Smokey Robinson and Ruben Studdard to Perform Thursday, March 26

Finalist Alexis Grace was eliminated tonight from AMERICAN IDOL after she received the fewest of America’s over 31 million votes. On Tuesday’s show, finalists performed songs popularized by members of The Grand Ole Opry, and Grace, 21, from Memphis, TN, sang “Jolene” by Dolly Parton.

On a special Wednesday, March 25 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) performance show, the Top 10 finalists (Kris Allen, Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta, Megan Joy, Adam Lambert, Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds and Michael Sarver) will return to the IDOL stage to celebrate and pay tribute to “50 Years of Motown” as well as perform classic Motown songs.

Tune in the following night Thursday, March 26 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) to find out if the judges use their save or if America sends another finalist home. Also, Smokey Robinson will perform, and AMERICAN IDOL winner Ruben Studdard will return to the IDOL stage to perform his new single, “Together.”

Smokey Robinson has been synonymous with the Motown sound since the late 1950s when he first met Motown founder Berry Gordy in Detroit. Gordy took Robinson and The Miracles under his wing, and in 1960, signed them to Motown. Smokey Robinson & the Miracles began turning out a string of hits in the early 1960s, including “Shop Around,” “You Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Ooo Baby Baby” and “I Second That Emotion.” Robinson quickly became involved in every facet of Motown’s operations, writing and producing his own work as well as that of Mary Wells & the Supremes, and he helped establish The Temptations. Robinson left The Miracles in 1971 to concentrate on his role as Vice President of Motown, and the following year, he launched his solo career. Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. A familiar face on the IDOL stage, he performed a medley of his hits with the Top 6 male finalists on the AMERICAN IDOL Season Six finale.

Songwriter, producer, director and entrepreneur Berry Gordy is the man behind the Motown sound and acts such as Diana Ross & the Supremes, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, Lionel Richie & the Commodores, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas and Gladys Knight & the Pips, Chris Clark, Rick James and Teena Marie. Under his leadership, Motown achieved one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the 20th century by creating music that broke down barriers in a segregated country, touching all people, regardless of color. Starting out in a house that came to be known as Hitsville, USA, he built Motown into a record company with one of the most impressive rosters of artists in the history of pop music. In the 1960s, Gordy booked his artists on television shows including “American Bandstand” and “The Ed Sullivan Show” and in clubs such as New York’s Copacabana, paving the way for other Motown artists and R&B acts. What Berry Gordy and Motown accomplished in music, television and film had never been achieved before; their contributions to music past, present and future are truly immeasurable.

The distinctive, upbeat and uplifting music of Motown Records brought together pop and soul, white and black, old and young, like never before and continues to this day. Motown broke down racial prejudice by becoming the most successful independent record company in history and the most successful African-American owned business in America. Today, the label is part of the Universal Music Group, with its classic recorded music catalog managed by Universal Music Enterprises, and the timeless songs of Motown from 1959 to 1985 are represented by EMI Music Publishing. Through the end of 2009, Universal Music Group and EMI Music Publishing will mark the 50th anniversary of the historic Detroit label’s musical achievements with a series of initiatives, including monthly music releases.

Since winning the second season of AMERICAN IDOL in 2003, Ruben Studdard’s impact on the music charts has been impressive. His single “Flying Without Wings” debuted at No. 2 on the Hot 100, and his version of “Superstar” peaked at No. 2 on the R&B chart. In December 2003, his first album, “Soulful,” had advance orders of over a million copies, which automatically qualified it for platinum certification and allowed the record to enter The Billboard 200 at No. 1. His follow-up single, “Sorry 2004,” reached No. 9 on the Hot 100 and No. 2 on the R&B chart. Studdard’s new album, “Love IS,” helmed by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, is scheduled for release on May 19 through a joint venture with Hickory Records and 19 Recordings. The album is a collection of love songs featuring original recording as well as covers of classic hits.

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; and Ken Warwick, executive producer, FremantleMedia North America.

The year-long series of episodes gets underway with an interview featuring Smokey Robinson reflecting on Motown’s early days, his relationship with Gordy and the impact the label has had on American culture.

Fresh episodes will debut bi-weekly, including those with founder Berry Gordy; Nick Cannon; the late Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops; The New York Times columnist Frank Rich; Smokey Robinson detailing the genesis of “Shop Around,” the label’s first million-seller; the Temptations’ Otis Williams and the late Melvin Franklin; Stevie Wonder; Levi Stubbs and Lamont Dozier (of H-D-H fame) discussing “Reach Out I’ll Be There”; KCRW’s Garth Trinidad; Diana Ross; songwriters Pam Sawyer and Marilyn McLeod on the creation of Ross’s hit “Love Hangover”; hip-hop pioneer and Universal Motown artist Q-Tip; Smokey Robinson and more of the Miracles; and songwriter/producer Dozier.

Upcoming segments will feature Marvin Gaye, the Jackson 5, the Commodores, film director Lawrence Kasdan (The Big Chill), and songwriter Diane Warren, among others.

