Nickelodeon Boy Band "Big Time Rush" To Hit Over 50 US Cities With Second Major National Tour "Big Time Summer Tour"

Below is a Nickelodeon Press Release from Nickelodeon USA's "Nickelodeon Kids And Family" press website, NickPress.com:

BIG TIME RUSH TO HIT OVER 50 CITIES WITH SECOND MAJOR NATIONAL TOUR "BIG TIME SUMMER TOUR"

CODY SIMPSON AND RACHEL CROW TO JOIN BTR ON SELECT DATES

TICKETS ON SALE BEGINNING MARCH 10th AT 10AM

(NEW YORK, NY - February 27, 2012) — In overwhelming response to their sold-out “Better With U Tour,” Big Time Rush announced today that they will kick off “Big Time Summer Tour,” performing in over 50 cities across the US and Canada including stops in New York, Chicago, Boston and Toronto. Beginning on July 5th in Columbus, OH, the Nickelodeon stars and Columbia Recording artists will perform songs off their latest album Elevate including "Music Sounds Better With U," "All Over Again" and "Elevate." During select dates, emerging Australian pop phenomenon Cody Simpson and X-Factor finalist and newly signed Nickelodeon talent Rachel Crow will open for Big Time Rush. Additional acts will be announced shortly. Tickets for the tour go on sale to the public beginning March 10th at 10 a.m. at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

"We can't wait to hit the road again!" said Big Time Rush. “The Better With U tour has been amazing and we’re incredibly grateful to our fans who have supported us and made our first headlining tour a success.”

The “Big Time Summer Tour” will hit famed arenas such as PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ, First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Chicago, IL and Comcast Center in Boston, MA, once again, bringing their powerhouse performance to fans across the country.

A special ticket pre-sale to American Express card members will be available beginning March 5th at 10 a.m. and ending at 10 p.m. on March 9th. Citi card members will have access to presale tickets for Wantagh, NY and Holmdel, NJ beginning March 5th at 10 a.m. through Citi’s Private Pass Program. In addition, Big Time Rush has teamed up with VIP Nation to provide a variety of VIP ticket packages for the tour, including premium seats, meet-and-greets, access to sound check, photo ops, parties and more. For fan club pre sale tickets/VIP packages, exclusive tour content and more please visit: www.BigTimeTour.com.

Big Time Rush was recently nominated for “Favorite Music Group” at the 2012 Kids’ Choice Awards along with LMFAO, Black Eyed Peas, and Lady Antebellum. This is their second nomination in the category. They are also scheduled to perform on “Live with Kelly” on March 9.

Big Time Rush – Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Carlos Pena Jr. and Logan Henderson – recently released their second album, Elevate. The highly anticipated follow-up to the group's Gold-certified debut BTR, Elevate features tracks including “Music Sounds Better With U (featuring Mann),” “Show Me” and “All Over Again,” plus brand-new music that will debut on upcoming episodes of the TV series. And on March 6th, Big Time Rush will release the soundtrack for their movie, Big Time Movie, exclusively on iTunes. The soundtrack features covers of beloved Beatles songs including "Help," "Revolution" and "Hard Day's Night." Big Time Movie will premiere on Saturday, March 10th at 8pm, only on Nickelodeon.

Now in its second season, Big Time Rush – which follows four best friends from Minnesota who trade in their hockey sticks for music superstardom in Los Angeles -- averages 3.6 million total viewers (+2%, over season one). The launch of the hit series on Nickelodeon drew 6.8 million viewers, making it the most watched live-action series premiere in the network's history.

T TOUR DATES

July 5 Columbus Nationwide Arena
July 6 Milwaukee Summerfest
July 7 St. Louis Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
July 8 Cincinnati Riverbend Music Center
July 10 Atlanta Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
July 11 Birmingham Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
July 14 Dallas Gexa Energy Pavilion
July 15 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
July 17 Phoenix Ashley Furniture Home Store Pavilion
July 19 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
July 20 San Diego Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
July 21 Las Vegas Mandalay Bay Events Center
July 22 Mountainview, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
July 23 Paso Robles, CA California Mid-State Fair
July 25 Salt Lake City USANA Amphitheatre
July 27 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
July 28 Minneapolis Target Center
July 29 Indianapolis Klipsch Music Center
July 31 Detroit DTE Energy Music Theatre
Aug 1 Cleveland Blossom Music Center
Aug 3 Louisville KFC Yum! Center
Aug 4 Chicago First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Aug 5 Pittsburgh First Niagara Pavilion
Aug 7 Bethel, NY Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Aug 9 Buffalo, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
Aug 10 Philadelphia Susquehanna Bank Center
Aug 11 Hershey, PA Hershey Park Pavilion
Aug 12 Boston Comcast Center
Aug 14 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center
Aug 16 Des Moines, IA Iowa State Fair
Aug 17 Wantagh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach
Aug 18 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
Aug 19 Washington, DC Jiffy Lube Live
Aug 21 Virginia Beach, VA Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
Aug 22 Raleigh, NC Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
Aug 24 Miami Cruzan Amphitheatre
Aug 25 Tampa 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheatre
Aug 26 Puerto Rico Coliseo de Puerto Rico
Aug 29 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Aug 31 Bangor, ME Bangor Waterfront Pavilion
Sep 1 Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless Arena
Sep 2 Hartford, CT Comcast Theatre
Sep 4 Montreal Bell Centre
Sep 5 London, ON John Labatt Centre
Sep 7 Ottowa, ON Scotiabank Place
Sep 8 Toronto, ON Molson Amphitheatre
Sep 10 Winnipeg MTS Center
Sep 12 Regina, SK Brandt Centre
Sep 13 Edmonton Rexall Place
Sep 14 Calgary Scotiabank Saddledome
Sep 16 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena
Sep 18 Portland Rose Garden Arena
*More dates to be announced

Contact
Kristen Foster
PMK*BNC
Kristen.Foster@pmkbnc.com
212.582.1111

Nickelodeon UK To Premiere Brand New Episodes Of "T.U.F.F. Puppy" Soon

According to Nickelodeon UK's new "T.U.F.F. Puppy Premiere Week, Coming Soon, To Nickelodeon" promo (below with transcript), Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK (Nickelodeon/HD) will be premiering and showing brand new episodes and adventures of the brand new all-action original animated Nickelodeon series ("NickToon") "T.U.F.F. Puppy" during Nick UK and Ireland's and Nick HD UK's upcoming "T.U.F.F. Puppy Premiere Week":

Get ready for TUFF!

That's not tough!

Think tougher!

Whoa! That's [...] tough!

[Dudley Puppy (dressed as a Queen's guard): Check it out! My big furry hat is awesome!]

Brand new TUFF Puppy, coming soon!

Two Of Nickelodeon UK's Latest Brand New "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards" Promos

Below are two streaming videos (with transcripts) featuring two of Nickelodeon UK and Ireland's latest brand new "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards" promos/trailers which Nickelodeon UK is currently broadcasting on-air to advertise that Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK will be premiering and showing Nickelodeon's milestone 25th Annual Kids' Choice Awards on Sunday 1st April 2012 at 5.30pm (repeated at 6.30pm on Nick Replay UK):

The first streaming Nickelodeon video featuring one of Nick UK and Ireland's latest brand new "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards" promos below features a few of the Nickelodeon Stars and cast of the hit Nickelodeon show "Victorious" telling Nickelodeon viewers to vote for who they want to win at the "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards" at Nickelodeon International's official "Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2012" website, 2012KCA.com, and also features voice over artist Peter Dickson, who is also known as "Voiceover Man":

Victoria Justice (Tori Vega): The Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards are coming!

Matt Bennett (Robbie Shapiro): Go to 2012KCA.com and vote NOW!

Leon Thomas III (Andre Harris): Vote!

Ariana Grande (Cat Valentine): Vote!

Peter Dickson (Voiceover Man): The 2012 Kids' Choice Awards, hosted by Will Smith,
Sunday 1st April at 5.30.

Victoria Justice: Only on Nickelodeon!

The second streaming Nickelodeon video below which features another of Nick UK and Ireland's latest brand new "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards" trailers tells Nickelodeon UK and Ireland viewers how they can vote for their favourite "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards" nominees at 2012KCA.com, and that by voting in the 2012 KCAs, they could win a 'money can't buy prize' prize - tickets to the "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards". The below video of one of Nick UK's "Nickelodeon's 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards" promos is narrated by voice over artist Peter Dickson:

Nickelodeon's 2012 Kids' Choice Awards are coming.

It's the show where kids rule.

And this year, it's hosted by Will Smith.

It's your turn to call the shots.

Go to 2012KCA.com and vote now for your chance to win tickets to the
biggest, and slimiest awards show on Earth.

The 2012 Kids' Choice Awards, Sunday the first of April at 5.30, only on Nickelodeon!

#KCAUK

Competition open to entrants aged 7-15

For full terms and conditions go to nick.co.uk/kca.

World Screen Interviews Zodiak U.K. Kids and Family's Nigel Pickard

The official website of World Screen, a publication which covers the international media business, has posted an exclusive interview with Nigel Pickard, who is the chief executive officer (CEO) of Zodiak's U.K. Kids and Family division, where he talks about Nickelodeon's brand new animated preschool series called "Tickety Toc", which is due to start being premiered and shown on Nickelodeon channels around the world, including Nick Jr. Channel UK and Nick Jr. USA, later this year (2012), which you can view here on WorldScreen.com (paid WorldScreen.com premium subscription required to view the article).

