CHICAGO, IL. (Top40 Charts/ Next American Star) - It may have been cold outside, but The Next American Star Finalists and hip hop/rap/rock icon
Vanilla Ice heated up the streets of
Chicago on Saturday at the first-ever Clark/Belmont
Music Fest, which attracted fans from around the world (video highlights available on www.TheNextAmericanStar.com).
Thousands gathered as the top four unsigned female bands and the top four unsigned male bands in America-also known as The Next American Star 'Elite Eight'-demonstrated why early reviews are saying that The Next American Star has 'an absolute hit on its hands. To have discovered such a high quality group of talented artists through and through�this is bound to go far.'
The Finalists, a distinctive group of the hottest rising stars in the industry with already accomplished resumes, have toured with a broad range of popular artists including Coldplay, Daughtry, Miley Cyrus, Kiss, Tesla, White Tie Affair and The Jonas Brothers and music featured on MTV and current movie soundtracks.
The Next American Star provides opportunities for artists that are one break away from becoming a star-and earning a living-to pursue their passion while at the same time helping others. Children's causes are embraced on a national and local level. In July 2009, The Next American Star was named National Media Partner of Starlight Children's Foundation (www.starlight.org).
The Finalists battled the competition and the weather on The Next American Star Main Stage, set against the grey/blue Chicago sky. The young stars demonstrated coping skills and talents as accomplished performers, playing through cold-numbed, bleeding fingers as the freezing air played havoc with lungs and instruments alike. It was standing room only when Vanilla Ice (with more than 40 million albums sold) hit the stage to light up the street with his unique crowd-engaging performance, rocking out hits including 'Ice Ice Baby' and 'Ninja Rap'.
Pete Wentz's Clandestine Salons provided Rock Star Makeovers while Blackbox, Fashion Bomb and Finalists Sammy & Sasha led music clinics for Starlight, courtesy of Trick Drumst. All Events Entertainment led karaoke and the stars signed autographs at the Sharpie Autograph Zone. Gibson Les Paul Studio Guitars were awarded courtesy of Gibson Guitars USA. Additional sponsors include Evergreen Packaging, Milk Rocks! and Shiner.
The expert judges panel on hand at Friday evening's VIP Preview Show at Hotel Sax's Crimson Lounge witnessed special acoustic performances, providing a distinct contrast to Saturday's street-savvy performances. In addition to the grand prize, two Finalists will be awarded coveted slots at Milwaukee's Summerfest, the world's largest music festival, selected by judge and Summerfest Music Director, David Silbaugh.
The Next American Star competition commenced in April 2009 with 100 of the country's top unsigned bands competing for fan votes. The winners competed live in front of packed houses at the House of Blues Chicago and Dallas and the Fillmore NYC at Regionals. The Elite Eight was determined by a combination of voting and expert judges, using the same 50/50 formula as ABC's Dancing with the Stars.
Voting continues online through October 31st. Winners will be announced in November 2009. One winner in each of the female and male categories will go on to represent The Next American Star to promote Season 2 and introduce new competitions including Teen Rock, Young Adult Models and Fashion Design.
The Next American Star is the leading online talent discovery broadcast network. Described as 'American Idol meets America's Next Top Model meets YouTube on 'steroids'', The Next American Star attracts the best stars of today and tomorrow by maximizing opportunities for aspiring artists and providing year-round entertainment for fans and the viewing public. More at www.TheNextAmericanStar.com.
