WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2006
VH1 POSTS ITS "BEST YEAR EVER" IN 2006 IN TOTAL VIEWERSHIP
MUSIC AND POP CULTURE NETWORK POSTS 18th CONSECUTIVE QUARTER OF GROWTH AMONG TOTAL VIEWERS
VH1 Scores 2 of the 3 Highest Rated Non-Sports Telecasts In the 18-49 Demo on All of Basic Cable for the Year
NEW YORK, December 20, 2006 - For VH1, 2006 was simply the best. The music and pop culture network will post its "best year ever," growing its total primetime viewership by 14% making it VH1's most watched year ever.*
The network enjoyed a prosperous record-breaking year thanks to new series FLAVOR OF LOVE, WEB JUNK 20, SUPER GROUP, and ROCK DOCS as well as returning series such as HOGAN KNOWS BEST, CELEBRITY FIT CLUB, MY FAIR BRADY, BREAKING BONADUCE, the VH1 HIP HOP HONORS and VH1 BIG IN '06 AWARDS shows and the first-ever "VH1 ROCK HONORS.
In primetime, VH1 delivered an average 681,000 total viewers -- a +14% increase over the 2005 average of 598,000 total viewers. In the 18-49 demo, VH1 averaged 432,000 viewers -- a +11% increase over 2005's average.
In total day, VH1 averaged 381,000 -- a +7% increase over 2005's average. Among 18-49 viewers, VH1 delivered an average 233,000 total viewers -- up +5% compared to the average for 2005.
Below are additional yearly highlights:
· VH1 delivered 2 of the 3 highest-rated non-sports telecasts in the key 18-49 demo on all of basic cable for the year with FLAVOR OF LOVE 2 - higher than the PROJECT RUNWAY season finale and the NIP/TUCK season premiere.
· An all-time VH1 record-breaking 7.5 million viewers watched Flavor Flav pick "Deelishis" as his love match in the season finale of FLAVOR OF LOVE 2 on Sunday, October 15, making the show the #1 telecast on all cable for the night and the #1 non-sports telecast in the 18-49 demo ALL YEAR.
· VH1 now ranks in the top 5 basic cable network in primetime on Sundays (currently VH1 stands at #4, averaging a .8 in the key 18-49 demo).
The 3rd annual VH1 HIP HOP HONORS was the highest rated and most watched event yet in the network's HIP HOP HONORS. The October 17 premiere scored a 1.2 in the key 18-49 demo and drew a total of 1.8 million viewers - a 29% increase over last year's show. Ice-T hosted the event which saluted Ice Cube, Wu-Tang Clan, Afrika Bambaataa, Russell Simmons, MC Lyte, Rakim, Beastie Boys and Eazy E.
The first-ever "VH1 ROCK HONORS attracted 1.2 million viewers - a 93% increase compared to the same time period last year. The concert saluted KISS, Queen, Def Leppard and Judas Priest.
The CELEBRITY FIT CLUB 4 featuring Tina Yothers, Carnie Wilson and Vincent Pastore premiere on Sunday, August 6 attracted 1.8 million viewers (P2+) and ranks among the top 15 programs on cable for Sunday, August 6.
The July 23 season finale of MY FAIR BRADY: WE'RE GETTING MARRIED! was the highest rated episode of the series ever. The finale scored an impressive 1.5 rating in the 18-49 demo as more than 2 million total (P 2+) viewers watched sweethearts Chris Knight and Adrianne Curry say their "I Do's." The finale was also the top-rated regularly scheduled program on all of basic cable for the day, Sunday, July 23.
VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 90 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul and VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com.
VH1 is a registered trademark of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements, and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.
* Ratings numbers are through this past Sunday, 12/17/06.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2006
VH1 FLOWS OUTTA CONTROL WITH "EGO TRIP'S THE (WHITE) RAPPER SHOW"
It's More Than A Reality Game Show, It's The "Lighter" Side of Hip Hop
The Eight Episode Series Premieres Monday, January 8 at 10:30pm*
NEW YORK, NY - December 18, 2006 -- Since the first rhymes flowed in the parks of the South Bronx, most of rap's major emcees, have been African American. A few successful white MC's like The Beastie Boys and Eminem have reached the top of the hip hop world. But for the most part, the rap game has been an unforgiving field for melanin-deficient MC's.