Viacom To Relaunch Nickelodeon Turkey Back On Digiturk On 1st March 2012; Nickelodeon HD Turkey And Nick Jr. Channel Turkey To Launch Soon

From C21Media:

Viacom nets back on Digiturk

MTV and Nickelodeon [MTV Turkey and Nickelodeon Turkey] will relaunch on Turkish pay-TV platform Digiturk almost two years after going dark during a carriage dispute.

The new agreement covers six Viacom International Media Networks' (VIMN) channels over six years and begins with MTV, MTV Live and Nickelodeon rolling out on March 1.

Nickelodeon HD and Nick Jr will follow later and music net VH1, which was already carried on the Digiturk platform, is also part of the deal. Furthermore, the Turkish company will take on ad sales for MTV and Nick in the territory.

The deal comes after C21 reported MTV and Nickelodeon had ceased broadcasting on Digiturk in May 2010 following a dispute with local channel operator Multi Channel Developers (MCD).

Both sides took out lawsuits against the other, with MTV claiming MCD was refusing to pay for content for Nick and MTV and had breached agreement terms.

In return, MCD alleged VIMN (formerly MTV Networks International) had broken terms of their distribution agreement and got a temporary injunction that banned Viacom from distributing the channels direct to broadcast platforms.

C21 later revealed the pair had reached an out-of-court settlement to end the cases in the UK and Turkey and would cease their relationship in August 2011.

“We’re pleased to announce our new partnership with Digiturk for the distribution of our channels across Turkey,” said Antonio Campo Dall’Orto, VIMN’s executive VP for Southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. MTV first broadcast in Turkey in 2006.

Jesse Whittock
28-02-2012
©C21Media

You can visit the official Nickelodeon Turkey website at Nickelodeon.com.tr.

Video Of Nickelodeon UK's New "Premier Of The Brand New 'Big Time Rush' Episode 'Big Time Prom Kings'" Promo (HD)

Below is a high quality (HQ) high-definition (HD) streaming video (with transcript) of one of Nickelodeon UK's latest "Brand New Episodes Of Big Time Rush" episodic trailers (promos) to advertise that Nick UK will premiere and show the brand new episode of the hit Nickelodeon live action show "Big Time Rush" called "Big Time Prom Kings" on Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK soon (transmission (TX) date and time yet to be announced by Nickelodeon UK) as part of "Big Time Rush Month" during during March 2012 on Nickelodeon UK, where Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon UK HD will premiere and show five brand new episodes from season two of the popular Nickelodeon series "Big Time Rush":

Big Time Rush: Big Time Prom, Allan Blatch from Allan Blatch on Vimeo.

Big Time Rush promo written, edited and produced by Allan Blatch for Nickelodeon UK. Voiced by Gail Porter with Audio at Jungle Group.

It's the biggest night of their lives.

[James Diamond (James Maslow): Will you give us THE GIFT of prom?]

So, in a brand new Big Time Rush...

[Group (all together): WELL?

Big Time Rush (all together): HE SAID YES!]

(Group screams)]

Will wildest dreams come true?

[Carlos Garcia (Carlos Pena, Jr.) to James: You do know you can't take yourself to the prom, right?]

Or will these wannabe prom Kings royally flush their chances?

[James to Logan (Hortense) Mitchell (Logan Henderson): I don't like this plan!

: Yeah, well I'm not that crazy about it either!]

Plus, don't miss their knockout prom performance!

A brand new Big Time Rush, tomorrow at 5.30pm, only on Nickelodeon!

nick.co.uk/bigtimerush

Also available on Nickelodeon/HD

In the brand new episode of the hit Nickelodeon series "Big Time Rush" titled "Big Time Prom Kings", Big Time Rush's school, The Palm Woods school, is having its annual prom and Kendall Knight (Kendall Schmidt), James Diamond (James Maslow), Carlos Garcia (Carlos Pena, Jr.) and Logan (Hortense) Mitchell (Logan Henderson) are all determined to win the title of Prom King and each will do whatever it takes to win, even if James has to dress up as a lady!

Video Of Nickelodeon UK's New "Premier Of The Brand New 'Big Time Rush' Episode 'Big Time Wedding'" Promo (HD)

Below is a high quality (HQ) high-definition (HD) streaming video (with transcript) of one of Nickelodeon UK's latest "Brand New Episodes Of Big Time Rush" episodic trailers (promos) to advertise that Nick UK will premiere and show the first brand new episode out five brand new episodes of the hit Nickelodeon live action show "Big Time Rush" called "Big Time Wedding" on Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK on Saturday 3rd March 2012 at 5.30pm (repeated at 6.30pm on Nick Replay UK) as part of "Big Time Rush Month" during during March 2012 on Nickelodeon UK:

Big Time Rush: Big Time Wedding, Allan Blatch from Allan Blatch on Vimeo.

Big Time Rush promo written, edited and produced by Allan Blatch for Nickelodeon UK. Voiced by Gail Porter with Audio at Jungle Group.

He's got the look, and he's got the girls, and in a brand new Big Time Rush, James gets a... wife?

[Logan (Hortense) Mitchell (Logan Henderson): What did YOU DO?!

James Diamond (James Maslow): I gave her a rose!

The King of Kerplankistan: And in our country, that is a marriage proposal!

In the most surprising episode ever...

[Logan: Oh, no!]

...can the band break up the wedding...

[Carlos Garcia (Carlos Pena, Jr.): Jump down on the safety net!

(James screams)]

...before the wedding breaks up the band?

[[...]

Logan: Stop it, stop it now!]

Find out in brand new Big Time Rush, next Saturday at 5.30pm, only on Nickelodeon!

nick.co.uk/bigtimerush

Also available on Nickelodeon HD

In the brand new episode of the hit Nickelodeon series "Big Time Rush" titled "Big Time Wedding", The King and Princess (Annet Mahendru) of Kerplankistan, the country where Big Time Rush got a #1 record, visit North America. However the King plans to have his daughter wed to one of them. James Diamond (James Maslow) doesn't want to marry her but asks her if he was the one she would've picked, and as he does he gives her a rose, not knowing that such a gesture is a marriage proposal in Kerplankistan. Can the Big Time Rush guys free him in time before he's forced into a royal wedding? Find out on Saturday 3rd March 2012 at 5.30pm (6.30pm Nick Replay UK), only on Nickelodeon/HD!

Paramount To Release "House Of Anubis - Season 1, Volume 2" And "House of Anubis - Complete Season 1" DVD Box Sets In The UK On 2nd April 2012

According to Amazon.co.uk, Paramount Home Entertainment will be releasing two brand new "House of Anubis" DVD box sets in the UK (Region 2) on Monday 2nd April 2012; "House Of Anubis - Season 1, Volume 2" and "House of Anubis - Complete Season 1".

There's not much information yet about Paramount Home Entertainment's "Nickelodeon House Of Anubis" DVDs, except:

- The "House Of Anubis - Season 1, Volume 2" DVD box set (ASIN: B0073CQWKU) will feature two DVD discs and the "House of Anubis - Complete Season 1" DVD box set (ASIN: B0073CQXH2) will contain four DVD disks;

- Both "House Of Anubis" DVD sets have been given a PG (Parental Guidance) Certificate by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC);

- All the disks in each of Nickelodeon's "House Of Anubis" DVD box sets will feature an English language soundtrack;

- All "House Of Anubis" DVD discs will be in the Region 2 format, and may not be viewable outside Europe unless they are played on European Region 2 or multi-region DVD players;

No extras, such as Nickelodeon UK and Ireland's "Anubis Unlocked" series, have been announced for either "House of Anubis" DVD box set though.

Also, below are the product details for both "House of Anubis" DVD box sets from the Play.com product pages for the "House of Anubis" DVD box sets:

Description:

Welcome to the House of Anubis. A boarding school where, just as the students begin settling in for the academic year, they find one student missing, a secret panel in the attic, codes leading to backroom staircases, clandestine rituals, and more!

Actors:

Alex Sawyer, Jade Ramsey, Nathalia Ramos, Tasie Dhanraj, Brad Kavanagh, Ana Mulvoy Ten, Bobby Lockwood & Eugene Simon

You can pre-order the "Nickelodeon House of Anubis: House of Secrets - Season One, Volume Two" DVD box set on Amazon.co.uk and Play.com for £7.49.

You can pre-order the "Nickelodeon House of Anubis - Complete Season One" DVD box set on Amazon.co.uk and Play.com for £11.99.

Both Amazon.co.uk and Play.com offer free UK delivery options.

BT Vision Launches New "Win Tickets To The Exclusive Screening Of The UK Premiere Of Season Two Of House Of Anubis In March 2012" Competition

To celebrate Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK starting to premiere brand new episodes from the brand new second series (second season) of the hit original Nickelodeon live action teen mystery/drama television show "House of Anubis" in April 2012, the official website of the IPTV-digital terrestrial television service BT Vision has launched a brand new "House of Anubis" competition where BT Vision and Nickelodeon UK will be giving lucky fans of "House Of Anubis" a second chance to win exclusive tickets to attend the UK premiere of the second season of "House Of Anubis" in Central London, UK on Sunday, 11th March 2012, where Nickelodeon UK will be giving an exclusive screening of the very first episode of season two of HOA, which will also be attended by some of the actors and actresses of the hit Nickelodeon show "House Of Anubis"!