These exclusive podcasts are just part of a year-long celebration of Motown’s 50th and its lasting legacy, which included the Dec. 9 release of Motown: The Complete No. 1’s, a 10-CD box set in the shape of the label’s famed “Hitsville U.S.A. ” birthplace in Detroit , featuring more than 200 classic songs from 50 Motown artists that topped charts around the world, plus a 100-page photo booklet with rare images and an introduction by Smokey Robinson.

In addition, NOW That’s What I Call Motown!, the latest compilation in the hugely successful NOW That’s What I Call Music! Series—featuring 25 of the label’s most beloved, timeless classic pop and R&B tracks—was released on CD and digitally January 13, as a joint venture from EMI Music, the Universal Music Group and its Motown Records division, and Sony Music Entertainment.

Below is the link to iTunes, as well as a complete list of the first 15 “Motown 50” podcasts:

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=301547030

1) Smokey Robinson: Motown Reflections (1/12): The legendary artist/songwriter reflects on the label’s early days, his mentor Berry Gordy and the impact Motown continues to have worldwide.

2) Berry Gordy: A Tour of Hitsville U.S.A., May 1963 (1/27): In this rare interview, the Motown founder and a Detroit radio host walk through Hitsville on the cusp of the company’s runaway success.

3) Nick Cannon: Impressions of Motown (2/10): The actor/musician/producer and husband of Mariah Carey shares his earliest impressions of Motown.

4) Levi Stubbs: The Four Tops (2/24): The late lead singer, in a rare interview from the Motown Archives, talks about what made the group tick.

5) Frank Rich: The Nation’s Capitol, The Motortown Review and President Obama (3/10): The New York Times’ political columnist links Motown to the upheaval of the ’60s through personal recollections of the Motortown Review in his native Washington, D.C., while adding perspective on the election of President Barack Obama.

6) Smokey Robinson, The Anatomy of a Hit: “Shop Around” (3/24): The singer/songwriter and Motown veteran tells the amazing story about the label’s—and his group the Miracles’—first million-selling single.

7) The Temptations (4/14): Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin and fellow Tempts discuss their beginnings and illustrious musical career in a rare archival interview from the ’80s.

8) Stevie Wonder (4/28): In another rare archival interview, the superstar talks of his early days at Motown and the evolution of his music through the brilliant, then-new album Talking Book.

9) Levi Stubbs, Lamont Dozier and Paul Riser, The Anatomy of a Hit: “Reach Out I’ll Be There” (5/12): The threesome break down one of Motown’s biggest hits, a world-wide smash for the Four Tops.

10) Listening with Garth Trinidad (5/26): The KCRW tastemaker and renowned DJ gets put to the test listening to a batch of Motown songs, unlike any he has heard.

11) Diana Ross (6/09): In a rare ’70s interview, Motown’s No. 1 diva tells her story in her own words.

12) Pam Sawyer and Marilyn McLeod, The Anatomy of a Hit: “Love Hangover” Part 1 (6/23): The songwriters of Diana Ross’ #1 dance smash discuss the birth of the tune, including rare session elements.

13) Q-Tip, The Anatomy of a Hit: “Love Hangover” Part 2 (7/7): The hip-hop pioneer and Universal Motown artist breaks down one of his favorite Motown songs, with more previously unheard elements from the master tapes.

14) Smokey Robinson and the Miracles (7/21): Smokey, Ronnie White and fellow members of the band discuss their long career and amazing body of work.

15) Lamont Dozier (8/4): The songwriter and producer, part of the famed Holland-Dozier-Holland team, reflects on the songs and artists that made Motown one of the greatest musical forces of the 20th century— and beyond.

Los Angeles , CA , Jan. 07, 2009 – The 50th anniversary of Motown Records, Berry Gordy’s groundbreaking music company which he founded in Detroit in 1959 as “Hitsville U.S.A. ,” will be celebrated in conjunction with Hallmark Gold Crown stores for Valentine’s Day.

January 5 marked the release of a 10-song compilation CD, HEART & SOUL – CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF MOTOWN available for a limited time exclusively at 3,500 Hallmark Gold Crown stores nationwide. The collection, which features some of the label’s most beloved artists, is Hallmark’s 2009 Valentine’s Day album

In addition, Recordable Cards with Sound, a variety of Motown related merchandise and gift wrap, and a “Love Machine” techno plush will also be available.

“This Motown partnership appeals to all generations because it features songs that are an integral part of so many of our lives,” says Hallmark retail merchandise manager Jay Quickel. “These classic love songs reflect the essence of Valentine’s Day and perfectly lend themselves to this most romantic of all occasions.”

A collection of Recordable Cards with Sounds titled “Motown: Celebrating 50 Years,” incorporate lyrics and sound excerpts from some of the label’s most widely-known songs and allow the sender to record a 10-second personal message in the card. Some of the songs include the Jackson 5’s “Dancing Machine” and “I’ll Be There,” the Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” “Happy People” and “Get Ready,” and Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “How Sweet It Is (to Be Loved By You)” and “Got to Give It Up.” These cards are available at Hallmark Gold Crown stores and other fine retailers where Hallmark product is sold.

