Teen phenom Sarah Lonsert won the Overall Grand Prize of the 14th Annual USA Songwriting Competition along with co-writers Jonathan George and Jami Templeton. Her winning song “Dancing Through Life” will be on the USA Songwriting Competition‘s compilation CD this year. Sarah is only 17 years old and she not only broke the first prize record of being the youngest winner but also the overall grand prize winner of being the youngest winner ever. The previous youngest first prize winner was Kate Voegele, who won in 2005 at 18 years old.

Adrianne Gonzalez was the youngest overall grand prize winner at 22 years old when she won in 1999. Sarah also won first prize in the Dance/Electronica category, making her the first from that category to ever win the overall grand prize.

Sarah Lonsert will be releasing a full length CD this year. Although Sarah suffers from autism, she is a budding singer-songwriter and has also won an award at the L.A. Music Awards last year.

Press

Guthy-Renker announced today that multi-platinum superstar Katy Perry has signed on to appear in television spots and online marketing campaigns sharing her personal experience fighting acne and finding Proactiv Solution. Katy will play an integral role in the leading acne system’s exciting new 2010 campaign which will introduce new technology and services. In keeping with a nearly 15-year tradition of real celebrity customer endorsements, Katy will tell her personal story of how she struggled with acne and how Proactiv helped her take control.

The Grammy-nominated artist — adored for her larger-than-life charisma and pin-up girl style — exudes confidence on the stage and in front of the camera. Yet, Katy’s confidence was shaken by acne.

Via

8th Independent Music Awards Recipient Eric Wilson “Folk Singer/Songwriter of the Year” has entered into a 5-year Management Agreement with Houston, TX-based ear4sounds Entertainment & Productions. The Eric Wilson ‘People’s Choice’ Award Winning Album “The Twenties” has garnered singles “Smokescreen” and “Now”, placement on MTV’s “The Real World: Brooklyn” and “The Hills” acclaimed television series.

Eric Wilson is managed by Darlene Reece and is a welcomed addition to the ear4sounds Entertainment & Productions umbrella, which is comprised of individuals with many years experience in the Global Career Path Planning of high profile music and film industry clients.

Via

Madonna’s most recent stage extravaganza, the “Sticky & Sweet” concert, will be released on March 30th, it was announced today by Live Nation, the world’s largest live music company. “Sticky & Sweet”, which was produced by Live Nation, was the most successful tour by a solo artist in history and was seen by over 3.5 million fans in 32 countries around the world.

The show, which will be distributed by Warner Bros Records, will be available on DVD, Blu-Ray and CD and will include many of the Material Girl’s hits from the course of her unprecedented career including, “4 Minutes,” “Like a Prayer,” “Hung Up” and “Ray of Light”. Filmed in Buenos Aires, over four days to a crowd exceeding 256,000 fans, the concert also includes a show stopping moment when Madonna performs a historic “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” to a thunderous audience response from her Argentine fans.

Also included are several hits from the multi-Grammy winner’s most recent CD “Hard Candy” which debuted at No. 1 in 37 countries. The DVD also includes 30 minutes of exclusive footage filmed behind the scenes during the course of the tour.

Via

Grammy Award winning guitarist Steve Vai struck gold twice recently as his latest concert film, “Live In Minneapolis: Where The Wild Things Are,” went Gold in both the USA and Canada.

“After 30 years in this business it’s very rewarding to see that your contribution is still being recognized. Thanks to the fans … really!” said Vai.

In addition, “Now We Run” from the live DVD, is nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental.

“Live In Minneapolis: Where The Wild Things Are” is available on double DVD, Blu-ray and a single CD. Later this year, Favored Nations will release “Where The Other Wild Things Are,” a 10 track CD of songs from the concert that did not make the first CD.

2010 marks Steve Vai’s 30th Anniversary in the music business. Vai first stepped into the spotlight in 1980 as a touring member of the legendary Frank Zappa’s touring band.

In January, Vai will enter the studio to record his next solo album for Favored Nations and later this year, he will embark on a World Tour that will take him through all of 2011.

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