The show is produced by dick clark productions and is seen in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. For more information, visit www.theamas.comwww.dickclark.com or abc.go.com/shows/american-music-awards.

About dick clark productions
dick clark productions (dcp) is the world’s largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming with the “Academy of Country Music Awards,” “American Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” and the “Streamy Awards.” Weekly television programming includes “So You Think You Can Dance” from 19 Entertainment and dcp. dcp also owns one of the world’s most unique and extensive entertainment archive libraries with over 60 years of award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances and legendary programming. dcp is a division of Valence Media, a diversified media company with divisions and strategic investments in premium television, wide release film, specialty film, live events and digital media. For additional information, visit www.dickclark.com.

About YouTube Music 
YouTube Music is a completely reimagined streaming music service with music videos, official albums, singles, remixes, live performances, covers and hard-to-find music you can only get on YouTube. It’s ALL here! YouTube Music serves music based on your tastes and what’s moving the community around you. Discover something new or keep up with what’s trending. Basic functions such as playing music and watching videos are totally free, but you can upgrade to YouTube Music Premium to explore the world of music ad-free, offline, and with the screen locked. Available on mobile and desktop.  For additional information, visit  www.youtube.com/musicpremium.

2018 E! People’s Choice Awards: ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ has the most nominations

September 24, 2018

by Carla Hay

People's Choice Awards

With six nominations, the Marvel superhero movie “Avengers: Infinity War” is the leading contender for the 2018 E! People’s Choice Awards, which will take place Nov. 11 at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. E! will have the U.S. telecast of the show at 9 p.m. ET/PT. E!’s televised red-carpet coverage of the show begins at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

Following close behind with five nominations each are the the Marvel superhero film “Black Panther,” ABC’s drama series “Grey’s Anatomy” and Freeform’s now-canceled sci-fi/fantasy series “Shadowhunters,” whose final episodes will premiere in 2019. Four out of the five nominations for “Shadowhunters” came from write-in votes. Write-in votes also played a huge role in Korean boy bands BTS and Super Junior getting nominations.

Online voting for the winners will take place from Sept. 24 to Oct. 19. As previously reported, there are 13 new categories this year.

Complete rules can be found at: https://www.eonline.com/ peoples_choice_awards/rules

Complete list of category and nominee hashtags can be found at: https://www.eonline.com/ peoples_choice_awards/faq

The E! People’s Choice Awards are produced by Wilshire Studios and Den of Thieves with executive producers Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Prager.  

Here’s a breakdown of some of the snubs and surprises, with all the nominees listed at the end of this article.

MOVIES

“Mission: Impossible — Fallout” was a big hit with fans and critics, but the movie failed to get any nominations. “Mission: Impossible” star Tom Cruise, who famously does most of his stunts, couldn’t even get a nomination for Action Movie Star of 2018. Instead, the surprise nomination in that category is “Black Panther” co-star Danai Gurira, who is the only female nominated in that category. Who else didn’t make the cut for Action Movie Star of 2018? Preliminary nominees Alicia Vikander of “Tomb Raider,” Dwayne Johnson of “Rampage,” Michael B. Jordan of “Black Panther,” Donald Glover of “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” Evangeline Lilly of “Ant-Man and the Wasp” and Scarlett Johansson of “Avengers: Infinity War.”

Another big surprise was “Fifty Shades Freed” getting three nominations, including Movie of 2018. All the “Fifty Shades” movies in the trilogy have gotten overwhelmingly bad reviews, so the loyal “Fifty Shades” fan base is the only logical explanation for how this film got nominated for the top movie prize at this award show.

E!’s target demographic skews young (18-to-34) and female, so that might also explain why the female-led “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,” “Ocean’s 8” and “The Spy Who Dumped Me” picked up a decent amount of nominations (three each), even though these movies got mixed reviews from critics. It would also explain why “12 Strong” (starring Chris Hemsworth), “Red Sparrow” (starring Jennifer Lawrence) and “Midnight Sun” (starring Bella Thorne) got nominated for Drama Movie of 2018, even though all three movies flopped at the box office and got mixed or negative reviews from critics.

TV

The power of write-in fan votes can be seen with all the nominations that “Shadowhunters” ended up getting, including for the top TV category: Show of 2018.  Kim Kardashian West, the most famous star on E!’s “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” was snubbed and didn’t get nominated in the new category Reality Star of 2018, but her sister/co-star Khloe Kardashian was nominated. A surprise nomination is Antoni Porowski of Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” who is a newcomer to reality TV, compared to others nominated in the category.

Other snubs: NBC’s “Will & Grace” was shut out of the final nominations, and so was NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” ABC’s “The Good Doctor” and ABC’s “Scandal.”

A surprise nomination is Facebook Watch’s “Red Table Talk,” hosted by Jada Pinkett Smith, which got a nomination for Daytime Talk Show of 2018. This is Facebook Watch’s first People’s Choice nomination since the streaming service was launched in 2017.

HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” which both won several Primetime Emmy Awards in 2018, were not eligible for the 2018 People’s Choice Awards, since “Game of Thrones” did not have any new episodes in 2018, and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” still has not announced the 2018 premiere date for the show’s second season. (The deadline to vote for this year’s People’s Choice nominations was September 14, 2018.)

