Pontiac To Give Undiscovered Band Chance To Play In Front Of Millions
Pontiac will give an unsigned artist the chance to play in Times Square on New Year's Eve in front of millions of people and appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live




Pontiac unveiled details for the brand's biggest music promotion ever - a nationwide musical talent search and contest. Beginning today, the promotion, "Countdown to 1" will give unsigned bands the opportunity to compete for the ultimate prize; the chance to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live and play on the Pontiac Garage in New York's Times Square during the annual New Year's Eve celebration, where historically only the biggest bands have performed.

"The Pontiac Garage has been so successful in providing a nationwide platform to feature young, hip and progressive bands that we wanted to take it to the next level and offer a chance for the next big, breakthrough band to shine in the spotlight," said Dino Bernacchi, Pontiac advertising manager. "If you look at the caliber of bands we've featured on the Pontiac Garage Stage in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago and New York City, we are focused on bringing great bands and cool, progressive musical performances to music fans. With 'Countdown to 1,' any unsigned artist or band could win the life changing opportunity to play in Times Square on New Year's Eve among the biggest names in music."

"This is a great opportunity for musicians to be seen on television without having to be insulted by a British guy in a tight shirt," added Jimmy Kimmel. 


How "Countdown to 1" works

Starting November 17, unsigned bands will be able to upload an MP3 track to the "Countdown to 1" website www.countdownto1.com. A short essay will also be submitted describing why the judges' panel should select the band. Bands will also have the opportunity to submit a video (the video will not be used in the judgess' decision). The winning band will win the breakthrough booking of a lifetime - a chance to open for a national act, in Times Square, on New Year's Eve in front of a million people, and an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. The winning band will be chosen by a panel of judges from Pontiac and Jimmy Kimmel Live.


Sweepstakes and ContentRichWebsite

Fans will also be able to participate in "Countdown to 1." During the promotion period (November - December 15), fans can enter to win an all-expenses-paid trip for two to New York City for all of the New Year's Eve celebrations as the VIP guests of Pontiac and Jimmy Kimmel Live. Fans visiting countdownto1.com will also be able to rate daily music and video submissions as well as view Jimmy Kimmel's "New Music of the Day" selections where he posts daily top ten video's and tracks.


About Pontiac

Pontiac is a division of General Motors Corporation (NYSE: GM) and markets the G6 sedan, coupe and retractable hardtop convertible; Solstice roadster; Torrent; Vibe; Grand Prix and the G5 sports coupe. Pontiac sold more than 435,000 vehicles in 2005, ranking third among GM divisions in total sales. More information on Pontiac and its products can be found on the division's website at www.pontiac.com and in Spanish at www.pontiac.com/espanol. For more information on the Pontiac Garage and Jimmy Kimmel, visit www.abc.go.com/primetime/jimmykimmel/garage.html.


About Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Kimmel and Jill Leiderman serve as executive producers of "Jimmy Kimmel Live." Jason Shrift and Douglas DeLuca serve as co-executive producers. "Jimmy Kimmel Live" is shot live in front of a studio audience and produced by Jackhole Industries in association with Touchstone Television. The show airs at 12:05 a.m. on ABC. http://abc.go.com/primetime/jimmykimmel/index.html