Avon Products, Inc. announced the 100 contenders from 41 countries who will advance to the second round of Avon Voices – the company’s first-ever global online singing talent search .
Out of 178 Round One Contenders from around the world, 100 Round Two Contenders were chosen from a combination of an online public vote and an Avon Voices judging panel. Starting today through June 20, the public can view new performances by the Round Two Contenders and vote for their favorites at www.AvonVoices.com. Over 1.7 million votes around the world were cast in Round One.
Be empowered! Avon Voices is inviting people everywhere to join a worldwide movement that unites and inspires through the universal language of music. Women around the world are making their voices count by telling their stories, sharing their dreams, and showcasing their talents at www.avonvoices.com.
“It was thrilling to receive such strong support from voters and we hope to continue to engage people everywhere to join in the next rounds of voting and help make two women’s dreams come true,” said Joe Billone, Vice President, Global Communications for Avon Products, Inc. “We are very grateful to all of the Round One Contenders for sharing their incredible singing talents and inspiring stories. And we congratulate the women who advanced to Round Two; they truly are the embodiment of hope, optimism and empowerment that defines Avon Voices.”
Culminating later this Fall, up to 10 Global Finalists will join many of our Avon Voices celebrity judges to record an anthem written by Diane Warren that will debut live at the Avon Foundation for Women Annual Gala in New York City, and be available for purchase in certain countries. At the Gala, two Avon Voices winners – one Avon Representative – will be announced, and will receive an opportunity to record a professionally produced album.
The finalists will be selected by a combination of online public voting and renowned judging panel of music industry leaders from around the world, including: Fergie, six-time Grammy award winner; Diane Warren, legendary songwriter; Natasha Bedingfield, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter; Lea Salonga, Filipina singer and actress; Valeriya, Russian sensation; Delta Goodrem, Australian Artist of the Decade; Sheila E., breakthrough, Grammy-nominated female percussionist; David Pack, Grammy award-winning singer/composer and music producer; Ivete Sangalo, Brazil’s biggest pop star; and Maia, Colombian singing star.
In addition to the talent search, a songwriting competition for women and men is also underway on AvonVoices.com. The company is looking for the next great songwriter from participating countries to submit a 3-4 minute original song that inspires hope and optimism. Entries can be made through July 1, 2011 at www.AvonVoices.com. Since submissions began on May 20, already more than 500 songs have been entered from songwriters in 38 countries. Up to 10 winners of the Avon Voices Songwriting Competition may be offered a music publishing contract, and two grand prize winners will have their winning songs performed live by the Avon Voices Singing Talent Search finalists at the Avon Foundation for Women Gala.