Other Motown-related items include coffee-and-sound travel mugs featuring song lyrics and sound bites, “hit buttons” you press to hear excerpts of the label’s classic songs, as well as gift bags and Valentine’s Day-themed gift wrap.

As part of Hallmark’s Valentine’s Day promotion, a techno plush that dances and plays the Miracles’ “Love Machine” will be available for $12.95 with a three-card purchase. In addition, the HEART & SOUL compilation music CD will be on sale at all Hallmark Gold Crown stores for $7.95, with each purchase of three greeting cards.

The HEART & SOUL album represents some of Motown’s most enduring romantic songs, including tracks by the Supremes (“Stop! In the Name of Love”), Stevie Wonder (“Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours”), the Temptations (“My Girl”), Martha & the Vandellas (“[Love is Like a] Heat Wave”), Mary Wells (“My Guy”), the Miracles (“Love Machine”) and Lionel Richie & Diana Ross (“Endless Love”); eight of them were No. 1 songs.

Since starting Tamla Records and the “Motown Records Corporation” on January 12, 19 59, with a loan of $800 from his family, the label group of one-time songwriter Berry Gordy continues to be a cultural phenomenon, making its mark not just on the music industry, but on society at large, with a sound that became one of the most significant musical accomplishments and inspirational success stories of the 20th century.

A man of vision, drive, talent and determination, Berry Gordy was not only a producer and innovative entrepreneur, but also a teacher. The phenomenal success of Motown Records on its 50th anniversary is a tribute to his vision. Under Gordy’s leadership, and through the determination and support of the Motown family of artists, he forged new ground for minorities and made the “Motown Sound” a worldwide phenomenon beloved by millions.

Today, Motown is part of the Universal Music Group, with its classic recorded music catalog managed by Universal Music Enterprises.

NOW That’s What I Call Motown features 25 of the most beloved, timeless classics, R&B and soul tracks from some of the greatest music artists of all-time, with its release marking the legendary label’s 50th anniversary since Berry Gordy established the original “Hitsville U.S.A. ” at 2648 West Brand Boulevard in his hometown of Detroit .

The tracks include Barrett Strong “Money (That’s What I Want)” (co-written by Gordy), The Miracles “Shop Around” (the label’s very first R&B #1 in 1961), The Marvelettes “Please Mr. Postman” (its first Pop #1), Mary Wells “My Guy,” The Temptations “My Girl” and “I Can’t Get Next to You,” The Supremes “Stop in the Name of Love” and “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” Marvin Gaye “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” and “Let’s Get It On,” Smokey Robinson & the Miracles “The Tears of a Clown,” The Jackson 5 “I Want You Back,” Stevie Wonder “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours,” Edwin Starr “War,” The Commodores “Brickhouse,” Diana Ross “Upside Down” and Rick James “Super Freak,” among others.

NOW That’s What I Call Motown follows the release of the 10-CD deluxe Motown: The Complete No. 1’s box set on Motown/UMe, on December 9.

The NOW series has been called the “most successful brand in music” and has sold millions of copies all over the world. Every recent NOW release has debuted in one of the top slots on the Billboard Top 200 album chart. In addition, NOW’s collective releases sell more than any other music property each year. Since its debut in 1998, the NOW That’s What I Call Music! series has sold over 70 million CDs in the U.S. alone and every one of the 28 previous releases have been certified at least platinum, with NOW 5 reaching quadruple platinum and the 2001’s initial NOW That’s What I Call Christmas! compilation going quintuple platinum.

The Best Of NOW That’s What I Call Music! 10th ANNIVERSARY edition was released simultaneously with NOW That’s What I Call Music! Volume 29 on November 11.

NOW That’s What I Call Motown is the first edition of the NOW series to celebrate the repertoire of a single label. The NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC! series is a compilation joint venture from EMI Music North America, Sony Music Entertainment, and Universal Music Group. NOW and NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC! are registered trademarks of EMI (IP) Limited.

An irresistible force of social and cultural change, Berry Gordy’s historic Motown Records made its mark not just on the music industry, but society at large, with a sound that became one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the 20th Century.

NOW That’s What I Call Motown – Track Listing

1. Money (That’s What I Want) – Barrett Strong

2. Please Mr. Postman – The Marvelettes

3. Shop Around – The Miracles

4. Do You Love Me – The Contours

5. Dancing In The Street – Martha & The Vandellas

6. My Guy – Mary Wells

7. My Girl – The Temptations

8. Stop! In The Name Of Love – The Supremes

9. Shotgun – Jr. Walker & The All Stars

10. I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) – Four Tops

11. You Keep Me Hangin’ On – The Supremes

12. Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

13. I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Marvin Gaye

14. I Can’t Get Next To You – The Temptations

15. I Want You Back – The Jackson 5

16. Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours – Stevie Wonder

17. War – Edwin Starr

18. The Tears Of A Clown – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

19. What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye

20. Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye) – Gladys Knight & The Pips

21. Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye

22. Love Machine (Part 1) – The Miracles

23. Brickhouse – The Commodores

24. Upside Down – Diana Ross

25. Super Freak – Rick James