Update--Former American Idol Contestant Tim Halperin Wins Ourstage.com Competition to Open for Megan & Liz, Hot Chelle Rae at Band Against Bullying Concert

NEW YORK, July 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, OurStage.com, the destination site for new music discovery, unveiled the winner of yet another user driven competition through their innovative platform, this time granting even more exposure to a familiar face. Former American Idol contestant Tim Halperin was selected by countless fans to be the opening act at a groundbreaking free concert in New York City on Friday, July 20th, as the music community unites to raise awareness around bullying. Halperin, who captivated fans on the hit reality show, will open for YouTube sensations Megan & Liz and guests pop superstars Hot Chelle Rae, at BB Kings Blues Club, for the concert designed to encourage social change through music.

"I'm beyond stoked to have won the Band Against Bullying Competition for a chance to perform with Megan and Liz and Hot Chelle Rae in New York. I'm honored to share the stage with these incredibly talented groups, and look forward to performing my original music," said Tim Halperin. "Thanks to Akoo and OurStage.com for making this happen. OurStage gave me a chance to get my music heard and the people responded, which is a great feeling! This is an amazing opportunity for me and my music."

OurStage.com is a music community made up of music fans, and undiscovered musicians hungry for exposure and opportunity. Tim Halperin is the most recent in a string of incredible discovered talents that include Jitta on the Track who won the opportunity to open for Drake on his 22 city Club Paradise Tour, Larry G (ee) who earned the opportunity to headline the OurStage.com stage at this year's Warped Tour and Brandon Green, who won a chance to record an LP with Grammy Award Winner Keith Urban.

"With recent successes like Jitta On The Track on the Drake tour, as well as Larry G (ee) who is right now taking the Warped Tour by storm with his unique sound, we are thrilled to have Tim Halperin involved in our Band Against Bullying platform," said Scott Nelson, Senior Vice President of Marketing for OurStage.com. "OurStage.com is committed to giving musicians the chance to receive incredible amounts of exposure and while Tim is not a new face, to be able to open for Megan & Liz and Hot Chelle Rae at a legendary NYC venue is a great chance to increase his fan base while supporting a good cause."

The Band Against Bullying concert is presented by Secret Mean Stinks through a partnership with OurStage.com and Akoo, a premier digital video network that engages an audience of 46 million across 62 DMAs, reaching 77% of the U.S. population with music video and entertainment programming. The concert is all ages, free and open-to-the-public on a first-come, first-serve basis, but those interested in attending should go to www.bandagainstbullying2012.com to RSVP, get the chance to win VIP passes and more.

About OurStage.com

Founded in 2007, OurStage.com is a leading destination for music discovery.   An authentic music community made up of over 200,000 emerging musicians, bands and over 4 million music fans from over 150 countries, users can engage and share in the discovery of music. OurStage.com's most acclaimed feature is its proprietary judging engine where the site's listeners rank the music of emerging artists for competitions that reward major opportunities to the winners—such as the chance to open for headlining acts and/or record with major label performers. To date, OurStage.com has provided opportunities for artists to open, be mentored by, or collaborate with celebrity artists such as Bon Jovi, Kid Rock, Drake, Goo Goo Dolls, HANSON, Train, John Legend, Lilith 2010, John Mayer, Monica, T-Pain, Trey Songz, Keith Urban, Travis Barker, Jane's Addiction, Hot Chelle Rae and many others. OurStage.com has also partnered with a wide range of media giants over the last few years, including: Clear Channel, Guitar Center, BET, CMT, Digital Broadcasting Group, AOL Music, MTV, and Radio One. For more information: http://www.ourstage.com.

About Akoo

Akoo International, Inc. is a global media and technology innovator. The Company's flagship digital video network "Akoo" delivers a premium audience of 46 million*across 62 DMAs that reach 77% of the U.S. population. Akoo's audience is highly engaged, socially savvy, and connected through a participatory music video and entertainment experience whereby viewers can use their mobile devices to make on-demand content requests, connect with friends via Facebook and Twitter, and access exclusive special offers. As a result, Akoo drives unmatched marketing effectiveness and ROI for its clients and partners. In recognition of its innovative technology, Akoo International holds several patents in major global markets, including the U.S., China, and Japan. The company is based in Rosemont, Illinois, just outside Chicago, where its namesake Akoo Theatre attracts some of the world's biggest stars and performers for sold-out performances all year-round. In 2012, Akoo International was named one of the Best Places to Work in Media and Marketing by Advertising Age magazine. Find out more at www.akoo.com.

*Source: Nielsen Activity Report, Q1 2012

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