BT Vision's "Win Tickets To An Exclusive Showing Of Season Two Of Nickelodeon's House Of Anubis In London, UK" competition closes on Thursday 1st March 2012, and is open to all Great Britain, Channel Islands and Isle of Man residents (you don't need to be a BT customer and there is no age limit), except to employees of BT, their families, its affiliates, any representatives or agents of those companies and anyone else who may be professionally involved with the promotion.

Competition: Win tickets to the celeb-filled premiere of Nickelodeon’s House Of Anubis second series!

You loved the first series of Nickelodeon’s House Of Anubis, and great news, there’s a second series coming soon.

To celebrate its great success, Nickelodeon is hosting an exclusive red-carpet screening of the first episode of the new series – and you could be there! With Anubis-themed fun activities thrown in, and with VIPs, celebrities and members of the House Of Anubis cast in attendance, this is an amazing prize.

This fantastic event takes place on Sunday 11 March in central London. If you (with a parent or guardian) fancy being part of the excitement, we’ve got five pairs of tickets up for grabs!

All you have to do is correctly answer the question below and fill in your contact details [here on the official BT Vision website].

The competition closes at midnight on Thursday 1 March. Good luck!

Watch Nickelodeon shows On Demand, just find on your BT service at: On Demand > Kids > Your Favourite Channels > Nickelodeon

How to Enter

For your chance to win this prize, simply choose an answer in the box below, for this question:

What is the name of the secret club formed by the pupils of Anubis House?

Sibuna
Anuba
Petunia

You can enter BT Vision's exclusive "Win VIP Tickets To The UK Premiere Of House Of Anubis Season Two" "House Of Anubis" screening competition here on the official BT Vision websites "House Of Anubis" competition page.

Terms and conditions

1 The draw is open to GB, Channel Islands and Isle of Man residents, but not to employees of BT, their families, its affiliates, any representatives or agents of those companies and anyone else who may be professionally involved with the promotion.

2 You must live in the UK or Eire, so if you have moved somewhere outside the UK/Eire after entering the competition, your entry will not be valid.

3 You must obtain the bill payer's permission before entering.

4 The Promoter reserves the right to verify the eligibility of entrants and incomplete and/or illegible data entry forms will be considered null and void.

6 There are 5 prizes available: two tickets per winner (one ticket for the winner and a ticket for their parent or guardian - winners must be accompanied by a parent or guardian) to a central London location on Sunday 11 March 2012 for a House of Anubis series 2 premiere event occurring between 3pm - 6pm.

7 No purchase is necessary. The prize is not transferable and no cash or credit alternatives will be offered. The prize does not include insurance or travel and winners are responsible for any other expenses incurred in taking up the prize.

8 The promotion finishes on 1 March 2012 at 23:59pm. Entries must be made by completing the web form and correctly answering the multiple choice competition question. Entries submitted after the closing date or sent in through agents or third parties will not be entered into the prize draw.

9 Following the closing date, the Promoter will randomly select five winners from all valid and correct entries. The winner will be notified on within one week of the closing date to confirm the prize. The Promoter reserves the right to redraw the prize if; the prize winner cannot be contacted or the Promoter does not receive a positive response within a reasonable period of time (to be established at the Promoter's sole discretion), the Promoter believes that the winner has not complied with these rules.

10 Confirmation of the prize winner (name and county only) may be obtained through a written request: send an SAE to BT Vision Competitions, BT Vision, Zone, 183 Eversholt Street, London NW1 1BT, on or after 11 March 2012.

11 By entering this promotion, participants agree to be bound by these terms and that the decision of the Promoter is final and binding in all matters relating to this promotion and no correspondence will be entered into.

12 The Promoter reserves the right to cancel the competition at any stage, if deemed necessary in their opinion, and if circumstances arise out of their control.

13 The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage, injury or disappointment suffered by any entrant resulting from entering this prize draw or by the entrant's acceptance of the prize, or any damage to any entrant’s or other person’s computer or mobile phone equipment as a consequence of downloading any material relating to this promotion.

14 This promotion is governed by the laws of England and Wales.

15 The Promoter is (in consultation with Nickelodeon) British Telecommunications plc, 81 Newgate Street, London EC1A 7AJ. Registered in England No. 1800000.

You can enter BT Vision's exclusive "Win VIP Tickets To The UK Premiere Of House Of Anubis Season Two" "House Of Anubis" screening competition here on the official BT Vision websites "House Of Anubis" competition page.

Former Nickelodeon UK Presenter Sy Thomas To Perform Stand-Up Comedy At Special Under 18s Comedy Night At New Wolsey Theatre In Ipswich

According to this news story on the official The East Anglian Daily Times website, stand-up comedian and former Nickelodeon UK and Ireland presenter Sy Thomas (The Crunch, ME:TV, Summer On Nickelodeon, Slime Across The UK And Ireland, Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2007 UK) has joined the line-up of comedians who will be putting on a special "Under 18 Comedy Night", which will be presented by The Duke's Headliners Comedy Club, on Saturday 3rd March 2012 at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich:

Return of comedy for the under 18s

Making kids laugh is child’s play for The Duke’s Headliners, who return to the New Wolsey this week with more comedy for under 18s.

“The thing I’ve encountered with stand-up comedians is they’re all just big kids really; I think that’s why they can relate to them so easily and not patronise,” says the club’s Neil Grainger.

It’s not their first visit to the theatre, but this time they’re staging two events - one for eight to 12s, another for ages 12-plus.

“We do lots of adult gigs; we just feel kids shouldn’t miss out. Stand-up doesn’t necessarily have to be mother-in-law jokes or about rude things. Kids really respond to stories, tales and a bit of silliness - that’s what stand-up is.”

“A lot of it [the success of the New Wolsey gigs] is down to who we book. Getting the right comedians down for the right kind of audience. There are many comics who have two sets, their slightly bluer set for the adults and their kids’ set.”

It also helps, adds Neil, that comedy’s changed lately. Funny, sweet, observational comedians are taking the place of stand-ups who take the Mick out of their audience.

“So there’s a lot of comedians who have material which doesn’t alienate children; put Michael McIntyre in front of a ten-year-old and a 50-year-old and they’ll both laugh equally.”

The under-12 event is a great introduction to live stand-up.

The kids come alive and, says Neil, “it’s the only time where you actually think you really want people to heckle.

“It’s a nice feeling to watch kids at the under 18 event be in an environment where they’re trusted to have a bit of fun. There’s a naughty element to it as well, parents aren’t allowed in so the kids can kind of do what they want.”

The under-12 event, at 3.30pm, Saturday, March 3, will be emceed by Luisa M Omeilan, a comedy actress graduate and a semi-finalist at this year’s Laughing Horse New Act competition.

The 20-something newbie is already causing a stir on the UK comedy circuit, having performed at Banana Cabaret, The Comedy Store, The Vauxhall Tavern and The Cottage Redhill.

Presenter and comedian Sy Thomas has appeared in countless shows on Nickelodeon and CBBC and is a regular on the comedy circuit and Patrick Monahan, at the Felixstowe Spa next Friday, will complete the line-up.

Luisa and Sy will be joined at the under-18 event at 7.45pm the same day by former Perrier nominee Luke Toulson, also a regular on the London comedy circuit and at the Edinburgh festival and Joel Dommett, one of the circuit’s rising stars who has stared in C4’s Skins and recently performed on BBC3’s Russell Howard’s Good News.

The next Duke’s Headliners adult comedy night at the New Wolsey is April 13.

Appearing are French comedian Marcel Lucont, Peep Show’s Dobbie Isy Suttie and up and coming comic Simon Feilder.

You can order and buy tickets for The Duke's Headliners Comedy Club's special comedy night for under 18's at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich on Saturday 3rd March 2012 here on the New Wolsey Theatre's ticket purchasing website.