MUSIC

As previously mentioned, BTS and Super Junior rode the wave of write-in votes to get nominations. They’re both nominated in the Group of 2018 category.  BTS has four nominations (two of which came from write-in votes to put BTS’s “Idol” in the Song and Music Video categories), while Super Junior’s two nominations came from write-in votes. Super Junior biggest surprise nomination is in the new category Concert Tour of the Year.

There were many snubs in the music categories. Eligible artists who received American Music Award nominations in 2018, but no People Choice Award nominations this year included Maroon 5, Kendrick Lamar, Imagine Dragons, Travis Scott and Migos. Jason Aldean, who is fave at the major country music awards every year, also failed to get a People’s Choice nomination this year.

POP CULTURE

A big surprise nomination was Ali Wong in the new category of Comedy Act of the Year instead of more famous comedians such as Chris Rock, Fred Armisen and Leslie Jones. And all the podcasts nominated for Pop Podcast of 2018 are led by female hosts, which is noteworthy considering that the podcasting world is very male-dominated. Some big names got snubbed for the Pop Podcast nominations, including Oprah Winfrey and Alec Baldwin, who were on the list of preliminary nominees.

LeBron James was another big celebrity who was shut out of the final nominations. He was eligible for Game Changer of 2018, a new category for athletes who made a social/professional impact, but he didn’t make the final cut. The biggest surprise nomination in that category was Nina Jax. Even though Jax did win her first championship title this year, she is known mostly for her villain persona and feuds with other wrestlers.

Liza Koshy, who seems to be nominated at every award show that has a category for social media stars, was snubbed this year for a People’s Choice nomination. And the voters for the People’s Choice Awards must be tired of Kim Kardashian West and her half-sister Kylie Jenner because they were shut out of getting nominated for any People’s Choice Awards this year, including Social Celebrity of 2018.

Here’s the complete list of nominees for the E! People’s Choice Awards.

* = New category

+ = Write-in nominee

MOVIES

Movie of 2018
“A Quiet Place”
“Avengers: Infinity War”
“Black Panther”
“Fifty Shades Freed”
“Incredibles 2”

Comedy Movie of 2018
“Blockers”
“Crazy Rich Asians”
“Love, Simon”
“Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again”
“The Spy Who Dumped Me”

Action Movie of 2018
“Avengers: Infinity War”
“Black Panther”
“Deadpool 2”
“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”
“Ocean’s 8”

Drama Movie of 2018
“12 Strong”
“A Quiet Place”
“Fifty Shades Freed”
“Midnight Sun”
“Red Sparrow”

Family Movie of 2018
“A Wrinkle in Time”
“Christopher Robin”
“Hotel Transylvania 3”
“I Can Only Imagine”
“Incredibles 2”

Male Movie Star of 2018
Chadwick Boseman, “Black Panther”
Chris Hemsworth, “Avengers: Infinity War”
Chris Pratt, “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”
Nick Robinson, “Love, Simon”
Robert Downey Jr., “Avengers: Infinity War”

Female Movie Star of 2018
Anne Hathaway, “Ocean’s 8”
Bryce Dallas Howard, “Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom”
Lily James, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again”
Sandra Bullock, “Ocean’s 8”
Scarlett Johansson, “Avengers: Infinity War”

Drama Movie Star of 2018
Chris Hemsworth, “12 Strong”
Emily Blunt, “A Quiet Place”
Jamie Dornan, “Fifty Shades Freed”
Jennifer Lawrence, “Red Sparrow”
John Krasinski, “A Quiet Place”

Comedy Movie Star of 2018
Amanda Seyfried, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again”
John Cena, “Blockers”
Melissa McCarthy, “Life of the Party”
Mila Kunis, “The Spy Who Dumped Me”
Nick Robinson, “Love, Simon”

Action Movie Star of 2018
Chadwick Boseman, “Black Panther”
Chris Hemsworth, “Avengers: Infinity War”
Chris Pratt, “Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom”
Danai Gurira, “Black Panther”
Ryan Reynolds, “Deadpool 2”

TV

Show of 2018
“13 Reasons Why”
“Grey’s Anatomy”
“The Big Bang Theory”
“Shadowhunters” +
“This Is Us”

Drama Show of 2018
“13 Reasons Why”
“Grey’s Anatomy”
“Riverdale”
“The Handmaid’s Tale”
“This Is Us”

Comedy Show of 2018
“Black-ish”
“Modern Family”
“Orange Is the New Black”
“The Big Bang Theory”
“The Good Place”

Revival Show of 2018 *
“American Idol”
“Dynasty”
“Jersey Shore: Family Vacation”
“One Day at a Time”
“Queer Eye”

Reality Show of 2018 *
“Chrisley Knows Best”
“Jersey Shore: Family Vacation”
“Keeping Up With the Kardashians”
“Queer Eye”
“Vanderpump Rules”

Competition Show of 2018
“America’s Got Talent”
“Big Brother”
“Ellen’s Game of Games”
“RuPaul’s Drag Race”
“The Voice”

Male TV Star of 2018
Andrew Lincoln, “The Walking Dead”
Cole Sprouse, “Riverdale”
Freddie Highmore, “The Good Doctor”
Harry Shum Jr., “Shadowhunters” +
Justin Chambers, “Grey’s Anatomy”

Female TV Star of 2018
Camila Mendes, “Riverdale”
Ellen Pompeo, “Grey’s Anatomy”
Katherine McNamara, “Shadowhunters” +
Mandy Moore, “This Is Us”
Viola Davis, “How to Get Away With Murder”

