New York: BET Networks announced its first ever Fandemonium Award measuring the online and mobile fan power of today’s top music artists. This award will debut at this year’s BET AWARDS ’10 on Sunday, June 27, 2010. Through a two-week promotion on 106 & PARK, followers of Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj and Trey Songz will undertake daily challenges to compete for their artist to win the award by partnering with the popular social aggregator, AOL Lifestream.
“Today’s successful artists don’t just make hits, they create movements where people can participate and connect with them in ways like never before. This award pays homage to the digitally engaged fans, and we’re excited to partner with AOL to amplify our audience’s voice at the BET AWARDS ’10,” said Denmark West, President of Digital at BET Networks. “Over the past year, BET has experienced tremendous growth across online and mobile platforms and this partnership fits perfectly with our strategy to be right at the pulse of entertainment culture and also drive it.”
“Though artists often reference their fans in receiving awards, never has there been a category that aggregates and mobilizes a fan base in such an influential way on behalf of an artist,” said Stephen Hill, President of Music Programming and Specials at BET Networks. “106 & PARK is known for having the livest audience; now at the BET AWARDS ’10, we have the Fandemonium Award to determine who has the livest fans.”
“AOL Lifestream is the window to your social world online. It gives people the power to share across all of their social networks with one simple update,” said AOL’s Head of Marketing for Consumer Applications Mike Maser. “For music fans, it’s the simplest way to cast their vote via messages and posts from Facebook, Twitter, Digg, YouTube, FourSquare and more. It’s the best way to make your voice heard at the BET AWARDS ’10.”
Viewers can tune into 106 & PARK weekdays at 6:00 p.m. to get the daily challenge and follow their artist’s status. All challenges will take place on BET.com, BET Mobile and other social platforms including Facebook and Twitter, all of which can be viewed in one place via AOL Lifestream at lifestream.aol.com/bet. In addition, AOL will promote this award and the BET AWARDS ’10 across channels like Black Voices, AOL Music, PopEater and the AOL homepage.