25 Contenders From Around the World Advance as Semi-Finalists in the Avon Voices Global Singing Talent Search

NEW YORK, July 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Avon Products, Inc. announced the names of the 25 Semi-Finalist Contenders from 19 countries who will advance to the third round of Avon Voices – the company's first-ever global online singing talent search.  Out of 6,000 singing performance videos submitted from more than 60 countries, 25 women remain in the running to be one of two women – one an Avon Representative – selected to have the opportunity to record a professionally produced album.  To date, over 2.2 million votes have been cast from around the world for Rounds One and Two.  

"We are so proud of these 25 women - they have inspired us all with their extraordinary talent and beautiful and diverse stories," said Joe Billone, Vice President, Global Communications for Avon Products, Inc.  "We are so appreciative of the worldwide support from online voters around the world, and encourage everyone to continue supporting their favorite contenders to help make their dreams come true."

The Semi-Finalists will continue on their Avon Voices journey in mid-July, when they travel to Hollywood to record their final performance videos for the next stage of voting.  In Hollywood, they will meet with some of the Avon Voices celebrity judges, receive professional voice coaching and get a star quality makeover courtesy of Avon.

The videos will be posted on AvonVoices.com on July 22, and the next voting period is from July 22 through August 26, 2011.

Culminating later this Fall, up to 10 Global Finalists will travel from around the world to New York City to meet with the acclaimed celebrity judges and record an Avon Voices anthem written by Diane Warren, which will debut live at the Avon Foundation for Women Annual Gala in New York City on November 2nd, and will be available for purchase online in certain countries.  The Gala is also the setting for the much anticipated announcement of the two Avon Voices winners.

The finalists will be selected by a combination of online public voting and a renowned judging panel of music industry leaders from around the world, including: Fergie, six-time Grammy award winner; Diane Warren, legendary songwriter; Natasha Bedingfield, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter; Lea Salonga, Filipina singer and actress; Valeriya, Russian sensation; Delta Goodrem, Australian Artist of the Decade; Sheila E., breakthrough, Grammy-nominated female percussionist; David Pack, Grammy award-winning singer/composer and music producer; Ivete Sangalo, Brazil's biggest pop star; and Maia, Colombian singing star.

If You Haven't Registered, Do it Now!

Avon Voices has invited women from around the world to join a global movement through music in celebration of Avon's 125th Anniversary.  Go to the program's official website – AvonVoices.com – to register to be part of the year-long program and access the following features:

• View and Vote:  Watch the Semifinal Contender videos, and cast your vote between July 22 - August 26.
• Discover Exclusive Music:  "Shoot for the Stars," a song written and sung by Natasha Bedingfield and "Until You Love You," written by Diane Warren, produced by David Pack and sung by Valeriya and other recordings by Avon Voices judges and additional artists are available for purchase exclusively through AvonVoices.com. A percentage of the purchase price of all recordings will help advance the Avon Foundation for Women's global campaign to end violence against women and girls.  To date, Avon global philanthropy has raised and awarded more than $30 million directed to domestic and gender violence awareness, education, direct services and prevention programs.  

To learn more about Avon Voices, go to Avon Voices or click here for multimedia assets.  Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Avon Products, Inc.

Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with over $10 billion in annual revenue.  As the world's largest direct seller, Avon markets to women in more than 100 countries through approximately 6.5 million active independent Avon Sales Representatives.  Avon's product line includes beauty products, as well as fashion and home products, and features such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, Avon Naturals, and Mark.  Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avoncompany.com

About Avon Foundation for Women

The Avon Foundation for Women, the world's largest corporate-affiliated philanthropy focused on issues that matter most to women, was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women. Through 2010, Avon global philanthropy has donated more than $800 million in more than 50 countries for causes most important to women. Today, Avon philanthropy focuses its funding on breast cancer research and access to care through the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, and efforts to reduce domestic and gender violence through its Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program. Avon also responds generously to provide support for relief and recovery efforts in times of major natural disasters and emergencies.

SOURCE Avon Products, Inc.