New York, NY – April 9, 2012 – Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, the leading media company in America with a greater reach than any radio or television outlet, and Macy’s, the famed department store with over 800 locations nationwide, today announced the Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star campaign, a collaboration designed to spotlight up-and-coming music talent from across the country and provide one lucky artist or group with the opportunity to perform during the 2012 iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas on September 21 and 22.

 

The Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star campaign is a nationwide search for new music in which Clear Channel industry experts join with Macy's to select 25 emerging artists to present to fans across America. Fans will then vote which talent should be given a chance to take the next step towards national stardom.  Clear Channel listeners, iHeartRadio fans and Macy’s shoppers throughout the country will select their favorite up-and-coming artist through online voting at iheartradio.com/macys, which begins today and will run through May 4.  The “Macy's iHeartRadio Rising Star” artist who secures the most online votes, will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform as an opening act on the iHeartRadio Music Festival stage in Las Vegas on Friday, September 21, 2012.

 

“The Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star campaign was built by Clear Channel Music Experts and Macy's who worked with our local radio stations across the country to recognize talent that are making noise in their own backyards,” said Julie Pilat, KIISFM/987FM L.A. Music and Program Director, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment.  “More than ever artists are growing organically in their regions and putting music out independently via social media and we wanted to support that music discovery with our audience.”

 

“For more than 150 years, Macy’s has been synonymous with popular culture and entertainment,” said Martine Reardon, Macy’s Chief Marketing Officer.  “Our iconic events including Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, 4th of July Fireworks and Glamorama, all serve as a showcase for musical talent, and our in-store celebrity appearances and performances, make Macy’s not only a fashion retailer, but an entertainment destination and brand.” She continued, “With Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star, we are supporting new and emerging talent that will bring added excitement to our stores and events, to the delight of our customers.”

 

The selected artists will be promoted on more than 270 Clear Channel radio stations and websites in more than 140 cities across the country, online at iHeartRadio.com and via Clear Channel’s social media sites.  The artists will also be featured on “Rising Star,” a digital iHeartRadio custom station, on in-store TVs in the MStyleLab department at Macy’s, on macys.com and via Macy’s social media sites.  The winner will also have the opportunity to perform at signature Macy’s events including its four-city high-fashion and music extravaganza - Macy’s Passport presents Glamorama.  

 

Full artist biographies, music tracks and videos will be available online to help fans choose their favorite artist.  Voters will also have the opportunity to enter an online sweepstakes for a chance to win a “VIP Trip for Two” to the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, including an exclusive meet-and-greet with the “Macy's iHeartRadio Rising Star” winner.

 

The 2011 inaugural iHeartRadio Music Festival hosted by Ryan Seacrest featured performances from some of the biggest names in the music industry including Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Steven Tyler, The Black Eyed Peas, Kenny Chesney, Jennifer Lopez, Usher, Sting, Carrie Underwood, Jane’s Addiction, Nicki Minaj, David Guetta, Rascal Flatts, Bruno Mars, Kelly Clarkson,Sublime with Rome and Jeff Beck.  The 2012 star-studded line-up will be announced this summer.

 

“Music is the heart of our business and Clear Channel is committed to providing a platform for artists to engage listeners as they discover and uncover new music.   And what better way to expose up-and-coming talent than at this year's iHeartRadio Music Festival?  It's the must-see concert event of the year and showcases a diverse array of the greatest names in music, on one stage, in front of a massive, energetic audience,” said John Hogan, Chairman and CEO, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment.  “Through the power of Clear Channel’s multimedia platforms and unparalleled reach, we will provide these emerging artists with national exposure and the ability to rally their hometowns to support them in their drive to become the next rising star.”

 

About Macy's

Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.