MTV LatAM Music Awards In Mexico.

Pierluigi Gazzolo, Managing Director, MTV Networks Latin America announced that Mexico will host the “MTV Video Music Awards Latin America 2005” (VMALAs) live from Playa del Carmen. This announcement marks the first time the show will travel to a new destination since its premier in 2002. The fourth annual MTV VMALAs will take place at Xcaret Park located in the Mexico Caribbean, one of the country’s most popular destinations. On Thursday, October 20th, the VMALAs ’05 will air on MTV Latin America to more than 24 countries. In addition, it will be seen on various broadcast stations throughout Latin America; it will air on MTV and MTV2 in the US, reaching 80 million households; and it will have the potential to reach more than 418 million households in 164 territories across MTV’s channels worldwide.

“Since launching the VMALAs in 2002, we’ve always wanted to bring our flagship event into the region,” commented Gazzolo. “Mexico is one of our most important markets and we’re confident that it will be a wonderful host and a true representative of all that Latin America has to offer.”

In order to bring MTV Latin America’s most important franchise to Mexico, the network has established a promotional partnership with Mexico’s Promotion and Tourism Council. The entities’ joint efforts will ensure the success of the show while showing Mexico’s rich culture and country throughout the rest of Latin America, the United States and around the world.

“Being in Mexico is going to take the creative elements of the show to a whole new level,” added Charlie Singer, Executive Producer and EVP Programming and Creative & Strategic Marketing. “The music scene is vibrant at all levels, the creative community is one of the most dynamic in the region and the rich cultural heritage is going to be extremely inspiring. In Mexico, we are guaranteed to have a lot of fun.”

“We are delighted MTV Networks Latin America has chosen Mexico to host its next MTV Video Music Awards Latin America”, said Francisco Ortiz, CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board. “In addition to being in the top ranking among the world’s tourism destinations, Mexico is increasingly becoming the chosen destination for premier events of all genres, and we couldn’t be happier. I invite you to follow closely the 4th annual MTV Music Awards Latin America and to enjoy the natural beauty of Xcaret and all of the Riviera Maya which will provide the perfect scenery for the event and will showcase Mexico’s strength and magic.”

Mr. Félix González Canto, Governor of Quintana Roo, expressed the State Government’s satisfaction that “Quintana Roo was selected as the first destination for the VMALAs outside of the United States, to bring it to Playa del Carmen in the Riviera Maya, one of Mexico and the Caribbean’s most important tourist sites and a place that exemplifies the beauty of our country and our seas. By giving us the chance to host this event, MTV Networks Latin America also provides us with a very special and different window where to promote the state’s tourism and to share the warmth and hospitality of our people with more than 400 million homes,” he added.

Internationally renowned rock band Foo Fighters will perform live at the VMALAs ’05. Formed by ex-Nirvana’s Dave Grohl in 1995, the Foo Fighters will release its fifth album “In Your Honor” in June 2005, almost exactly after a decade from the release of the first Foo Fighters record. The double album includes a live acoustic CD with guest appearances by Norah Jones and Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones.

The “MTV Video Music Awards Latin America” reflects the music and attitude of youth in Latin America today. The show brings together a variety of regional Latin American pop and rock artists and international acts — making it a truly unique music experience. Nominees for the VMALAs are selected by a “Music and Video Academy” comprised of music industry professionals and MTV executives. Winners for each category are chosen solely by viewers’ votes through MTV Latin America’s website www.MTVla.com. Details of the nominees and voting process will be announced in the future.