Drama TV Star of 2018
Darren Criss, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
Ellen Pompeo, “Grey’s Anatomy”
Katherine Langford, “13 Reasons Why”
KJ Apa, “Riverdale”
Mariska Hargitay, “Law & Order: SVU”

Comedy TV Star of 2018
Donald Glover, “Atlanta”
Drew Barrymore, “Santa Clarita Diet”
Jim Parsons, “Big Bang Theory”
Kristen Bell, “The Good Place”
Sofia Vergara, “Modern Family”

Daytime Talk Show of 2018
“Live With Kelly and Ryan”
“Red Table Talk”
“Steve”
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
“The Real”

Nighttime Talk Show of 2018
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
“The Daily Show With Trevor Noah”
“The Late Late Show With James Corden”
“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”
“Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen”

Competition Contestant of 2018 *
Brynn Cartelli, “The Voice”
Cody Nickson, “The Amazing Race”
Eva Igo, “World of Dance”
Maddie Poppe, “American Idol”
Nikki Bella, “Dancing With the Stars”

Reality TV Star of 2018 *
Antoni Porowski, “Queer Eye”
Joanna Gaines, “Fixer Upper”
Khloe Kardashian, “Keeping Up With the Kardashians”
Nikki Bella, “Total Bellas”
Paul “Pauly D” DelVecchio, “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation”

Bingeworthy Show of 2018 *
“13 Reasons Why”
“Outlander” +
“Queer Eye”
“Shadowhunters” +
“Shameless”

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show of 2018
“Shadowhunters”
“Supernatural”
“The Expanse”
“The Originals”
“Wynonna Earp” +

MUSIC

Male Artist of 2018
Bruno Mars
Drake
Ed Sheeran
Keith Urban
Shawn Mendes

Female Artist of 2018
Ariana Grande
Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Nicki Minaj
Taylor Swift

Group of 2018
5 Seconds of Summer
BTS
Panic! At the Disco
Super Junior +
Twenty One Pilots

Song of 2018
“No Tears Left to Cry,” Ariana Grande
“I Like It,” Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin
“Idol,” BTS +
“Back to You,” Selena Gomez
“In My Blood,” Shawn Mendes

Album of 2018
Sweetener, Ariana Grande
Camila, Camila Cabello
Invasion of Privacy, Cardi B
Queen, Nicki Minaj
Shawn Mendes, Shawn Mendes

Country Artist of 2018
Blake Shelton
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban
Luke Bryan
Thomas Rhett

Latin Artist of 2018
Bad Bunny
Becky G
CNCO
J Balvin
Shakira

Music Video of 2018 *
“No Tears Left to Cry,” Ariana Grande
“Idol,” BTS +
“Never Be the Same,” Camila Cabello
“This Is America,” Childish Gambino
“Back to You,” Selena Gomez
Concert Tour of 2018 *
On the Run II Tour, Beyoncé & Jay-Z
Piece of Me Tour, Britney Spears
Witness Tour, Katy Perry
Super Show 7, Super Junior +
Reputation Tour, Taylor Swift

POP CULTURE

Social Star of 2018
Amanda Cerny
Jenna Marbles
Lele Pons
Shane Dawson
The Dolan Twins

Beauty Influencer of 2018 *
Bretman Rock
Brooklyn and Bailey
Jackie Aina
James Charles
NikkieTutorials

Social Celebrity of 2018 
BTS
Chrissy Teigen
Ellen DeGeneres
Selena Gomez
Taylor Swift

Animal Star of 2018 *
April the Giraffe
Cole & Marmalade
Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund
Gone to the Snow Dogs
Lil Bub

Comedy Act of 2018 *
Ali Wong
Amy Schumer
Kevin Hart
Marlon Wayans
Tiffany Haddish

Style Star of 2018 *
Beyoncé
Blake Lively
Emma Watson
Harry Styles
Zendaya

Game Changer of 2018 * (Category for athletes who made a social/professional impact)
Aly Raisman
Colin Kaepernick
Cristiano Ronaldo
Nia Jax
Serena Williams

Pop Podcast of 2018 *
“Amy Schumer Presents: 3 Girls, 1 Keith”
“Anna Faris Is Unqualified”
“Chicks in the Office”
“The Ladygang”
“Scrubbing In With Becca Tilley & Tanya Rad”

Alamo Drafthouse announces inaugural VHStival in Raleigh, North Carolina

September 18, 2018

Alamo Drafthouse logo

The following is a press release from Alamo Drafthouse:

