LISBON, Portugal / LONDON, UK (MTV PR/ www.mtvne.com) - MTV Networks
Europe has revealed that it will hold the 12th annual MTV
Europe Music Awards in Portugal for the first time on 3 November 2005. The venue for Europe's biggest music awards event is the prestigious Atlantic Pavilion, Lisbon, Portugal's premiere music venue, and home to major international music and sporting events. The announcement was made today by Brent Hansen, President & Chief Executive, MTV Networks
Europe and Antonio Campo Dall'Orto, Managing Director, MTV South.
Commented Brent Hansen: 'We've had Lisbon in our sights as a potential venue for the Awards for a long time, and are delighted to make it a reality at last. The city's stunning architecture, rich heritage and vibrant music culture make an outstanding backdrop for the show, while in the Atlantic Pavilion we have a world class music venue that is perfectly attuned to the dramatic and technological demands of this global TV event.
We're extremely grateful to Carmona Rodrigues - the Mayor of Lisbon, Telmo Correia - the Portuguese Minister of Tourism, Jose Saldanha Bento - Chief Executive of ITP (the Portuguese National Tourist Board) and Pedro Pinto President of the Lisbon Tourist Office for their help in bringing the Awards to Portugal. We look forward to staging an unforgettable show in Lisbon on 3 November 2005!'
Added Antonio Campo Dall'Orto: 'MTV Portugal has been an MTV success story of MTV Europe since its launch in 2003. The music fans of MTV Portugal have made it the highest rating music television channel in Portugal, and we can think of no better way of thanking them than by bringing the MTV Europe Music Awards - Europe's biggest and best music event - to them on their home turf.'
Designed by influential Portuguese architect Regino Cruz, the Pavilion was created for the 1998 Lisbon World Expo. Situated on the banks of the river Tagus, the venue has played host to performances by artists including Madonna, REM and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Commented Carmona Rodrigues, Mayor Of Lisbon, "We are delighted that the MTV Europe Music Awards, the biggest music event in Europe, will take place in Lisbon. This news will enhance Lisbon's reputation as an outstanding international location - one that is well suited to staging events of this scale. Lisbon is recognised around the world as a city that attracts leading events, and recent concerts including Madonna and Rock In Rio are proof that Lisbon is a excellent choice and valuable event partner."
Since its creation in 1994, the MTV Europe Music Awards has established a reputation as the most exciting music Award show in Europe - with a host of A-list stars, and an electric atmosphere where anything can - and does - happen. Highlights of the 2004 show in Rome included dazzling live performances by Eminem, Usher & Alicia Keys and Gwen Stefani. The roster of legendary artists who have performed at the show over the years includes U2, Madonna, Beyonce and Christina Aguilera.
The MTV Europe Music Awards is a music awards ceremony and live TV event that takes place in a different European city every year. The 2004 Awards were held in Rome, Italy, and previous locations have included the Berlin (1994), Paris (1995), London (1996), Rotterdam (1997), Milan (1998), Dublin (1999), Stockholm (2000), Frankfurt (2001), Barcelona (2002), Edinburgh (2003) and Rome (2004).
The event was conceived by MTV Networks Europe in 1994 as a celebration of European musical tastes, with Award categories voted for by music fans from around Europe. The Awards broadcasts to a potential audience of more than one billion people, and in 2004, more than 12 million young people voted for their favourite artists in 22 awards categories; winners included Outkast with 3 awards and Usher and UK act Muse with two awards apiece.
MTV, Europe's leading music television network, first launched a dedicated channel for Portuguese music fans in 2003. The channel is the number 1 music television channel in Portugal.