Nickelodeon International Announces The International Nominations And Premiere Dates For The Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards

Nickelodeon International has announced and confirmed on each country's official version of the official "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards" website (2012kca.com) the air dates of when Nickelodeon channels around the world will premiere and show Nickelodeon's 25th Annual Kids' Choice Awards awards ceremony, which you can view below:

Nickelodeon Africa - Sunday 1st April 2012 at 5.30pm (local time) - kca.nick.tv

Nickelodeon Asia: Nickelodeon SEA (Nickelodeon South East Asia) - Monday 2nd April 2o012 at 6.30pm; Nickelodeon Korea - Friday 13th April 2012 at 8.00pm; Nickelodeon Philippines - Saturday 14th April 2012 at 10.00am; Nickelodeon Indonesia - Sunday 15th April 2012 at 1.00pm (local times) - kca.nick-asia.com

Nickelodeon Australia and New Zealand - Sunday 1st April 2012 at 6.30pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) (local times) - kca.nickelodeon.com.au

Nickelodeon Austria - Sunday 1st April 2012 at 6.30pm (local time) - kca.nick.de

Nickelodeon Belgium - Sunday 1st April 2012 at 6.30pm (local time) - kca.nickelodeon.nl

Nickelodeon Brazil (Nickelodeon Brasil) - Tuesday 3rd April 2012 at 8.00pm (local time) - kca.mundonick.com.br

Nickelodeon Denmark (Nickelodeon Danmark) - Monday 2nd April 2012 at 6.30pm (local time) - kca.nickelodeon.dk

Nickelodeon France - Tuesday 3rd April 2012 at 8.35pm (local time) - kca.nickelodeon.fr

Nickelodeon Germany (Nickelodeon Deutschland) - Sunday 1st April 2012 at 6.30pm (local time) - kca.nick.de

Nickelodeon India - Sunday 1st April 2012 at 5.30pm (local time) - kca.nick.tv

Nickelodeon Israel - Sunday 1st April 2012 at 5.30pm (local time) - kca.nick.tv

Nickelodeon Italy (Nickelodeon Italia) - Tuesday 3rd April 2012 at 8.30pm (local time) - kca.nicktv.it

Nickelodeon Latin America - Tuesday 3rd April 2012 at 8.00pm (local time) - kca.mundonick.com

Nickelodeon Netherlands (Nickelodeon Nederland) - Sunday 1st April 2012 at 6.30pm (local time) - kca.nickelodeon.nl

Nickelodeon Poland (Nickelodeon Polska) - Sunday 1st April 2012 at 5.30pm (local time) - kca.nick.tv

Nickelodeon Spain (Nickelodeon Espana) - Friday 6th April 2012 at 8.50pm (local time) - kca.nickelodeon.es

Nickelodeon Sweden - Monday 2nd April 2012 at 5.30pm (local time) - kca.nickelodeon.se

Nickelodeon Switzerland (Nickelodeon Swiss) - Sunday 1st April 2012 at 6.30pm (local time) - kca.nick.de

To help make the "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards" the most global 'Kids' Choice Awards' ever, many international Nickelodeon channels and networks have announced country specific voting categories and nominations, which will allow Nickelodeon viewers across the world (Planet Orange/Planet Nickelodeon) to vote for their countries local favourites. You can find a full list of local "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards" categories and nominees below:

Nickelodeon UK Is Searching For The UK's "Ultimate SpongeBob Gamer" In Their Brand New "SpongeBob SquarePants" Competition

The official Nickelodeon UK and Ireland website, Nick.co.uk, has unveiled a brand new and exclusive competition to find the UK's "Ultimate SpongeBob Gamer", where you could win some great 'Nerf Vortex' and "SpongeBob SquarePants" prizes, including a Nickelodeon Goody Bag!

To enter Nickelodeon UK's new "SpongeBob Ultimate Gamer" competition, you need to play all seventy (70) "SpongeBob SquarePants" online games featured on Nickelodeon UK's official "SpongeBob Ultimate Gamer" competition page at least once, then fill in Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob Ultimate Gamer" competition entry form at the bottom of the page.

Are you an Ultimate SpongeBob Gamer?

Prove you are and you could be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes.

Play all the games [here on Nick.co.uk/shows/spongebob/ultimateGamer/]

to unlock this amazing competition.

Amazing prizes to be won

Win SpongeBob goodies

1ST Prize:

Nerf Vortex Nitron & ammo disks

SpongeBob Plush Toy

SpongeBob Coloud headphones

SpongeBob Drawn to Life game for Nintendo DS

Nickelodeon Goody Bag

2ND Prize

Nerf Vortex Vigilon

Nerf t-shirt

Nickelodeon Goody Bag

3RD Prize:

Nerf Vortex Proton

Nickelodeon Goody Bag

PLUS...

5x runner up prizes of a Nickelodeon Goody Bag

This competition closes at 5pm on Monday 5th March 2012.

First 8 names selected at random will win prizes.

You can enter Nickelodeon UK and Ireland's exclusive "Ultimate SpongeBob Gamer" competition here on Nickelodeon UK's official "SpongeBob Ultimate Gamer" webpage on the official Nickelodeon UK website, Nick.co.uk.

Nick Jr. Channel UK To Premier Brand New "Dora the Explorer" Special "Dora's Easter Adventure" On 30th March 2012 At 4pm

According to the official Sky Media websites 'Sky TV's Children's Television Highlights In March 2012' webpage, Nickelodeon UK will premiere and show the brand new special episode of the Nick Junior animated preschool series "Dora the Explorer" called "Dora's Easter Adventure", which will feature an "All-New Easter Fiesta" on Nickelodeon UK's preschool channel, Nick Jr. Channel UK and Ireland, on Friday 30th March 2012 at 4.00pm as part of "Easter on Nick Jr.":

Dora the Explorer (New Episode)
Nick Jr
Friday 30 March, 16.00

Come and join in with a brand new adventure from Dora, Boots and all her friends! This March we have a brand new episode with Dora's Easter Adventure!

In the brand new "Dora the Explorer" episode titled "Dora's Easter Adventure", get ready for an Egg-Citing Easter Adventure as you help Dora and Boots save the Hip-Hop-Bunny's basket of eggs!

Nickelodeon Opens The Voting For The UK-Specific Nominations Of The Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards

The UK voting for the "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards" is now open!

Nickelodeon UK and Ireland's official "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards" website, kca.nick.co.uk, has opened the voting process, where Nickelodeon UK and Ireland viewers can not only vote for all of Nickelodeon USA's "Nick KCA 2012" voting categories, but Nickelodeon viewers in the UK and Ireland can also vote in 7 "Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2012" categories exclusive to Nickelodeon UK's version of "Kids' Choice Awards 2012", which will be part of Nickelodeon UK and Ireland's version of the main "Nickelodeon's 25th Annual Kids' Choice Awards" awards ceremony show, which Nickelodeon UK will premiere on Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK on Sunday 1st April 2012 at 5.30pm (repeated at 6.30pm on Nick Replay UK), the very next day after Nickelodeon holds the the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2012 on Saturday 31st March 2012 at the Galen Center at USC [University of Southern California] in Los Angeles, California, USA.

UPDATE: All UK voters of the "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards" will be able to enter an exclusive Nickelodeon UK competition to win an all expenses paid trip to Los Angeles, California, USA to go to the "2012 Kids' Choice Awards" ceremony. See below for more information.

In this year's Nickelodeon KCAs (the "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards"), Nickelodeon UK and Ireland viewers have the chance to vote in seven Kids' Choice Awards category's exclusive to Nick UK and Ireland viewers. The complete list of UK-specific nominees for Nickelodeon UK's "Nickelodeon's 25th Annual Kids' Choice Awards" is as follows:

Favourite UK Band

One Direction
The Wanted
Little Mix
JLS

Favourite UK Female Artist

Jessie J
Adele
Pixie Lott
Cher Lloyd

Favourite UK Male Artist

Olly Murs
Tinie Tempah
Ed Sheeran
Professor Green

Favourite UK TV Show

'House of Anubis' (Nickelodeon)
'X Factor' (ITV)
'Doctor Who' (BBC One)
'Tracy Beaker Returns' (CBBC)

Favourite UK Newcomer

Little Mix
Cher Lloyd
Tulisa
One Direction

Favourite UK Actor

Brad Kavanagh (House Of Anubis)
Robert Pattinson (The Twilight Saga)
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2)
Matt Smith (Doctor Who)

Favourite UK Actress

Emma Watson (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2)
Karen Gillan (Doctor Who)
Ana Mulvoy Ten (House Of Anubis)
Pixie Lott (in 'Fred the Movie')

Ready to vote for your favourite stars of the year? Who will be able to say "I Am Victorious" on the slimy big night? Can Nickelodeon's hit live-action mystery series "House of Anubis" win the orange blimp award for Nick UK's Favourite Show for a second year in a row? The only rule is…there are no rules. It is the Kids' Choice Awards, after all! Keep voting for your very, very favourite people at 2012kca.com to make sure they get to take home orange blimps on the slimiest awards show on Earth (Planet Nickelodeon). Then tune-in to the "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards" on Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK on Sunday 1st April 2012 at 5.30pm (repeated at 6.30pm on Nick Replay UK) to find out who all the big winners are!

Nickelodeon UK's version of the "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards" is sponsored by the new "The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!" movie.

Also, Tweeted (posted) by Nickelodeon Star Brad Lewis Kavanagh, who portrays the SIBUNA character Fabian Rutter on the hit Nickelodeon mystery show "House Of Anubis"‏, on his official Twitter profile page (@BradKavanagh):

Ah! The voting has began today! If you guys wanted to vote for HOA on best show, best actor and best actress, go to http://www.nick.co.uk

And:

Here's the link to vote for HOA, @BradKavanagh and @anamulvoyten guys! thank you for all your support! http://kca.nick.co.uk/vote

Also, Tweeted (posted) by Nickelodeon UK and Ireland on their official Twitter stream (@NickelodeonUK):

@cherlloyd: Cher has been nominated for a Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Award!

Shes up for TWO! Fave Newcomer & Female Artist. Well done Cher!

And:

@thewantedmusic: Guess who's nominated for 'Favourite UK Band' in @NickelodeonTV's Kid's Choice Awards 2012? would be amazing if (cont) http://tl.gd/g56vd3

@thewantedmusic Congrats guys! Any fan who votes can also enter a competition to get an all expenses paid trip to LA to go to the KCAs :)

Also:

BIG news today is that #KCAUK voting is now OPEN! UK fans can vote for all categories plus a whopping 7 UK categories. & The nominees are...

