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02.09.09 Elliott Yamin to Perform at the NBA All-Star Game
Hey fans, check out this article by Larry Rodgers in The Arizona Republic:
"Grammy-winning R&B star John Legend and million-selling Latin rocker Juanes will share the spotlight in the NBA All-Star Game's halftime show in Phoenix on Feb. 15.
In addition, High School Musical star Corbin Bleu will sing at halftime of the Feb. 13 Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam, and American Idol finalist Elliot Yamin will perform at the Feb. 14 All-Star Saturday Night event.
Grammy-nominated R&B singer Tamia, wife of Phoenix Suns forward Grant Hill, will sing the national anthem before the 58th All-Star Game, which will be played at US Airways Center.
Legend, a five-time Grammy winner who is up for two more this year, will perform his hit single If You're Out There, which he debuted at August's Democratic National Convention. An NBA video featuring players urging fans to participate in community service will be paired with the song
"I'm excited to be part of the festivities," Legend said. "I'm particularly happy to be involved in the NBA Cares initiative.
"I wrote If You're Out There for just this kind of effort and I hope I'm part of mobilizing NBA players and fans to give back to their communities and think outside of themselves."
Charles Rosenzweig, NBA senior vice president of entertainment and player marketing, is glad to have artists like Legend onboard: "For decades, the NBA has enjoyed an extensive relationship with the music industry," Rosenzweig said. "The symmetry between the rhythm of our game and the rhythm of the music makes a perfect fit."
Legend's Phoenix appearance marks the second time he has performed at an All-Star Game. He and country star Carrie Underwood performed at the 2006 game in Houston.
Legend will join in the NBA's annual "day of service" Feb. 13, along with current and former basketball stars, NBA staff and Arizona fans. Volunteers will refurbish and clean homes of Arizonans in need.
"The great thing about our all-star events is how the entire NBA family comes together to support the community, including players, their families, league employees, and our partners," said Kathy Behrens, senior vice president, community and player programs. "This year, we're pleased to have John Legend take part in our activities, which underscores his commitment to community projects."
This is the first all-star appearance for the Colombian-born Juanes, who has won 17 Latin Grammys and has enjoyed commercial success in such non-Latin markets as North America and Europe.
Juanes is known for his social activism. He established the Mi Sangre Foundation to help those injured by anti-personnel mines in Colombia and elsewhere, and has been honored for his fundraising for that cause.
Bleu starred in Disney's High School Musical and its sequels.
He debuted as a pop singer in 2007, and his single Push It To the Limit reached No. 15 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. His second album, Speed of Light, is due in stores in the spring.
Yamin, who finished third in America Idol's fifth season, hit No. 3 on the Billboard 200 album chart in 2007 with his self-titled debut CD.
His hits include Wait For You, One Word and Movin' On.
Joining Yamin at the Feb. 14 event will be R&B singer Kevin Rudolf, who will sing Let It Rock, which recently hit No. 5 on the Hot 100 chart.
Canadian-born Tamia has released three albums that have topped 500,000 in sales.
Her successful singles include Stranger In My House, Into You (featuring rapper Fabolous) and Can't Go For That.
Suns center Shaquille O'Neal will introduce players before the All-Star Game, accompanied by music by two DJs.
Phoenix has hosted two other NBA All-Star Games. In 1995, R&B singer Brandy performed. In 1975, Andy Williams sang the national anthem.
Last year's game drew a global TV audience of 85 million."
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