But now, 20 years after the Beasties first exercised their "License to Ill," VH1 and ego trip have stepped in to search for the next great "white rapper" in EGO TRIP'S THE (WHITE) RAPPER SHOW premiering January 8 at 10:30pm. Additional new episodes will air every Monday at 10:00pm.
Set in the birthplace of hip hop, the South Bronx, and hosted by white rap legend Michael "MC Serch" Berrin (of the group 3rd Bass) and producing legend Prince Paul, EGO TRIP'S THE (WHITE) RAPPER SHOW will put 10 contestants from all over America through challenges that will test their musical "cred," knowledge of hip hop culture, and their ideas about race. Along the way, hip hop pioneers, such as Grandmaster Flash, Kurtis Blow, and Fat Joe will be brought in to school and critique our eager rappin' competitors.
The competition won't be easy. The run-down South Bronx tenement that they'll be bunking in, "Tha White House," is a far cry from the standard reality show mansion. But hip hop is about survival; about economics and class and race. And our 10 contestants will be faced with a variety of tasks that will reflect each of these facets of the culture.
From freestyle battles in Detroit's famed St. Andrews Hall to cutting a club record with super producer Just Blaze to answering questions about life in the 'hood, these 10 hopefuls will be immersed in the culture they claim to love. But do they have the knowledge, talent and ability to, as MC Serch says, lead the culture? Or will they bleed the culture? EGO TRIP'S THE (WHITE) RAPPER SHOW on VH1 will leave only one man (or woman) standing alone...victorious in the original hood of hip hop and $100,000 richer.
Ken Mok is executive producer and Paul Buscemi is supervising producer for 10X10 Productions. Sacha Jenkins, Gabriel Alvarez, Brent Rollins, Elliott Wilson and Jefferson Mao are executive producers for ego trip. Jim Ackerman and Michael Hirschorn are executive producers and Christian McLaughlin is the supervising producer for VH1.
VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 90 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul and VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2006
VH1 SCREAMS "I LOVE NEW YORK"!
The Former FLAVOR OF LOVE Contestant Is Looking for Love During VH1's New 'Celebreality' Series I LOVE NEW YORK
Catch The Full Premiere Episode On VSPOT at VH1.com Beginning Tuesday, January 2, One Week Before The On-air Premiere
NEW YORK, December 12, 2006 - 7.5 million viewers tuned in to see FLAVOR OF LOVE runner-up New York get kicked to the curb for the second time. After being twice jilted by FLAVOR FLAV, New York aka Tiffany Pollard was given the chance to find her one true love, as a fresh crop of twenty men are brought together to compete for her heart during VH1's newest 'celebreality' show, I LOVE NEW YORK premiering on Monday, January 8 at 9:00PM."
Throughout the new series, cameras will follow these men as they try to win New York over with their physique, dating skills and bank accounts. These guys are flashy, bold and determined to get their woman -- at any cost. Coming along for the ride is her outspoken mom, Sister Patterson who will not be shy about who she likes and who she never wants to see again.
"New York is a beautiful, spirited and sexy woman who deserves a man who appreciates her - she is also one of the most outrageous reality personalities we have ever seen - this show should be a lot of fun," said executive producers Mark Cronin & Cris Abrego.
In addition to the VSPOT sneak peek of episode one on January 2, each episode will be available in its entirety on VSPOT for 48 hours every Friday following the on-air broadcast. VSPOT and VH1 On Demand are also airing exclusive "shorts" featuring New York and her mom evaluating candidates for the show. Catch an early glimpse of some of the men that will complete for New York's hand and some that won't make the cut. The shorts are currently available on VSPOT at http://vspot.vh1.com and will be available on VH1 On Demand across various cable providers' VOD platforms on December 18.
VH1's I LOVE NEW YORK is executive produced by Mark Cronin, Cris Abrego and Ben Samek for Mindless Entertainment and 51 Pictures, who also produce CELEBRITY PARANORMAL PROJECT and the highly rated MY FAIR BRADY series as well as the record-breaking FLAVOR OF LOVE." Jeff Olde, Jill Holmes, Kristen Kelly and Michael Hirschorn oversee the series for VH1.
VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in nearly 88 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic and VH1 Soul. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com.