And:

#KCAUK Nominees for Fave UK Band: @JLSofficial @LittleMixOffic @onedirection @thewantedmusic Who wins? You decide! Vote http://ow.ly/9j7i5

Also:

#KCAUK Nominees for Fave UK Female Artist: @OfficialAdele @CherLloyd @JessieJOfficial @pixiesongs Who wins? You decide! http://ow.ly/9j7i5

And:

#KCAUK Nominees for Fave UK Male Artist: @edsheeran @ollyofficial @professorgreen @tinietempah Who wins? U decide! Vote http://ow.ly/9j7i5

Also:

#KCAUK Nominees for Fave UK TV Show: #DoctorWho #HouseofAnubis #TraceyBeakerReturns #XFactor Who wins? You decide! Vote http://ow.ly/9j7Ni

And:

#KCAUK Nominees for Fave UK Newcomer: @CherLloyd @LittleMixOffic @onedirection @officialtulisa Who wins? U decide! Vote http://ow.ly/9j7Xa

Also:

#KCAUK Nominees for Fave UK Actor: @BradKavanagh @danielradcliffe @mattsmith_dw @mr_robpattinson Who wins? U decide! http://ow.ly/9j85p

And:

#KCAUK Nominees for Fave UK Actress: @anamulvoyten @EmWatson #KarenGillan @pixiesongs Who wins? You decide! Vote now: http://ow.ly/9j8ca

Also:

Thats the UK nominees. What a talented bunch! U can also vote for all US categories- dont forget to use #KCAUK & let me know who u vote for!

And:

Oh & one other small detail? When u vote u can enter our AMAZING comp to win an all expenses paid trip to LA to GO to the KCAs! WOO! #KCAUK

Also, from Capital FM:

The Wanted, Ed Sheeran And Jessie J Nominated For Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2012

The acts are among the names ready to fight it out for this year's set of famous orange KCA Blimps [famous orange Kids' Choice Awards blimps].

The Wanted have been announced as one of the nominees for the favourite UK band for the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2012.

The 'Warzone' singers will go up against the likes of JLS in the category which also features X Factor winners Little Mix.

Adele, Pixie Lott, Cher Lloyd and Jessie J will all go head to head for the title of Favourite UK Female artist with Ed Sheeran, Professor Green, Tinie Tempah and Olly Murs nominated in the Male category.

Cher Lloyd also finds herself going up for UK Newcomer alongside N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos at the bash which will be hosted by Will Smith on 1st April.

The UK set of nominees follow this month's earlier announcement of the acts such as Lady Gaga and Katy Perry who will go head to head for the US gongs.

The UK nominees are as follows:

Favourite UK Female Artist

Cher Lloyd
Adele
Jessie J
Pixie Lott

Favourite UK Male Artist

Professor Green
Tinie Tempah
Ed Sheeran
Olly Murs

Favourite UK Band

The Wanted
JLS
Little Mix
One Direction

Favourite UK Newcomer

Cher Lloyd
One Direction
Little Mix
Tulisa Contostavlos

Nickelodeon UK Confirms Plans To Premiere More Brand New Episodes Of "Victorious" In 2012; Nick UK To Air Next New "Victorious" Episode "Super Soon"

Nickelodeon UK and Ireland have announced and confirmed on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonUK) that Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK will be premiering and showing more brand new episodes of the hit Nickelodeon sitcom "Victorious" in 2012, and that Nick UK and Ireland and Nick HD UK will be premiering the next brand new episode of the popular Nickelodeon show "Victorious" very soon, most probably as part of "Easter On Nickelodeon 2012":

And YES @Victorious fans there will be more new Victorious coming up in 2012, the next one will be here super soon. Keep our eyes peeled...

Imira Entertainment's Animated Series "Lucky Fred" Enlists Alien-Hunters

From C21Media:

Imira’s Fred enlists alien-hunters

Imira Entertainment will turn viewers into alien-hunters as part of the Spanish producer-distributor’s multi-platform push.

A new web- and mobile-based app features ‘geo-localising’ technology to allow users to find and eliminate aliens in their own city.

The interactive game accompanies the second season of Lucky Fred (26x11’), the 2D toon for six- to 12-year-olds that Imira has coproduced with TVC in Spain, Rai Fiction in Italy and the Philippines’ Top Draw Animation.

Lucky Fred centres on RED, a ‘reality enhancement drone’ who falls from outer space and crashes through 13-year-old Fred’s bedroom ceiling. The toon has been sold to networks in more than 150 territories, including France’s TF1 and multiple Nickelodeon [Nickelodeon Benelux (comprising of Nickelodeon Belgium, Nickelodeon Netherlands (Nickelodeon Nederland), and Luxembourg), Scandinavia (comprising on Nickelodeon Denmark, Nickelodeon Norway and Nickelodeon Finland), Nickelodeon Latin America, Nickelodeon Asia and Nickelodeon South Korea] and Disney channels.

In other news, Imira will be looking for copro finance at MipTV for Drip & Drop (78x7′), an all-Spanish series in development with Enne Entertainment Studios, and Bat Pat (52x11′), a Spanish-Italian-Malaysian coproduction, with Atlantyca Entertainment and Inspidea.

Nico Franks
24-02-2012
©C21Media

Nickelodeon Asia To Launch Nick Jr. Asia Preschool Channel On Thailand's 1-Sky Satellite Broadcast Platform

From C21Media:

New Thai platform adds Nick Jr

Nickelodeon preschool network Nick Jr will launch on Thai satellite broadcast platform 1-Sky, which debuted last year.

The Viacom International Media Networks-owned channel will be the first children’s net to launch on the platform, and will be available 24/7 to subscribers of 1-Sky’s Entertainment and Combo packages. It marks the latest in a slew of new carriage agreements for the channel across Asia last year.

Thai entertainment giant GMM Grammy launched the 1-Sky platform last year, investing three billion baht (US$98.7m) into the service, according to local reports.

Jesse Whittock
24-02-2012
©C21Media

SHOWS: Bubble Guppies, Dora the Explorer, Fifi and the Flowertots

Rushing Into The Big Time; Nickelodeon Boy Band "Big Time Rush" To Perform At George Mason University's Patriot Center In Fairfax, Virginia, USA

From Fairfaxtimes.com:

Rushing into the big time

Big Time Rush coming to GMU on March 2 [2012]

Just as the Monkees entertained the tween set in the late 1960s, with a comical and musical television show that branched the group out to hit albums and sold-out concert tours, the boys of Nickelodeon's hit TV show “Big Time Rush” are taking a similar path.

Photo from Big Time Rush Big Time Rush, which includes (left to right) James Maslow, Logan Henderson, Carlos Pena Jr. and Kendall Schmidt, will perform March 2 at George Mason University's Patriot Center.
The show, which premiered to record ratings on Jan. 18, 2010, is comprised of Kendall Schmidt, Carlos Pena Jr., James Maslow and Logan Henderson, playing four young men whose characters share their first names and love of music.

“We are like brothers and are so excited to be doing this show,” Pena said. “There can be one day when we all get along great and another day when we get in an argument because someone got the last packet of mustard. At the end of the night, we all go to bed knowing it’s all good.”

On screen, the four play former hockey players that were picked out to form a boy band, and each episode navigates through their antics and schemes as residents at the Palm Woods Hotel and students at the Palm Woods School, both establishments intended for aspiring actors, singers and other performing artists.

Kendall is the leader, James the lady’s man, Logan’s the brains and Carlos is the funny one, though their fictional personalities are not always accurate with who they really are.

“There are parts of us in the characters, but they aren’t really us,” Pena said. “For example, my character is pretty fearless, but in real life I am really cautious. Logan is probably the most like his character.”

But these aren’t just actors. The boys can really sing, and as a band, Big Time Rush has released two best-selling albums, “B.T.R.” and “Elevate,” and they already are working on a third.

Last summer, Nickelodeon wanted to cash in on the show’s popularity and had Big Time Rush go out on a small concert tour. The result? Thousands of screaming fans and sold-out performances that rivaled the boy band popularity that New Kids on the Block and ’N Sync achieved 25 years earlier.

“It’s amazing to know that we are bringing boy bands back,” Pena said. “So many people have tried, but we are doing it. It’s crazy and gets really loud, but it’s the most incredible energy you can feel when you are on stage and it keeps you pumped the entire show.”

Big Time Rush currently is on its first headlining tour — The Better With U Tour — and will take the stage March 2 at the Patriot Center.

“We did the summer tour which was very basic and that got us ready for this. We spent the last month rehearsing on dance and vocals,” Pena said. “None of us ever expected to be in a boy band, so that was a challenge in itself, but we are doing something new and exciting and it’s been a lot of fun.”

The band has come a long way since its last tour. It’s no longer just them singing on stage; now it’s a full-fledged rockin’ show complete with dancing and spectacular sights.

“This will be unlike any Big Time Rush show that anyone has ever seen. We have pyro, do some acrobatics on the trampoline, the set is incredible and we will be playing new and old songs,” Pena said. “We definitely bring some elements of the show on stage, but we are being ourselves. We put on a really great pop show. I think people are going to be very impressed by what they see.”