Adjust your tracking and rewind your mind for the most radical weekend of your life.
Acclaimed cinema eatery Alamo Drafthouse, the American Genre Film Archive and video-worship entity Lunchmeat VHS are proud to announce the very first VHStival, presented at Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh and Video Vortex Raleigh on Saturday and Sunday, October 20 and 21. Two fun-filled and nostalgia-soaked days and nights, VHStival celebrates the glory of the enduring and iconic video format with screenings, special appearances, and analog-driven events.
“I am absolutely VHStoked to help bring this rewind-inclined bash to life, man! It’s all set to be an unbridled explosion of appreciation and celebration in the name of the most radical, ridiculous, and influential home video format of all time,” says Josh Schafer, VHStival creator and Lunchmeat VHS editor-in-chief. “We want to really immerse the crowd in the incredible spectrum of culture that VHS has to offer. We’re planning on running a mind-melting array of clips in the lobby to help the fest-goers further explore and discover the wide, weird world of VHS. We’re also planning on offering photo ops with some VHS-driven art, and we’re even in talks with some local breweries to create an exclusive, VHS-inspired beer especially for the event. We have a bunch of VHSurprises in store for this fest, dude. It’s going to be a total blast!”
A limited quantity of two-day VHS VIP passes for VHStival 2018 are available now at VHStival.com. VIP passes include access to all VHStival screenings and events, as well as a VHStival goodie bag filled with an array of exclusive goodies like a limited-edition T-shirt, enamel pin, VHS trading cards, stickers, VHS-inspired soap (you read that correctly!), and more. Tickets for individual shows throughout the festival will be available soon at VHStival.com and drafthouse.com.
“Not only is this weekend going to be amazingly fun, it is also important,” says Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League. “1000s of films were only ever released on VHS and very few people are archiving, protecting and sharing this strange, important and very vulnerable chapter in our film history. In addition to the screenings and parties, VHStival will be infused with workshops, education and initiatives that allow others to get involved with the American Genre Film Archive’s preservation efforts.”
VHStival programming includes celebrations of the format as well as ultra-rare screenings of shot-on-video classics.
●     A fifth anniversary screening of the “Videovore” culture documentary ADJUST YOUR TRACKING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE VHS COLLECTOR.
●     An all-new edition of FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL, with unusual and outrageous clips scavenged from VHS collected and curated by Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett.
●     Experimental film STAND BY FOR TAPE BACK-UP, created out of fragments of old films, television shows, and commercials by director Ross Sutherland, who’ll be present for a live Q&A.
●     1988’s video store/sci-fi cult smash-up REMOTE CONTROL, including a live Q&A with director Jeff Lieberman.
●     Quintessential 1987 shot-on-video meta shocker VIDEO VIOLENCE.
●     1993’s found-footage road trip ripper AMERICA’S DEADLIEST HOME VIDEO (starring Danny Bonaduce!).
●     A recording of the 1987 live broadcast of the legendary WNUF Halloween Special and live Q&A with director Chris LaMartina.
●     A previously unseen director’s cut of 1989’s surreal sci-fi journey SPLIT.
●     VISIONS OF VHS, a game show where viewers will experience clips of the weirdest, wildest, and most beloved VHS content, then answer trivia questions about the clips for radical prizes.
Each day of VHStival will kick-off with a VHS swap and other interactive events inside Video Vortex, the new video store and bar located in the lobby of Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh. Video Vortex’s enormous catalog includes over 75,000 Blu-rays, DVDs, and super-rare VHS titles, and rentals are entirely free.
VHStival’s interactive events include a VHS troubleshooting and repair station, offering tips and tricks on saving those precious videocassettes, along with FREE professional-grade mold removal to keep all your VHS memories fresh as a daisy! Heavy-duty Videovores can also upgrade their skills by learning how to customize their favorite tapes with the art of spool swapping.
Vendor tables for the VHS swap are free of charge, but are extremely limited. Requests for a table can be made at VHStival.com.
VHStival Line-up!
VIDEO VIOLENCE
1987 / Directed by Gary P. Cohen
Meet a cult of small-town psychos obsessed with homemade bloodshed who propagate perverted snuff films via their local video shop. When the town’s new video store owner happens across one of the killer cult’s videos, he’s out to press the stop button for good! Bursting with blood, laughs, and bodacious kills, Video Violence is the quintessential shot-on-video shocker that rocked the rental shelves and violated VCRs across the analog landscape!
Includes a special video intro from director GARY P. COHEN!
AMERICA’S DEADLIEST HOME VIDEO
1993 / Directed by Jack Perez
Lost for 25 years, the original found-footage shocker was written and directed by Jack Perez (Some Guy Who Kills People), produced by Mick Wynhoff, and starring Danny Bonaduce (TV’s The Partridge Family).
Prepare yourself for a rip-roaring ride through the incredibly raw and realistic shot-on-video found-footage shocker that started them all! America’s Deadliest Home Video unreels the story of Doug (Danny Bonaduce), an overzealous home video enthusiast who decides to ditch his unfaithful wife for the open road with his beloved camcorder in tow. Doug’s troubles triple when he inadvertently records three criminals known as the Clint Dryer Gang deep-sixing their latest escape vehicle. The egotistical leader Dryer (Mick Wynhoff) then abducts Doug, forcing him to record their atrocious blood-spilling exploits and eventually coercing Doug into joining their heinous crime spree, inciting deadly results.
Includes a special video intro from director JACK PEREZ!
WNUF HALLOWEEN SPECIAL
1987 – 2013 / Directed by Chris LaMartina
For decades, obscure film collectors and lovers of esoteric cinema have sought it… finally, the search is over.
Originally broadcast live on October 31, 1987, the WNUF HALLOWEEN SPECIAL is a stunning exposé of terrifying supernatural activity that unfolded at the infamous Webber House, the site of ghastly murders.
Local television personality Frank Stewart leads a group of paranormal investigators including Catholic exorcist Father Joseph Matheson and the prolific husband-and-wife team Louis and Claire Berger. Together, the experts explore the darkest corners of the supposedly haunted Webber House, trying to prove the existence of the demonic entities within.
Did they find the horrific truth or simply put superstitious rumors to rest?
Includes a live Q&A with director CHRIS LaMARTINA!
REMOTE CONTROL
1988 / Directed by Jeff Lieberman
Hypnotized by the new display for a mysterious movie called Remote Control, the patrons of a video store rip and swing at each other to rent the new release. What seems like a corny 1950s sci-fi movie turns out to be a brainwashing mechanism, sending the viewers on a murdering rampage! Cosmo (Kevin Dillon) the video store clerk observes the absolute madness and gets the sense that something sinister is lurking on the tapes… and then makes it his business to stop these killer tapes from circulating!
A loving send-up of old sci-fi and people’s attachment to a new shiny fad, Lieberman’s REMOTE CONTROL is the ultimate video store/sci-fi cult smash!
Includes a live Q&A with director JEFF LIEBERMAN!
SPLIT
1989 / Directed by Chris Shaw
A criminally under seen surreal sci-fi journey that you must see to believe!
From another dimension, a powerful society of semirobotic humanoids study and manipulate every activity of life on Earth. Their sophisticated interference techniques control our every move, and convince us that our actions are of our own “free will.” Amidst the lethargic population, one man will not conform. He alone has the power the break the barrier between the worlds. Starker, a man of a thousand faces, is the embodiment of chaos… and the Authoritarians want him stopped! Starker sees the truth, and the truth will destroy their world!
They watch. They control. They destroy. It’s time to SPLIT!
A special screening of the previously unseen director’s cut!
ADJUST YOUR TRACKING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE VHS COLLECTOR
2013 / Directed by Dan Kinem & Levi Peretic
They all thought VHS was dead… They were dead wrong!
This feature-length documentary investigates and explores the incredible cult of video fiends who are keeping this magnetic medium alive in the wake of the digital takeover. These “Tapeheads” and “Videovores” gather tapes by the thousands, relentlessly scouring countless flea markets, thrift stores, and the deepest corners of the Internet to uncover wild, weird, and super-rare videotapes. Some of these fanatics are known to pay four figures for a single tape! But why? What’s the fuel behind this passion? Why is this distinct group of collectors still so rabid to press rewind?
The makers of this documentary delve deep into the collective VHS community. This is their terrifying discovery!
Fifth Anniversary Screening! Live Q&A with producer Josh Schafer and star Zack Carlson!
STAND BY FOR TAPE BACK-UP
2015 / Collected and curated by Ross Sutherland
An experimental film by poet Ross Sutherland that collects fragments of old films, TV shows, and commercials harvested from random VHS tapes. Sutherland rebuilds this motley mixture of clips into an audiovisual meditation on memory, life, death, and reruns, all guided by a fascinating live reading by Sutherland.
Includes a live Q&A with ROSS SUTHERLAND after the performance!
FOUND FOOTAGE FEST
2018 / Collected and curated by Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett
The Found Footage Festival comes to town with an all-new collection of unusual and outrageous clips scavenged from VHS! Nick and Joe guide you through the array of rewind-driven ridiculousness with their distinct brand of comedy and commentary!
Includes a live Q&A with Nick and Joe after the performance!
About Video Vortex Raleigh
Video Vortex Raleigh is not only bringing back the video store, it’s bringing it into the 21st century with an immersive video-themed bar where guests can enjoy 40 of the greatest local brews on tap (or take them home in a can), marvel at the eight-foot VHS boxes and dozens of vintage exploitation posters, and dive into one of the largest rental collections of cinema in the country that a dozen streaming services combined couldn’t match. Guests can even take home up to two rental titles at a time for free. At once a nostalgic return to the glory of physical video and a delicious dive into the future of world-class food, beverage, and cinema, Video Vortex sets out to prove that Raleigh’s last video store will be its greatest.