VH1 is a registered trademark of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.
51 Minds Entertainment is a dynamic reality television production company established by Executive Producer Cris Abrego of 51 Pictures and Executive Producer Mark Cronin of Mindless Entertainment. Mark and Cris came together to create the pop culture hit THE SURREAL LIFE, which has wrapped its sixth season. Because of the success of this show and their previous track records, VH1 offered them an unprecedented output deal for creating original programming for the channel. Fueled by the success of the shows provided by 51 Minds, VH1 created "Celebreality" - a themed night which consists of celeb-based reality programs. The "Celebreality" 51 Minds' programming launched VH1 into their highest ratings ever.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2006
SURREAL LIFE ALL-STARS RETURN TO COMPETE IN VH1'S FIRST EVER "THE SURREAL LIFE FAME GAMES" PREMIERING SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 AT 9PM ET/PT
With Brigitte Nielsen, Ron Jeremy, Chyna Doll, Vanilla Ice, Traci Bingham, Verne Troyer, Jordan Knight, Pepa, Emmanuel Lewis, Andrea Lowell and C.C. Deville. Hosted by Robin Leach
SANTA MONICA, CA, December 12, 2006 -Audience favorites from all six seasons of SURREAL LIFE KICK-OFF 2007 in a new competition series. VH1's first ever THE SURREAL LIFE FAME GAMES hosted by the certified bearer of champagne wishes and caviar dreams, Mr. Robin Leach himself (LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS), determines who is an A-list celebrity and who is a B-list wanna be.
Premiering Sunday, January 7 at 9pm ET/PT on VH1, THE SURREAL LIFE FAME GAMES is a competitive twist on Celebreality. This time, eleven of the most memorable cast members from SURREAL LIFE will come together in Las Vegas to compete in a series of "fame games" which will whittle them down to just one winner of a $100,000 grand prize.
THE SURREAL LIFE FAME GAMES is a ten episode elimination featuring tongue-in-cheek competitions that parody the trappings, costs, conceits and drama of being famous. The Surreal celebrities will have their Hollywood survival skills challenged, their popularity measured and their ability to navigate through the treacherous world of tabloid stardom put to the test. From the very first episode the celebrities will have to struggle to remain on the comfortable "A List" side of the house by winning competitions. The losing players will be banished to the humiliating "B-list" quarters where tension builds as the A-listers enjoy gourmet meals prepared by a renowned Vegas chef and the B-listers are forced to make their own ham sandwiches. The contestants are reminded of the volatility of fame as the A-list drinks champagne and get pro-tennis lessons while the B-list is left to play ping-pong and eat crackers.
The hour long show will be hosted by Las Vegas local Robin Leach and feature many Vegas locations, events and celebrity cameos. SURREAL LIFE all-stars returning to compete include: Brigitte Nielsen (Season 3), Chyna Doll (Season 4), Vanilla Ice (Season 2), Pepa (Season 5), Emmanuel Lewis (Season 1), C.C. DeVille (Season 6), Ron Jeremy (Season 2), Jordan Knight (Season 3), Verne Troyer (Season 4), Andrea Lowell (Season 6) and Tracy Bingham (Season 2).
The competitions will include everything from "Paparazzi Hide-and-Seek" to "Scandal Video Film Festival" to the "Hotel Room Trash-a-thon" to a funny little game called "What's Charo Saying?" All the games test a celebrity's level of relative fame. For example in one simple game, their names are entered in Google and the one with the most hits wins! In another, the celebrities compete to see who can get the most famous person to call into the show. While the premise of all the games will be fun, the competitions will be real - and in the end, only one Surreal All-Star will claim the final prize.
VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel will be home to a host of SURREAL LIFE FAME GAMES exclusive content including, never-before-seen footage from the show and interviews with the cast. Can't wait until January? VSPOT has hours of archived SURREAL LIFE content from previous seasons available for viewing at http://vspot.vh1.com. VH1 On Demand, which is available across various cable providers' VOD platforms and VH1 Mobile will also offer exclusive "extras" from the show beginning January 15.
The SURREAL LIFE FAME GAMES is executive produced by Mark Cronin and Cris Abrego for Mindless Entertainment and 51 Pictures. Jeff Olde, Jill Holmes, Kristen Kelly and Michael Hirschorn oversee the series for VH1.
VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 90 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul and VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com.
VH1 is a registered trademark of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2006
VH1 BRINGS RAPPERS, ROCKERS AND BOY BANDERS TOGETHER WITH ALL NEW MUSIC PROGRAMMING SLATE
IRV GOTTI PROJECT, MAN BAND, EGO TRIP'S WHITE RAPPER SHOW, WHITESTARR PROJECT, RAGS TO RICHES and BRIDGING THE GAP All Set To Premiere on VH1 in 1Q of 2007 As Part of a New Music Branded Block of Programming VH1's WILD LIFE
NEW YORK, NY, OCTOBER 30, 2006 VH1 gives rockers, rappers, boy banders and fallen music execs a cozy spot in the home for music and pop culture. The network has greenlit six new series, it was announced today by Brian Graden, President, Entertainment, MTV Networks Music Group. The new music series greenlit include: IRV GOTTI PROJECT, MAN BAND, EGO TRIP'S WHITE RAPPER SHOW, WHITESTARR PROJECT, RAGS TO RICHES and BRIDGING THE GAP. On the heels of VH1's wildly successful "Celebreality" franchise, the network creates "VH1's Wild Life" to house these programs.
"The breadth of this slate of music-based series illustrates, once again, that VH1 is the only place for adults to go to see the kinds of music and storytelling that speaks only to them," explained Graden. "This slate features all kinds of characters -- Irv Gotti, Cisco Adler, Jeff Timmons, Queen Latifah we love that they all have a place at VH1."
"Just as we gave Hulk and his family a home with 'Celebreality,' we wanted to create a new branded block for all the crazy rockers and rappers that we love so well," commented Tom Calderone, Executive Vice President and General Manager. "'VH1's Wild Life,' -- it's a home for the 'raging!'"
IRV GOTTI PROJECT
After being investigated for 3 years by the federal government on charges of money laundering and acquitted, Irv Gotti is now attempting a comeback with his label The Inc while also juggling his responsibilities as a husband and father.
IRV GOTTI PROJECT is executive produced by Mark Cronin and Cris Abrego for Mindless Entertainment and 51 Pictures. The duo has produced 10 shows for VH1 including the hit franchises FLAVOR OF LOVE, SURREAL LIFE, MY FAIR BRADY and their latest project CELEBRITY PARANORMAL. Jeff Olde, Jill Holmes, Alex Demyanenko and Kristen Kelly are the executive producers for VH1. Michael Hirschorn also serves as Executive Producer for VH1.
MAN BAND
For half a decade Boy Bands ruled the airwaves, maintaining a strange hold on their bustling, female audience and just as quickly they faded from the spotlight. Now, all grown up, VH1 has decided to bring members of these teenage heartthrobs together in the new reality series MAN BAND. Living together under one roof, five boy band legends including Bryan Abrams (Color Me Badd), Rich Cronin (LFO), Chris Kirkpatrick ('N Sync) and Jeff Timmons (98 Degrees) will be challenged to create new music, a dynamic stage show and then perform as a new pop group all of which begs the question "Can lightening strike twice?"
MAN BAND is executive produced by Troy Searer and John Foy for Tijuana Entertainment, Tony Harding and Kennedy for Kandokid Productions and Jim Ackerman for VH1. Christian McLaughlin is the supervising producer and Michael Hirschorn serves as Executive Producer for VH1.
EGO TRIP'S WHITE RAPPER SHOW
Since the first rhymes flowed in the parks of the South Bronx, most of rap's major emcees, have been African American. But from the from the mean streets of Brooklyn and Detroit, the likes of The Beastie Boys and Eminem emerged and dedicated themselves to boldly going where no white boys had gone before... the top of the Hip Hop world. Now, 20 years after the Beasties first exercised their "License to Ill," VH1 and ego trip have stepped in to search for the next great "White Rapper." VH1 last teamed up with ego trip in 2004 for "TV's Illest Minority Moments Presented by ego trip." Adapted from ego trip's Big Book of Racism, the special took a look at some of the most compelling, controversial and unintentionally hilarious race-related moments in television history.