Just two nights into the tour, Pena said the band already is feeling comfortable.

“It’s been a great start and we are having so much fun,” Pena said. “It seems like it gets better every night as we get more comfortable and I am super stoked to see how we do on night 19.”

Joining the band as an opening act will be One Direction, the British boy band made famous by Simon Cowell on the last season of the “X-Factor UK,” and currently racing up the charts with the tune, “What Makes You Beautiful.”

“I love to see all the kids having fun,” Pena said. “I love seeing people with their hands in the air, screaming and it gets us going for a fun show.”

Once the tour ends, the boys will return to L.A. for production on the third season of “Big Time Rush.”

“We start shooting in April and it’s going to be awesome. I know a lot of the new songs are being worked in and we are getting a lot of big guest stars,” Pena said. “They all have kids and want to be on the show and it’s awesome. Erik Estrada plays my dad. Fabio, Miranda Cosgrove …a lot of fun people are coming by. It’s going to be a great season.”

Nickelodeon UK Unveils Exclusive Sneak Peek Picture From The Brand New "Victorious" Special "Locked Up!"

To celebrate Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK premiering the brand new special episode of "Victorious" called "Locked Up!" on Friday 24th February 2012 at 6.00pm (repeated at 7.00pm on Nickelodeon UK's +1 timeshift channel, Nick Replay UK), Nickelodeon UK and Ireland have posted a exclusive sneak peek photograph from the "Victorious" special titled "Locked Up!" on their official Twitter feed (@NickelodeonUK):

@Victorious #LockedUp day! Are the gang getting locked up for real... or is orange jst the fashionable colour in Yerba? http://ow.ly/i/tx9M

Simon Cowell: 'Nickelodeon Is Perfect Fit For X Factor's Rachel Crow'

From Digital Spy:

Simon Cowell: 'Nickelodeon is perfect fit for X Factor's Rachel Crow'

Simon Cowell has said that Nickelodeon is the "perfect fit" for former X Factor USA contestant Rachel Crow.

The teenager announced this week that she had signed a deal with Nickelodeon and Columbia Records, which is believed to include a starring role in a musical pilot and recurring part on Fred: The Show.

Cowell, who mentored Crow on The X Factor, said: "It's incredible. I can remember sprinting on to the stage [when she was eliminated] and saying to her, 'Look, honestly, I genuinely believe in a weird way this is the best thing that has ever happened to your career', which didn't go down particularly well on the night, but a few days later it sunk in.

"We stuck to what we said which was, we'll make a commitment to you and the public is interested in you, and then along came Nickelodeon which is such a perfect fit for her, and Columbia Records."

He added: "I think we did a good job in our great season of not just finding one great artist but a number and Rachel is one of a few who will have a great career off the back of this."

Fellow X Factor judge LA Reid added: "From the very beginning we always felt she had what it takes to become a major star and she did have the X Factor. Winning was difficult but it didn't stop the process. She will be a big star and I stand by that."

Speaking after the deal was announced, Crow told The Hollywood Reporter: "It's been amazing. A couple [of] days after the elimination I just found myself sitting home asking myself, 'What am I going to do now?' And I never would've thought that this is what I was going to do now. So, it's pretty amazing. I'm very thankful and I feel very blessed to have all this."

Auditions for the second season of The X Factor begin in Missouri on March 14. Full details on all the open casting calls, MyStudio Recording Booth and online auditions are available at www.thexfactorusa.com.

Watch Rachel Crow's X Factor audition below:

UK-Irish Boy Band One Direction's 'What Makes You Beautiful' Becomes Highest Charting Debut US Release From Any UK Artist For 15 Years

From Stereoboard.com:

One Direction's 'What Makes You Beautiful' Becomes Highest Charting Debut US Release For 15 Years

X-Factor boyband One Direction have managed to debut at #29 in the US Hot 100 charts this week – making their single ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ the highest charting debut release from any UK artists since the Spice Girls’ ‘Wannabe’ in 1997, 15 years ago.

The news comes ahead of their up and coming US tour alongside American boyband Big Time Rush and their appearance on Nickelodeon show ‘iCarly’, which has seen US interest in the boys skyrocket and sales of their single multiply. Of course, Simon Cowell is delighted – and hopes that their success will encourage more people to audition for the USA version of the X-Factor.

And, the track has still got a week before it goes up for pop radio airplay – meaning the track is likely to rise even higher in the charts, despite already becoming the highest charting debut since ‘Wannabe’ went in at #11. This all comes before One Direction have even released their debut album ‘Up All Night’, which is set to hit shelves on March 13th.

One Direction announced a 2013 UK tour at the BRIT Award ceremony last Tuesday, meaning you’ll be able to catch the boys across the country in a year’s time. If you’re a fan, make sure you grab your tickets soon – as One Direction tickets sell like wildfire. Check the dates and details below.

One Direction UK & Ireland Tour Dates are as follows:

Fri February 22nd 2013 - O2 Arena, London
Sat February 23rd 2013 - O2 Arena, London
Tue February 26th 2013 - SECC, Glasgow
Fri March 1st 2013 - Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Cardiff
Sat March 2nd 2013 - Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Cardiff
Tue March 5th 2013 - O2 Dublin, Dublin
Wed March 6th 2013 - O2 Dublin, Dublin
Thu March 7th 2013 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast
Fri March 8th 2013 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast
Fri March 15th 2013 - MEN Arena Manchester, Manchester
Sun March 17th 2013 - Liverpool Echo Arena, Liverpool
Tue March 19th 2013 - Motorpoint Arena Sheffield, Sheffield
Wed March 20th 2013 - Capital FM Arena Nottingham, Nottingham
Fri March 22nd 2013 - LG Arena Birmingham, Birmingham
Sun March 24th 2013 - Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Click Here to Compare & Buy One Direction Tickets at Stereoboard.com.

NickToons USA Ready To Premiere New Animated Show 'Monsuno' On 23rd February 2012; Scheduled To Debut Internationally During Summer 2012

From Animation Insider:

Nicktoons Ready to Launch 'Monsuno' Animation

Premiering on the Nicktoons network this week, Monsuno is the newest addition to a rather extended lineage of monster-training adventure cartoons. The new TV animation follows a group of kid heroes whose destiny to save the world is equally intertwined with the lives of fantastical creatures of enormous size and power. Monsuno is a co-production of Dentsu Entertainment (U.S.), Dentsu Tec (Japan), FremantleMedia Enterprises (UK), and JAKKS Pacific (U.S.), who recently unveiled a number of competitive role-play items at the 2012 American International Toy Fair.

According to the Nickelodeon family of networks, Nicktoons spent 2011 cultivating regular growth for its Boys 6-11 (+02%) and Boys 9-14 (+08%) demographics.

Now, right up their alley, comes the 2D animation Monsuno, an action-adventure title that involves oversized monsters, arcane mystery, and a homegrown mythology.

The series marks its debut on Nicktoons this week (February 23, 2012), in advance of its regular broadcast position on Thursdays at 8:30pm (ET).

In Monsuno, the story begins centuries in the past when the dinosaurs are wiped out by a cluster of asteroids careening through space. The asteroids, it turns out, were the temporary home to alien DNA strands of unknowable origin. As the years past, the foreign DNA lay dormant on Earth. It wasn't until a curious scientist, surname Suno, began looking into the capabilities of the alien genetic material that something remarkable happened. The story of Monsuno continues as Suno's research unwittingly awakens (and unleashes) the Monsuno DNA across the planet. The scientist's actions have unveiled creatures of tremendous power, and whereas some individuals wish the best for these amusing beasts, there are other organizations with more sinister plans afoot.

Fast-forwarding to the present time, Chase Suno, the doctor's charismatic son, has pledged to right some wrongs and uncover any remaining secrets surrounding the Monsuno.

Chase assembles a team to help use the Monsuno monsters to save the world from ne'er-do-wells, and if he's lucky, locate his missing father as well. At the boy's side are Jinja, a girl with a good education and penchant for rough adventure; Bren, Chase's brainy childhood friend; Beyal, a forward-looking monk; and Dax, "the bad boy of the group," who is most comfortable rebelling against authority.

The Monsuno, of Monsuno, are enormous hybrid creatures with assorted powers that are likely helpful in a number of actioner scenarios.

For example, Chase's Monsuno, Lock, is a cross between a bear, gorilla, and tiger, and is fiercely protective. Charger, Jinja's ally, is a mythical cross between a buffalo, armadillo, and a moose, with a heroic and confident disposition. Should Monsuno prove immensely successful, one can rest assured JAKKS Pacific will be quick to unveil newer and fresher creature toy designs as the months pass. Nicktoons is currently preparing to broadcast all fifty-episodes of Monsuno, no doubt with the aid of growth in the Kids 6-11 (+03%) range. An international rollout is scheduled for summer 2012.

