SANTA MONICA, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Recording Academy) - The YouTube community has spoken and 15 "My GRAMMY Moment 2008" semi-finalists have been chosen to perform on the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards with four-time GRAMMY winners the Foo Fighters, it was announced today by The Recording Academy®. The talented musicians are guaranteed a spot in the Foo Fighters' orchestra and will fly to Los Angeles during GRAMMY Week to rehearse and perform with the current five-time GRAMMY-nominated rock band. The three finalists that will vie for a "featured performance" slot in the orchestra will be announced on Feb. 4, 2008, and music fans will have another opportunity to vote on YouTube and via text messaging during the show to pick their favorite musician.
Music fans can view the video submissions of the 15 instrumentalists by logging on to YouTube (www.youtube.com/mygrammymoment).
Led Zeppelin's legendary multi-instrumentalist John Paul Jones will arrange a special orchestral version of the Foo Fighters' hit single "The Pretender" and will serve as special guest conductor of the Foo Fighters' orchestra. The segment, presented by Gibson Guitar, will take place outside in the new Nokia Plaza in the L.A. Live complex across from the STAPLES Center. The 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards, to be held on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, is scheduled to be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network at 8 p.m. (ET/PT). "My GRAMMY Moment 2008," sponsored by Chase, will have content also available across the CBS Audience Network and its more than 200 online partners.
"Hundreds of thousands of music fans are committed to supporting their favorite 'My GRAMMY Moment 2008' finalist, and that loyalty is at the core of the fan and music maker relationship," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "Millions will tune in to watch the debut of a very deserving and talented orchestra, chosen by music fans, as they experience the career highlight and musical opportunity of a lifetime."
Top 15 Semi-Finalists (in alphabetical order)
* Luis Alberto (23, username: luisgma), Hattiesburg, Minn. - Violin
* Lisa Dondlinger (33, username: LisaGirl2008), Winnetka, Calif. - Violin
* Brian Fitzgerald (23, username: brianfitzrock), Coatsville, Penn. - Violin
* Christine Wu (31, username: LAstrings), Santa Monica, Calif. - Violin
* Tina Guo (22, username: demix500), Sun Valley, Calif. - Cello
* Rami Hachache (18, username: totalrocketsauce), Los Angeles - Trumpet
* Jennifer Heilig (25, username: jenniebenn), Bonsall, Calif. - Violin
* Jeffrey Hughes (25, username: MaestroJeffHughes), Denver - Violin
* Tara Klein (27, username: taraklein1027), Cleveland, Ohio - Cello
* Michelle Morales (27, username: michellecello), Chicago - Cello
* Emily Palen (29, username: Emilypalen), Oakland, Calif. - Violin
* Andrew Pearson (18, username: vonditchman), Batavia, Ill. - Violin
* Cameron Summers (23, username: casummers), New York - Trumpet
* Ann Marie Calhoun (28, username: theboggster), Gordonsville, Va. - Violin
* Abigail Wilenksy (21, username: bonsaifir), Nashville - Violin
"We're always looking for new ways to help musicians get their music heard," said Michele Flannery, Music Community Manager, YouTube. "It's been exciting to watch the top 15 instrumentalists rise up on YouTube and have the chance to perform live with one of the biggest bands of today."
Voting and Performance Information
* The 3 finalists will be announced on Feb. 4, 2008. Fan voting for the "featured performer" will take place Feb. 4 through Feb. 10, 2008, at 8 p.m. ET at YouTube (www.youtube.com/mygrammymoment). After that, voting will be open during the first two hours of the live telecast (8-10 p.m. ET) via text messaging provided by VeriSign. The featured instrumentalist will be announced live onstage during the telecast prior to his/her ultimate GRAMMY Moment with the Foo Fighters.
* For rules and regulations, submission information, and voting site, log on to www.youtube.com/mygrammymoment.