2018 Primetime Emmy Awards: ‘Game of Thrones’ is the top winner

September 17, 2018

by Carla Hay

Emmys logo

With nine prizes, including Outstanding Drama Series, HBO’s “Game of Thrones” was the biggest winner at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards, which were presented at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on September 17, 2018. “Saturday Night Live” cast members Colin Jost and Michael Che hosted the show, which was telecast in the U.S. on NBC.

Following close behind “Game of Thrones’ in their Emmy wins were NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” and Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” which won eight Emmys each. “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” was named Outstanding Comedy Series, which is the first time that a show on a streaming service has won this Emmy Award.

The repeat Emmy wins for “Game of Thrones” and “Saturday Night Live” (which was named Outstanding Variety Sketch Series) weren’t surprising, but there were several first-time winners, including lead actor Matthew Rhys of the FX drama series “The Americans”; supporting actor Henry Winkler of the HBO comedy series “Barry”; supporting actress Thandie Newton of the HBO drama series “Westworld; and lead actress Rachel Brosnahan and supporting actress Alex Borstein of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”

As hosts of the Emmys, Jost and Che struggled to keep the show exciting, telling numerous forced and not-very-funny jokes about how self-aware Hollywood has become about sexual harassment and diversity. The only real “stunt” that caught the audience by surprise was when director Glenn Weiss, who won an Emmy for directing the Oscar ceremony this year, proposed to his girlfriend on stage. She tearfully accepted the marriage proposal.

Prizes for the 2018 Creative Arts Emmy Awards (the Primetime Emmys’ technical categories) were handed out Sept. 8-9 at Microsoft Theater. FXX televised highlights from that ceremony on Sept. 15.