Nickelodeon UK To Premiere Brand New "The Fairly Oddparents" Movie "A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up, Timmy Turner!" On 2nd March 2012

According to Nickelodeon UK's brand new ""A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up, Timmy Turner!", Coming 2nd March" trailer/promo, Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon UK HD will premiere the brand new Nickelodeon Original Television Movie "A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up Timmy Turner!", which is based on the popular animated original Nickelodeon show ("NickToon") "The Fairly Oddparents" and stars Nickelodeon Stars Drake Bell ("The Amanda Show" and "Drake & Josh"), Daniella Monet ("Victorious", "Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred", and "Fred: The Show"), Daran Norris (Gordy in "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide", "Buddha Bob" in "Big Time Rush", and the voice of Cosmo and Mr. Turner in the "The Fairly Oddparents"), and Tara Strong (the voice of Dil Pickles in "Rugrats" and "All Grown Up!") on Friday 2nd March 2012 at 6.00pm (repeated at 7.00pm on Nickelodeon UK's +1 timeshift channel, Nick Replay UK) (transmission (TX) time to be confirmed by Nickelodeon UK) as part of Nickelodeon UK's "The Fairly Oddparents Premiere Week" programming stunt, followed straight after by Leon Thomas III's "Nickelodeon Screen Test".



The brand new "The Fairly Oddparents" movie "A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up Timmy Turner!" is set in the city of Dimmsdale and centers on the series' main protagonist Timmy Turner (Drake Bell) with his fairy godparents Cosmo and Wanda (played by Jason Alexander ("Seinfeld") and Cheryl Hines ("Curb Your Enthusiasm") as their human counterparts) and his fairy godbrother Poof. In the movie, Timmy is now twenty-three years old but is still in fifth grade with his fairy-obsessed fifth grade teacher Mr. Crocker (Steven Weber (Wings)). Despite being grown up, Timmy finds a loophole in the fairy rulebook 'Da Rules': if he continues to act like a kid, he will still get to keep his fairies. However, the dilemma rises when Tootie (Daniella Monet), who was once a dorky girl when she was ten years old, returns to Dimmsdale as an attractive woman. Timmy falls in love with her, a sign that he is growing up to an adult, which means he is closer to losing his fairies. Meanwhile, an oil business tycoon named Hugh J. Magnate, Jr. (Steven Weber), who teams up with Mr. Crocker, plans to use Timmy's fairies' magic in order to promote his oil business.

Below is more information about the brand new original Nickelodeon Movie "A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up Timmy Turner!" from the Nickelodeon movies' show page on the official Nickelodeon USA website, Nick.com:

About Grow Up Timmy Turner

Life is pretty magical for 23-year-old Timmy Turner. He's managed to avoid all sorts of responsibilities by staying a kid at heart. He's even maintained his 5th grade status to keep his Fairy Godparents, Wanda and Cosmo! But when Timmy's childhood friend, Tootie, returns to town, Timmy is forced to deal with new crushy feelings for the once-dorky-now-gorgeous Tootie. Will he have to (gasp!) grow up?? But what would happen to his Fairy Godparents?? Tough questions for Timmy, but that's nothing compared to his big time battle with power-hungry evil business trying to take over his beloved Dimmsdale! It just might be time for Timmy Turner to do some growing up.

Also, below is a description about the brand new "Fairly OddParents" special called "A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up Timmy Turner!" from the official Nickelodeon UK and Ireland websites', Nick.co.uk, "What's On Schedule section":

6:00pm A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up! - Timmy Turner is all grown up! But even at 23, he wants to stay a kid forever - otherwise he'd lose his fairy godparents! Starring Drake Bell, Daniella Monet, Jason Alexander, and Cheryl Hines. More A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up!

Also, below is Nickelodeon UK's episode description for Leon Thomas III's "Nickelodeon Screen Test" from the official Nick UK website:

7:05pm Screen Test Leon Thomas: - No-one escapes the questions asked by Nickelodeon's mighty Screen Test. Today, Andre from Victorious is the man with all the answers.

Below is a streaming Nickelodeon video and transcript featuring Nick UK's new ""A Fairly OddMovie: Grow Up, Timmy Turner!", Next Friday at 6" trailer/promo which Nickelodeon UK is broadcasting on-air to advertise Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon UK HD premiering and showing the brand new "Fairly OddParents" movie special called "A Fairly OddMovie: Grow Up, Timmy Turner!" on Friday 2nd March 2012 at 6.00pm (repeated at 7.00pm on Nick Replay UK):

[...] Most Magical Movie Event.

[You're in for a big surprise!]

Don't miss Drake Bell in A Fairly OddMovie - Grow Up, Timmy Turner!, next Friday at 6pm, only on Nickelodeon!

nick.co.uk

Video Of Nickelodeon UK's New "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards" Promo

Below is a streaming video and transcript of Nickelodeon UK and Ireland's brand new "Nickelodeon 2012 Kids' Choice Awards" promo/trailer which Nickelodeon UK is currently broadcasting on-air to advertise that Nickelodeon UK and Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK will be premiering and showing Nickelodeon's milestone 25th Annual Kids' Choice Awards on Sunday 1st April 2012 at 5.30pm (repeated at 6.30pm on Nick Replay UK) and is narrated by voice over artist Peter Dickson, who is also known as "Voiceover Man":

There's nothing in the world like the Kids' Choice Awards!

It's the show where nothing is what it seems!

[Nickelodeon 2011 Kids' Choice Awards audience throwing green slime at Russell Brand]

[Russell Brand: It's not in the script!]

Don't miss the stars...

...stunts...

...and slime!

The 2012 Kids' Choice Awards, Sunday the 1st of April at 5.30pm, only on Nickelodeon!

Nickelodeon UK To Premier Brand New Episodes Of "Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness" In March 2012

Nickelodeon UK has announced on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonUK) that Nickelodeon UK will be premiering and showing "tons" of brand new episodes of the new animated Nickelodeon series "Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness" on Nickelodeon UK and Ireland, Nickelodeon HD UK and Nick Replay UK in March 2012 as part of "March On Nickelodeon":

Do you know when you are going to show new episodes of Kung Fu Panda Legends of Awesomeness series?

@NickelodeonUK: Tons of new eps in March!

Nickelodeon Boy Band "Big Time Rush" To Be Guests On "Live! with Kelly" In Early March 2012

Update - according to this Nickelodeon press release announcing Big Time Rush's Summer 2012 tour, Nickelodeon's "Big Time Rush" boy band will be making an appearance on "Live! With Kelly" on Friday 9th March 2012

From Digital Spy:

Nick Lachey, Pat Kiernan, Martin Short to co-host 'Live! With Kelly'

Nick Lachey, Pat Kiernan and Martin Short are the latest stars announced as co-hosts on Live! With Kelly.

The Sing-Off host Lachey will join Kelly Ripa on the March 5 and March 6 editions of the daytime show, where guests will include Happily Divorced actress Fran Drescher.

NY1 news anchor Kiernan will serve as co-host on March 7, when Willem Dafoe will be the guest.

Comedian and actor Short will close the week as co-host on the March 8 and March 9 episodes, welcoming guests including Ewan McGregor, Kathy Bates and Nickelodeon band Big Time Rush.

Lachey, Kiernan and Short are the latest in a long line of celebrities who have co-hosted alongside Ripa since the departure of Regis Philbin in November 2011.

Live! With Kelly will air from the Kodak Theatre - the Hollywood venue that is home to the Oscars - on Monday, February 27 at 9am ET, featuring interviews with the night's winners and presenters and red carpet fashion analysis.

"Live! with Kelly" (formerly "The Morning Show", "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee", "Live with Regis" and "Live! with Regis and Kelly") is a syndicated North American television morning talk show, hosted by Kelly Ripa. "Big Time Rush" (also known as BTR) is a Nickelodeon boyband consisting of Nickelodeon Stars Kendall Schmidt (Kendall Knight), James Maslow (James Diamond), Carlos Pena (Carlos Garcia), and Logan Henderson (Logan Mitchell), who also star in the Nickelodeon show of the same name ("Big Time Rush").

Nickelodeon Signs "X Factor USA" Quarter-Finalist Rachel Crow For "Fred: The Show" & A Brand New Nickelodeon Musical Comedy Pilot

From Digital Spy:

'X Factor' USA's Rachel Crow signs Columbia, Nickelodeon deals

X Factor USA contender Rachel Crow has signed contracts with Columbia Records and Nickelodeon.

The 13-year-old, who made the quarter-finals during the Fox reality competition's first season late last year, has signed a joint record contract with Columbia and Simon Cowell's own Syco.

© Fox / Ray Mickshaw
Crow told The Hollywood Reporter: "It's been amazing. A couple [of] days after the elimination I just found myself sitting home asking myself, 'What am I going to do now?' And I never would've thought that this is what I was going do now. So, it's pretty amazing. I'm very thankful and I feel very blessed to have all this."

She also spoke of her enthusiasm at sharing a label with award-winning artists such as Beyoncé and Adele.

Crow has also signed a talent deal with Nickelodeon which reportedly includes her own musical comedy pilot. She will also appear in at least five episodes of upcoming series Fred: The Show as Starr, a young girl who wants to become famous.

[Click here to see two more images of upcoming Nickelodeon Star Rachel Crow on the North American version of The X Factor]

Nickelodeon's Paula Kaplan said that Crow is "an original... [she's] funny, genuine and has raw talent and a passion for performing".

Fellow X Factor contenders Brian 'Astro' Bradley, Marcus Canty and Chris Rene have all joined first season winner Melanie Amaro on Epic Records.