Hosted by white rap legend Michael "MC Serch" Berrin (of the group 3rd Bass) and producing legend Prince Paul and set in the in the birthplace of hip hop -- the South Bronx EGO TRIP'S WHITE RAPPER SHOW features 10 contestants representing from all over America who must battle their way through challenges designed to test their musical cred, knowledge of hip hop culture and their ideas about race.
Ken Mok is executive producer and Paul Buscemi is supervising producer for 10X10 Productions. Sacha Jenkins, Gabriel Alvarez, Brent Rollins, Elliot Wilson and Jefferson Mao are executive producers for ego trip. Jim Ackerman and Michael Hirschorn are executive producers and Christian McLaughlin is the supervising producer for VH1.
Untitled Whitestarr Project
This comedic romp follows privileged Malibu rocker and Mischa Barton's boyfriend, Cisco Adler and his band Whitestarr as they balance gigs, groupies and girlfriends in their last shot at rock and roll immortality. Whitestarr lives the rock life. They attract screaming hordes of female fans, have been in and out of rehab, have fired members of the band and re-hired them the same day.
They've learned that future rock gods look better in tight pants, especially if they're womens' and that there's no shame in hiring a chubby lawyer to be your dancer. They're connoisseurs of everything Sex, Drugs and Rock n' Roll. The only lesson they haven't learned is how to sell a record. Now, these unlikely rock heroes are allowing cameras to follow their path to rock stardom. Viewers will get an insider's look at the backstage drama as these four rockers (and one dancer) fight their way to the top of the charts, or at least sell their first record.
Untitled Whitestarr Project is executive produced by George Verschoor (Jamie Kennedy's "Blowin' Up," "Nashville Star") and David Osper (MTV's "Homewrecker"), and produced by Verschoor's Hoosick Falls Productions. Jill Holmes, Damla Dogan, Jeff Olde and Michel Hirschorn are executive producers for VH1.
BRIDGING THE GAP
This limited series documents two established artists who come together for the first time to explore their shared musical passions. In each episode these artists who share a mutual admiration and respect for the other will, in the span of a day, discuss their lives and music while creating a new track produced by one of today's hottest producers. Eve and Queen Latifah are featured in the first episode of this half hour music series.
BRIDGING THE GAP is executive produced by Troy Carter and Charles Alston from the Coalition and Michele M. Dix and Karla Hidalgo for VH1. Shelly Tatro and Michael Hirschorn also serves as Executive Producer for VH1.
RAGS TO RICHES
A half-hour verite series that celebrates the best aspects of human nature: the capacity to overcome hardship through dedicated work and talent, the thrill of enjoying hard-won material possessions, and the compassion realized when giving back to those still in need. In each episode, a musician or actor will take viewers on a journey to their humble beginnings and walk them through their childhood, the challenges of growing up and how they have given back to their community and the people who helped them realize their stardom. The pilot episode which has previously aired on the channel featured Snoop Dogg.
RAGS TO RICHES is created and directed by Lauren Lazin, who was nominated for a 2005 Academy Award for her film Tupac: Resurrection. Executive Producers are Brad Abramson, Shelly Tatro, and Michael Hirschorn for VH1.
VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in over 88 million households in the U.S. Vh1 also has an array if digital services including VH1 Classic and VH1 Soul. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com.
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TUESDAY, JULY, 25, 2006
VH1'S "MY FAIR BRADY: THE WEDDING SPECIAL" BRINGS RATINGS BLISS WITH
THE HIGHEST-RATED EPISODE FOR THE SERIES EVER
Chris and Adrianne's Vows Attracts More Than 2 Million Total Viewers
NEW YORK, July 25, 2006 - And they said it wouldn't last... Sunday night's season finale of "My Fair Brady: We're Getting Married!" was the highest rated episode of the series ever. The season finale scored an impressive 1.5 rating in the key 18-49 demo as more than 2 million total (P2+) viewers and 1.6 million P18-49 viewers watched sweethearts Chris Knight and Adrianne Curry say their "I Dos."
The season finale was 25 percent higher than last season's finale in which Christopher and Adrianne got engaged. The 90-minute special tied with TNT* for the highest-rated program in its time period of 9:00 -10:30pm on all of basic cable television among viewers_18-49. "My Fair Brady: The Wedding Special" was also the top-rated regularly scheduled program on all of basic cable for the day, Sunday, July 23.
