Zee Cafe brings Billboard Music Awards to India for the first time

Media News

Mumbai, September 28, 2011

The iconic, Billboard Music Awards marks its Indian debut on Zee Cafe. Billboard Music Awards 2011 will be seen in India for the first time on October 29th at 9:00 PM, exclusively on Zee Cafe. Yatra.com has come on board as the presenting sponsor for Billboard Music Awards 2011.

It would be a sheer treat for viewers to witness their favorites giving breathtaking performance. The 2011 Billboard Music Awards kicked off with a bang, as pop stars like Rihanna, Britney Spears and the Black Eyed Peas rocked the stage at Las Vegas' MGM Grand, while Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Taio Cruz and Lady Antebellum snagged the first awards of the night. Other performers taking the stage during the Billboard Music Awards included Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Far East Movement, Mary J Blige and Lil Wayne.

With presenters including Selena Gomez, Joe Jonas and Matthew Morrison, the Billboard Music Awards also featured a special tribute to Beyonce Knowles - as she was presented with the Billboard Millenium Award for her undeniably successful career achievements.

From Britney Spears delivering a pair of unexpected performances, to pop stars like Justin Bieber and Rihanna taking home trophies, to Beyoncé receiving the Billboard Millennium Award after a show-stopping number, the 2011 Billboard Music Awards were full of big surprises and unforgettable moments.

Speaking on the occasion, Anurag Bedi, Business Head, Zee Cafe, said, “For Zee Cafe, it’s an extension of our brand promise, to showcase the prestigious Billboard Music Awards for the first time to Indian audiences. International music is hugely appreciated by Indian viewers. With a population of over a billion and a connection to the world like never before, India is becoming a preferred destination for international stars. Bollywood has already started capitalizing on this trend with Snoop Dog and Singh is King, Kylie Minogue and Blue and more recently Akon’s song for RA.1. As a matter of fact, India's evolving popular music landscape demands such initiatives. So, we cannot discount the fact that Indian viewers crave for International music content and even the international artist considers India one of the markets to tap into. It is Zee Cafe’s endeavor to bring the world to India.”

Quite enthusiastic on its Indian debut, Robert Horowitz, President of Juma Entertainment, producer of Billboard Music Awards stated, “We are pleased to be teaming with Zee Network as the official broadcaster of the 2011 Billboard Music Awards in India. This is the first time this iconic music awards show will be seen in India and we are excited to have one of the country’s leading broadcasters help bring this great entertainment event to its population.”

Speaking on the sponsorship details, Pratik Mazumder, Head Marketing, Yatra.com, said, “Billboard Music Awards has returned after a hiatus of four years. And it’s quite a feat that Zee Cafe is bringing it to Indian audience. Yatra.com shares Zee Cafe’s enthusiasm in bringing the world to India, whether it is through television content or through international travel. We share similar brand visions. I am quite sure that this association will help us in connecting with our target audience. I look forward to exploring further such associations in the future, with Zee Cafe.”

Other artists enjoying a successful evening included, Eminem, who emerged as the big winner, taking home six trophies including Top Artist, while Justin Bieber won Top New Artist and Rihanna won Top Female Artist awards. Bieber ended up with an armful of trophies by the end of the night, including Top Digital Media Artist, Fan Favorite, Top Social Artist and Top Streaming Artist. Honored with quite the welcome accolade, Taylor Swift was crowned as Top Billboard 200 Artist at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Teen pop sensation Justin Bieber and veteran rap star Eminem dominated the Billboard Music Awards 2011, each taking home a total of six awards. For second place there was a six-way tie between Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Usher, Taylor Swift, Mumford & Sons and Taio Cruz who each won three trophies.

For further information, please contact:

Zee Network

Priyanka Pande

Mobile: +919833195535

Email: priyanka.pande@zeenetwork.com