“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.”
Out of 178 Round One Contenders from around the world, 100 Round Two Contenders were chosen from a combination of online public voting 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.
Culminating later this year, 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 an 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;
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 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.
South Africans are urged to register on avonvoices.com to vote for their favourite video performances.
ENDS//
Notes to the editor:
Since December 1, 2010, Avon Voices has invited women from around the world to join a global movement through music in celebration of Avon’s 125th Anniversary. Go to the program's official website – AvonVoices.com – to register to be part of the year-long program and access the following features:
• View and Vote: Watch the new Round Two Contender videos, and cast your vote by June 20.
• Write:
• Discover Exclusive Music: "Shoot for the Stars," a song written and sung by Natasha Bedingfield and "Until You Love You," written by Diane Warren, produced by David Pack and sung by Valeriya and other recordings by Avon Voices judges and additional artists are available for purchase exclusively through AvonVoices.com. A percentage of the purchase price of all recordings will help advance the Avon Foundation for Women's global campaign to end violence against women and girls. To date, Avon global philanthropy has raised and awarded more than $30 million directed to domestic and gender violence awareness, education, direct services and prevention programs. To learn more about how to purchase this music, go to AvonVoices.com.
To learn more about Avon Voices, go to www.avonvoices.com, or visit http://www.multivu.com/
About Avon Products, Inc.
Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with over $10 billion in annual revenue. As the world's largest direct seller, Avon markets to women in more than 100 countries through approximately 6.5 million active independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon's product line includes beauty products, as well as fashion and home products, and features such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, Avon Naturals, and Mark. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avoncompany.com
About Avon Foundation for Women
The Avon Foundation for Women, the world's largest corporate-affiliated philanthropy focused on issues that matter most to women, was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women. Through 2010, Avon global philanthropy has donated more than $800 million in more than 50 countries for causes most important to women. Today, Avon philanthropy focuses its funding on breast cancer research and access to care through the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, and efforts to reduce domestic and gender violence through its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program. Avon also responds generously to provide support for relief and recovery efforts in times of major natural disasters and emergencies.
For more information
Katlego Modipane
PR, Internal Communications & Corporate Affairs Officer
Tel: 011 245 7102
Cell: 0722272773
Email: katlego.modipane@
Vicky Saunders
PR, Internal Communications & Corporate Affairs Manager
Tel: 011 245 7108
Cell: 083 278 7704
Email: vicky.saunders@
Kabelo Sono
PR, Internal Communications & Corporate Affairs Officer
Tel: 011 245 7116
Cell: 076 814 9255
Email: kabelo.sono@
Siza Maitja
PR Intern
Tel: 011 245 7087
Email: Siza.Maitja@