Presenters at the 2018 Primetime Emmy ceremony included:

Patricia Arquette (“Otherhood”)
Alec Baldwin (“Saturday Night Live,” “Match Game”)
Eric Bana (“Dirty John”)
Angela Bassett (“Otherhood,” “9-1-1”)
Bobby Berk (“Queer Eye”)
Aidy Bryant (“Saturday Night Live”)
Samantha Bee (“Full Frontal With Samantha Bee”)
Connie Britton (“American Horror Story: Apocalypse,” “Dirty John”)
RuPaul Charles (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”)
Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
Karamo Brown (“Queer Eye”)
Millie Bobby Brown (“Stranger Things”)
Emilia Clarke (“Game of Thrones”)
Benicio Del Toro (“Escape at Dannemora”)
Michael Douglas (“The Kominsky Method”)
Will Ferrell (“Saturday Night Live”)
Tina Fey (“Saturday Night Live”)
Claire Foy (“The Crown”)
Tan France (“Queer Eye”)
Hannah Gadsby (“Hannah Gadsby: Nanette”)
Ilana Glazer (“Broad City”)
Tiffany Haddish (“The Last O.G.”)
Kit Harington (“Game of Thrones”)
Taraji P. Henson (“Empire”)
Abbi Jacobson (“Broad City”)
Leslie Jones (“Saturday Night Live”)
Jimmy Kimmel (“Jimmy Kimmel Live”)
Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live”)
John Legend (“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert”)
Tracy Morgan (“The Last O.G.”)
Elisabeth Moss (“The Handmaid’s Tale”)
Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”)
Sandra Oh (“Killing Eve”)
Sarah Paulson (“American Horror Story: Apocalypse”)
Antoni Porowski (“Queer Eye”)
Issa Rae (“Insecure”)
Andy Samberg (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”)
Matt Smith (“The Crown”)
Ben Stiller (“Another Period,” “Escape at Dannemora”)
Chrissy Teigen (“Lip Sync Battle”)
Jonathan Van Ness (“Queer Eye”)
Constance Wu (“Fresh Off the Boat”)

 

Here is a list of nominees and winners in the major categories for the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards:

*=winner

Outstanding Comedy Series
“Atlanta” (FX)
“Barry” (HBO)
“Black-ish” (ABC)
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO)
“GLOW” (Netflix)
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon) *
“Silicon Valley” (HBO)
“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (Netflix)

Outstanding Drama Series
“The Americans” (FX)
“The Crown” (Netflix)
“Game of Thrones” (HBO) *
“The Handmaid’s Tale” (Hulu)
“Stranger Things” (Netflix)
“This Is Us” (NBC)
“Westworld” (HBO)

Outstanding Limited Series
“The Alienist” (TNT)
“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (FX) *
“Genius: Picasso” (National Geographic)
“Godless” (Netflix)
“Patrick Melrose” (Showtime)

Outstanding Leading Actress in a Comedy Series
Pamela Adlon, “Better Things”
Rachel Brosnahan, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” *
Allison Janney, “Mom”
Issa Rae, “Insecure”
Tracee Ellis Ross, “Black-ish”
Lily Tomlin, “Grace and Frankie”

Outstanding Leading Actor in a Comedy Series
Anthony Anderson, “Black-ish”
Ted Danson, “The Good Place”
Larry David, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
Donald Glover, “Atlanta”
Bill Hader, “Barry” *
William H. Macy, “Shameless”

Outstanding Leading Actress in a Drama Series
Claire Foy, “The Crown” *
Tatiana Maslany, “Orphan Black”
Elisabeth Moss, “The Handmaid’s Tale”
Sandra Oh, “Killing Eve”
Keri Russell, “The Americans”
Evan Rachel Wood, “Westworld”

Outstanding Leading Actor in a Drama Series
Jason Bateman, “Ozark”
Sterling K. Brown, “This Is Us”
Ed Harris, “Westworld”
Matthew Rhys, “The Americans” *
Milo Ventimiglia, “This Is Us”
Jeffrey Wright, “Westworld”

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Alexis Bledel, “The Handmaid’s Tale”
Millie Bobby Brown, “Stranger Things”
Ann Dowd, “The Handmaid’s Tale”
Lena Headey, “Game of Thrones”
Vanessa Kirby, “The Crown”
Thandie Newton, “Westworld” *
Yvonne Strahovski, “The Handmaid’s Tale”

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, “Game of Thrones”
Peter Dinklage, “Game of Thrones” *
Joseph Fiennes, “The Handmaid’s Tale”
David Harbour, “Stranger Things”
Mandy Patinkin, “Homeland”
Matt Smith, “The Crown”

Supporting Actress, Comedy Series
Zazie Beetz, “Atlanta”
Aidy Bryant, “Saturday Night Live”
Alex Borstein, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” *
Betty Gilpin, “GLOW”
Leslie Jones, “Saturday Night Live”
Kate McKinnon, “Saturday Night Live”
Laurie Metcalf, “Roseanne”
Megan Mullally, “Will & Grace”

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a  Comedy Series
Louie Anderson, “Baskets”
Alec Baldwin, “Saturday Night Live”
Tituss Burgess, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
Brian Tyree Henry, “Atlanta”
Tony Shalhoub, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
Kenan Thompson, “Saturday Night Live”
Henry Winkler, “Barry” *

Outstanding Leading Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie
Jessica Biel, “The Sinner”
Laura Dern, “The Tale”
Michelle Dockery, “Godless”
Edie Falco, “Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders”
Regina King, “Seven Seconds” *
Sarah Paulson, “American Horror Story: Cult”

Outstanding Leading Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie
Antonio Banderas, “Genius: Picasso”
Darren Criss, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” *
Benedict Cumberbatch, “Patrick Melrose”
Jeff Daniels, “The Looming Tower”
John Legend, “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert”
Jesse Plemons, “Black Mirror: USS Callister”