Watch Rachel Crow perform 'Nothing on You' by Bruno Mars and BoB during The X Factor below:



[Tags:] Rachel Crow, Simon Cowell, Astro, Brian Bradley, Marcus Canty, Chris Rene, Melanie Amaro, Beyoncé, Adele, Syco, Columbia Records, US TV, Music, X Factor USA

Also, from The Hollywood Reporter:

'X Factor's' Rachel Crow Lands Nickelodeon TV Deal, Columbia Records Contract

The 14-year-old has also landed a recurring role on Nick's new comedy series, "Fred: The Show."

Rachel Crow may not have won X Factor, but she is now poised to make several dreams come true all at once.

'X Factor's' Josh Krajcik Working With Adele's Producer on Debut AlbumTaylor Swift, Tim Tebow, Johnny Depp Land Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award Noms'X Factor' Entertains Replacing Steve Jones With Two HostsPHOTOS: An 'American Idol' to 'X Factor' Timeline

She has scored a talent deal with Nickelodeon that includes starring in her own musical comedy series pilot. In addition, she has been signed by Sony Music-owned Columbia Records in partnership with her X Factor coach Simon Cowell’s company, Syco.

“It's been amazing,” Crow tells The Hollywood Reporter. “A couple days after the elimination I just found myself sitting home asking myself, ‘What am I going to do now?’ And I never would've thought that this is what I was going do now. So, it's pretty amazing. I'm very thankful and I feel very blessed to have all this.”

That isn’t all. Nickelodeon has also cast Crow in a recurring role on the network's new comedy series, Fred: The Show starring Lucas Cruikshank. She is already on-set shooting the role of Starr, an eccentric girl who acts and sings and, as her name indicates, wants to be famous. She will appear in at least five episodes airing in the spring.

“Rachel is an original,” Nickelodeon's Talent Strategy and West Coast Operations EVP Paula Kaplan says. “She’s funny, genuine and has raw talent and a passion for performing. We’re delighted to be home to her first acting project and think she is poised to join the ranks of our next generation of Nick stars.”

It may be a shock for fans to hear that the teen landed at Nick rather than Disney. Even while still competing in the Fox talent competition, reports spread that she was already in talks with Disney.

"It's definitely going to come as a surprise for a lot of people," she says. "I get asked on a daily basis from all my wonderful friends, 'So, Disney, huh?' It's hard to keep a secret, but it's really cool because now I'm happy to be able to share it with everyone."

The record deal with Columbia Records places Crow in the position to name some major stars as labelmates, including Beyonce, Adele, Celine Dione, and Barbra Streisand. She plans to begin work on her first album later this year.

"Columbia was awesome for me. This is the top, which is really cool," Crow says excitedly. "Beyonce and Adele. And I'm in the same family as them, which is really awesome."

As for the album she's planning to record, Crow says she wants her music to be "spunky and there's definitely gonna be some high notes in there. And it's just gonna be me."

The news of Crow's signing came the same day THR's sources tell us that runner-up Josh Krajcik is working on his debut album and has landed a deal with Sony, as well. Other Season 1 graduates who’ve locked down label deals at Sony include Chris Rene, Astro, Marcus Canty and, of course, winner Melanie Amaro who also pocketed $5 million.

The Colorado native, who was brought up by adoptive parents, became a fan favorite on the Fox competition for her ability to bring maturity and skill to songs that seemed beyond her young age. After an emotional elimination, she placed fifth overall in the competition. She says that she definitely learned a lot from the competition that she'll take with her into ther future projects.

“I'll remember to stay true to who you are and just be yourself, because if you don't, then you'll lose sight of the reason that you started,” she says of her biggest X Factor lesson. “All the experiences that I've had and all the things that I had to go through just to be here today, it makes me who I am. I think there's a song that says ‘All your scars make you who you are," you know, all the bad scars and the good scars.”

Crow is managed by Azoff, Geary, Paul, Smith Management.

Also, below is the Nickelodeon Press Release announcing the Nickelodeon News that Nickelodeon had signed "The X Factor" "singing sensation" Rachel Crow for a television deal from PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance:

The X Factor Singing Sensation Rachel Crow Signed by Nickelodeon for Television Deal and Sony Music for Recording Deal With Columbia Records/Syco

Talent Deal Includes New Comedy Music Pilot for Fourteen-Year-Old Singer and Recurring Role in the New Nick Series FRED: THE SHOW

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 22, 2012 /Nickelodeon Press Release via PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon has signed fourteen-year-old singing sensation Rachel Crow to an overall talent deal, it was announced today by Paula Kaplan, Executive Vice President, Talent Strategy and West Coast Operations. As part of the new pact, Nickelodeon is developing a comedy series for Crow, who is best known for her buzz-worthy performances on Fox's singing competition series The X Factor.

In addition, Crow has been signed by Columbia Records/Syco, label home to some of the world's leading recording artists.

"It's such an honor to be signed to Columbia Records," said Crow. "To think that I am signed to the same label as my idols is a dream come true. I can't wait to get in the studio and start making music." Added Crow, "And I am so excited to now be a part of the Nickelodeon family. I grew up watching Nick, and I'm a huge fan."

Simon Cowell, The X Factor judge and Rachel Crow's mentor during the show said, "I am incredibly happy for Rachel. This girl has it. We saw her potential at the first audition and Nickelodeon and Columbia are the right homes for her."

"Rachel is an original," said Kaplan. "She's funny, genuine and has raw talent and a passion for performing. We're delighted to be home to her first acting project and think she is poised to join the ranks of our next generation of Nick stars."

In addition to plans for her to star in a new pilot for the network, Crow is slated to appear in a recurring role in Nickelodeon's new comedy series FRED: THE SHOW appearing opposite Lucas Cruikshank. Crow will play Starr, an imaginative, confident but awkward teenager. Like Fred, Starr's self-perception doesn't match up with how the world sees her. To her classmates, she seems a bit eccentric, but in her own mind, Starr is a wildly talented actress and singer and ready to break out of her boring town. FRED: THE SHOW airs on Friday nights.

From Colorado, Rachel Crow was fostered as a young baby by Barbara and Kelly Crow. Crow sang her first song (Faith Hill's "Breathe") at 18 months old and first performed in public at age six as part of her school's talent show. Her parents brought her to Los Angeles in 2010 to support her dream of being a performer and she auditioned at age 13 for The X Factor in early 2011. After being chosen as a contestant out of over 100,000 people who auditioned for season 1 of The X Factor (USA), she wowed audiences with her powerful voice and bubbly personality and placed fifth in the competition for the season. A fan favorite and darling among the judges, L.A. Reid deemed her a "funky, feisty singer with soul" with Simon Cowell declaring that audiences would be "hearing a lot more about her."

Rachel is managed by Jared Paul and Joshua Russak for Azoff, Geary, Paul, Smith Management.

NICKELODEON

Nickelodeon, now in its 32nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 17 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

COLUMBIA RECORDS

One of the most respected and successful record labels in the world, Columbia Records is home to established superstars and exciting new talent. Columbia Records is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment.

Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.

SYCO & THE X FACTOR

Syco Entertainment is a joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music. Syco's television assets include the global franchises The X Factor and Got Talent. THE X FACTOR was created by Syco Television and is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia. Local versions of The X Factor are produced in more than 40 territories and the US version of The X Factor airs in over 162 countries. Artists discovered by The X Factor format have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, including 110 number ones, 270 top 10, and 501 top 50 releases.

Syco Music is the record label home for such diverse international recording artists as Labrinth, One Direction, Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle and Il Divo. Syco Music works in partnership with other Sony Music labels to launch the careers of many artists discovered through The X Factor series, including in the UK; JLS, Olly Murs, Diana Vickers, Alexandra Burke, Matt Cardle, Rebecca Ferguson, One Direction and Cher Lloyd.

THE X FACTOR (USA) Season 2 audition information:

www.TheXFactorUSA.com
Online Auditions at www.thexfactorusa.com: Open March 1;

Open Call Auditions Starting March 14 in Kansas City, MO. More dates and information on open calls and MyStudio HD Recording Studios available on website.

Also, from Realitywanted:

The X Factor Season 2: Conference Call With Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid

Q. How excited are you for Rachel Crow and the big news she announced today?
A. Simon: It's incredible...referring to the week where Rachel was kicked off and I can recall sprinting on to the stage and saying to her, look, I genuinely believe this is the best thing that has happened to your career, which didn't go particularly well on that night, but a few days later it sunk in and we stuck to what we said, which was we are going to make a commitment to you...the public is interested in you and then along came Nickelodeon, which is such a perfect fit for her and Columbia Records...she is one of the most determined people I've met in my life.

L.A.: You're absolutely right and from the beginning we always felt she had what it takes to become a major star...she did have the X Factor. Winning was difficult, but it didn't stop the process. She's still going to be a big star...I stand by that.

Simon: We did say this before on the show, it's a show you have to want to win that's why we put the $5 million up, but at the same time I think we did a good job in our first season and not just finding one great artist, but a number and Rachel is one of a few that are going to have great careers at the back of this.

Nickelodeon UK's Director of Original Production, David Kangas, has welcomed upcoming Nickelodeon Star Rachel Crow to the Nickelodeon family in a Tweet (post) on his official Twitter feed (@kangas911):

Welcome @iamrachellcrow to the Nickelodeon family!!