America's reality sweethearts and stars of VH1's "My Fair Brady" caught each others eyes on VH1's "The Surreal Life 4" two years ago. Following their time in the "Surreal Life" house Chris and Adrianne moved in together, which was captured during season 1 of "My Fair Brady." Season two, "My Fair Brady: We're Getting Married!" captured all the challenges of planning a traditional wedding with the most untraditional couple.
Getting past their differences wasn't easy but they finally said their "I Dos" in front of 250 friends and family during a traditional ceremony held in Curry's hometown of Joliet, IL. The bride wore a cream-colored custom-made Alvina Valenta gown, while the bridesmaids wore blood-red evening dresses. The groom and the groomsmen wore matching tuxedos. Curry and her bridesmaids carried black-magic roses. In attendance were former "Brady Bunch" stars Barry Williams (Greg Brady), Susan Olsen (Cindy Brady) and Mike Lookinland (Bobby Brady), as well as their "The Surreal Life 4" co-star Joannie "Chyna" Laurer.
From the rehearsal BBQ to the steamy ceremony to the "Phantom of the Opera" reception theme, Curry & Knight's wedding was a reality fairy tale come true. Barry Williams even serenaded the happy couple as a special surprise! "My Fair Brady: We're Getting Married!" is produced by Mindless Entertainment/51 Pictures with Cris Abrego and Mark Cronin serving as Executive Producers. Jeff Olde and Jill Holmes serve as Executive Producers for VH1.
Learn more about these and all other VH1 programs at http://www.vh1.com. VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in nearly 84 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH Uno and VH1 Country. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com.
VH1 is a registered trademark of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.
* The special tied with TNT's movie "Cradle 2 The Grave."
** All data from Nielsen Media Research
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THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2006
VH1
"VH1 Hip Hop Honors," will pay tribute! to hip-hop artist and actor, Ice Cube as latest honoree at the 3rd annual event. The VH1-created awards special honors hip hop's pioneers and luminaries who have transformed this musical genre into a cultural phenomenon. Since its inception, New York City has served as the inaugural host city to launch this special event and concert.
Ice Cube joins this year's previously announced honorees, Wu-Tang Clan, Afrika Bambaataa, Russell Simmons, MC Lyte, Rakim, Beastie Boys and Eazy E. The music and influence of each of the honorees will be recognized through performances by classic artists in collaboration with today's hottest new talent. The star-studded event, hosted by Ice T, is slated to take place at the famed Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday, October 7 and will be broadcast on VH1 on Tuesday, October 17 at 8pm*.
They did it!!! See it for yourself as Christopher Knight, 47 and Adrianne Curry, 23, America's reality sweethearts and stars of VH1's "My Fair Brady! ," say their "I Dos" in front of 250 friends and family during a traditional ceremony held in Curry's hometown of Joliet, IL. Catch all of the wedding festivities during "My Fair Brady: The Wedding Special" premiering on VH1 Sunday, July 23 at 9pm ET/PT. The bride wore a cream-colored custom-made Alvina Valenta gown, while the bridesmaids wore blood-red evening dresses. The groom and the groomsmen wore matching tuxedos. Curry and her bridesmaids carried black-magic roses. In attendance were former "Brady Bunch" stars Barry Williams (Greg Brady), Susan Olsen (Cindy Brady) and Mike Lookinland (Bobby Brady), as well as their "The Surreal Life 4" co-star Joannie "Chyna" Laurer.
Finally, this summer is set to be a scorcher as VH1 announces the return of "FREESTYLE 59," an online video-upload contest setting out to find the hottest and best undiscovered hip hop talent in the country. "FREESTYLE 59" ! challenges MCs across the nation to show off their best rhymes! in 59 seconds or less. Beginning July 19 through August 21, contestants can post their videos for consideration at http://freestyle59.vh1.com/. Five finalists will be selected and viewers will decide through online and mobile voting who has what it takes to be crowned the winner. Beginning September 12, one finalist will be voted out of the competition each week until two MCs remain. The final two contestants will be flown to New York to attend the taping of the third annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors." The winner will be announced during the broadcast of "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" on October 17 at 9pm* and will receive $10,000 and the opportunity to meet one of VH1's 2006 hip hop honorees.
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