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a TV Movie
Sara Bareilles, “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert”
Penélope Cruz, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
Judith Light, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
Adina Porter, “American Horror Story: Cult”
Merritt Wever, “Godless” *
Letitia Wright, “Black Mirror: Black Museum”

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie
Jeff Daniels, “Godless” *
Brandon Victor Dixon, “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert”
John Leguizamo, “Waco”
Ricky Martin, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
Edgar Ramirez, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
Michael Stuhlbarg, “The Looming Tower”
Finn Wittrock, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”

Outstanding Variety Sketch Series
“At Home With Amy Sedaris” (truTV)
“Drunk History” (Comedy Central)
“I Love You America with Sarah Silverman” (Hulu)
“Portlandia” (IFC)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC) *
“Tracey Ullman’s Show” (HBO)

Outstanding Variety Talk Series
“The Daily Show With Trevor Noah” (Comedy Central)
“Full Frontal With Samantha Bee” (TBS)
“Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC)
“Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” (HBO) *
“The Late Late Show With James Corden” (CBS)
“The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” (CBS)

Outstanding Reality Competition Program
“The Amazing Race” (CBS)
“American Ninja Warrior” (NBC)
“Project Runway” (Lifetime)
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” (VH1) *
“Top Chef” (Bravo) “The Voice” (NBC)

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
Alec Berg, “Silicon Valley” (“Fifty-One Percent”)
Alec Berg and Bill Hader, “Barry” (“Chapter One: Make Your Mark”)
Donald Glover, “Atlanta” (“Alligator Man”)
Stefani Robinson, “Atlanta” (“Barbershop”)
Liz Sarnoff, “Barry” (“Chapter Seven: Loud, Fast And Keep Going”)
Amy Sherman-Palladino, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (“Pilot”) *

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, “Game Of Thrones” (“The Dragon And The Wolf”)
The Duffer Brothers, “Stranger Things” (“Chapter Nine: The Gate”)
Joel Fields & Joe Weisberg, “The Americans” (“Start”) *
Peter Morgan, “The Crown” (“Mystery Man”)
Bruce Miller, “The Handmaid’s Tale” (“June”)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, “Killing Eve” (“Nice Face”)

Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Drama
William Bridges & Charlie Brooker, “Black Mirror: USS Callister” *
Scott Frank, “Godless”
David Lynch & Mark Frost, “Twin Peaks”
Kevin McManus & Matthew McManus, “American Vandal” (“Clean Up”)
David Nicholls, “Patrick Melrose”
Tom Rob Smith, “The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (“House By The Lake”)

Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special
Samantha Bee and various writers, “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee Presents: The Great American* Puerto Rico (*It’s Complicated)”
Steve Martin and Martin Short, “Steve Martin & Martin Short: An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life”
John Mulaney, “John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City” *
Patton Oswalt, “Patton Oswalt: Annihilation”
Michelle Wolf, “Michelle Wolf: Nice Lady”

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
Donald Glover, “Atlanta” (“FUBU”)
Bill Hader, “Barry” (“Chapter One: Make Your Mark”)
Hiro Murai, “Atlanta” (“Teddy Perkins”)
Mike Judge, “Silicon Valley” (“Initial Coin Offering”)
Jesse Peretz, “GLOW” (“Pilot”)
Amy Sherman-Palladino, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (“Pilot”) *

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Jason Bateman, “Ozark” (“The Toll”)
Stephen Daldry, “The Crown” (“Paterfamilias”) *
The Duffer Brothers, “Stranger Things” (“Chapter Nine: The Gate”)
Jeremy Podeswa, “Game of Thrones” (“The Dragon And The Wolf”)
Daniel Sackheim, “Ozark” (“Tonight We Improvise”)
Kari Skogland, “The Handmaid’s Tale” (“After”)
Alan Taylor, “Game Of Thrones” (“Beyond The Wall”)

Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series
Edward Berger, “Patrick Melrose”
Scott Frank, “Godless”
David Leveaux & Alex Rudzinski, “Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert”
Barry Levinson, “Paterno”
David Lynch, “Twin Peaks”
Ryan Murphy, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (“The Man Who Would Be Vogue”) *
Craig Zisk, “The Looming Tower” (“9/11”)

Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special
Michael Bonfiglio, “Jerry Seinfeld: Jerry Before Seinfeld” (Netflix)
Hamish Hamilton, “Super Bowl LII Halftime Show Starring Justin Timberlake” (NBC)
Stan Lathan, “Dave Chappelle: Equanimity” (Netflix)
Marcus Raboy, “Steve Martin & Martin Short: An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life” (Netflix)
Glenn Weiss, “The Oscars” (ABC) *

2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show: Event returns to New York City; models announced

September 17, 2018

Victoria's Secret Angels
Victoria’s Secret Angels in 2016 (Photo by Michele Crowe/CBS)

The New York Post has reported that the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will return to New York City, after being in Shanghai in 2017 and Paris in 2016.

November 1, 2018 UPDATE: The 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will take place November 7 with musical guests Bebe Rexha, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Kelsea Ballerini, Rita Ora, Shawn Mendes and The Struts. ABC will televise “The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Holiday Special” on December 2 at 10 p.m. Eastern/Pacific Time.

These participating models have been announced:

  • Adriana Lima
  • Aiden Curtiss
  • Alanna Arrington
  • Alannah Walton
  • Alexina Graham
  • Barbara Fialho
  • Barbara Palvin
  • Behati Prinsloo
  • Bella Hadid
  • Candice Swanepoel
  • Cheyenne Carty
  • Cindy Bruna
  • Devon Windsor
  • Duckie Thot
  • Elsa Hosk
  • Estelle Chen
  • Frida Aasen
  • Georgia Fowler
  • Gigi Hadid
  • Gizele Oliveira
  • Grace Bol
  • Grace Elizabeth
  • Herieth Paul
  • Iesha Hodges
  • Isilda Moreira
  • Jasmine Tookes
  • Josephine Skriver
  • Josie Canseco
  • Jourdana Phillips
  • Kelly Gale
  • Kelsey Merritt
  • Kendall Jenner
  • Lais Ribeiro
  • Lameka Fox
  • Leomie Anderson
  • Lorena Rae
  • Maggie Laine
  • Maia Cotton
  • Martha Hunt
  • Mayowa Nicholas
  • Megan Williams
  • Melie Tiacoh
  • Ming Xi
  • Myrthe Bolt
  • Nadine Leopold
  • Romee Strijd
  • Sadie Newman
  • Sara Sampaio
  • Shanina Shaik
  • Sofie Rovenstine
  • Stella Maxwell
  • Subah Koj
  • Sui He
  • Taylor Hill
  • Toni Garrn
  • Willow Hand
  • Winnie Harlow
  • Yasmin Wijnaldum
  • Zuri Tibby

AEG names AXS its official mobile ticketing and resale partner

September 17, 2018

The following is a press release from AXS:

To give fans the safest, most secure and easiest way to buy and sell tickets, AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, has announced that AXS, a leading ticketing company, has become the official North American resale ticketing partner for sports franchises and select venues owned or operated by the organization. Powered by AXS’ Mobile ID, a digital ticket technology, and FanSight, a purchase experience that includes both standard and resale tickets on one platform, AEG can now provide fans a single source for guaranteed authentic tickets for 30 of its U.S. venues.

“AEG is always looking to deliver the best experience for fans and we needed a partner that both understands the complexities of the ticketing marketplace and has the technology to remove friction from the ticketing process,” said Dan Beckerman, CEO of AEG. “AXS’ patented Mobile ID technology and the FanSight unified marketplace was the obvious solution to streamline the entire experience of buying, selling and managing tickets for fans and our venues.”

Through the partnership, AXS becomes the official resale ticketing provider for multiple AEG facilities enabling consumers to buy tickets with confidence for venues such as STAPLES Center (Los Angeles), PlayStation Theater (New York), Target Center (Minneapolis), and Sprint Center (Kansas City), Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre (Denver), The Showbox (Seattle) as well as for the Los Angeles Kings and the LA Galaxy sports franchises, and dozens of other venues around the country. Last month, the LA Kings became the first AEG Sports property to utilize this platform.

“For the better part of a decade we have been a partner to some of the top venues, artists and teams around the world, helping connect fans with live experiences,” said Bryan Perez, CEO of AXS. “Now we further improve the process by making it easier for fans to buy, sell and transfer tickets for thousands of events at AEG operated venues. Our continued investment in technology and a superior consumer experience has put us in a position to expand our partnership with AEG.”

To fortify AEG’s secure sales environment, AXS’ Mobile ID technology will be rolled out to affiliated AEG venues. This will ensure fans can securely and safely buy, sell and transfer tickets without worrying about paper or PDF tickets that can be easily counterfeited. AXS’ Mobile ID also helps AEG better understand who is attending events, and start to create more personalized experiences for fans.

ABOUT AEG
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, AEG is the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company. With offices on five continents, AEG operates in the following business segments: AEG Facilities, which is affiliated with or owns, manages or consults with more than 120 preeminent arenas, stadiums, theaters, clubs and convention centers around the world including The O2 Arena, the Sprint Center and the Mercedes-Benz Arenas; AEG Live, which is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global and regional concert tours, music and special events and world-renowned festivals; AEG Real Estate, which develops world-class venues, as well as major sports and entertainment districts like STAPLES Center and L.A. LIVE; AEG Sports, which is the world’s largest operator of sports franchises and high-profile sporting events;  and AEG Global Partnerships, which oversees worldwide sales and servicing of sponsorships including naming rights, premium seating and other strategic partnerships. Through its worldwide network of venues, portfolio of powerful sports and music brands, AXS.com ticketing platform, AXS cable television channel and its integrated entertainment districts, AEG entertains more than 100 million guests annually. More information about AEG can be found at www.aegworldwide.com.

About AXS (pronounced “Access”)
AXS is a leading ticketing, data, and marketing solutions provider in the US, UK and Europe. The company and its solutions empower more than 200 clients — teams, arenas, theaters, clubs and colleges– to turn data into action, maximize the value of all their events and create joy for fans. It is an enterprise event technology platform that services venues, promoters and sports teams; providing fans the opportunity to purchase tickets directly from their favorite venues via a user-friendly ticketing interface. AXS serves all phases of the event life-cycle beyond just ticketing, through its consumer facing website, AXS.com and the AXS App. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, AXS employs more than 500 professionals in multiple locations worldwide, including Cleveland, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, London and Stockholm. AXS Group, LLC, is owned by AEG, Dan Gilbert and TPG Capital, owner of Cirque du Soleil.

 

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