Hyundai Joins Forces With The Recording Academy To Create "Center Stage Powered By GRAMMY Amplifier"

Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park to Curate Program Celebrating Innovation in Music by Providing Unique Awards

COSTA MESA, CA--Feb. 8, 2013: As part of a three-year partnership as the "Official Vehicle Partner" of the GRAMMY Awards, Hyundai has teamed with The Recording Academy to create "Center Stage," an innovative online platform designed to provide professional mentoring and exposure for artists discovered and amplified through the GRAMMY's innovative GRAMMY Amplifier program.

For "Center Stage Powered By GRAMMY Amplifier," Mike Shinoda, member of two-time GRAMMY winning band Linkin Park, will serve as curator for "Center Stage," which was developed based on the success of GRAMMY Amplifier. Launched by The Recording Academy in January, GRAMMY Amplifier, allows musicians to share their tracks via SoundCloud for a chance to have their music shared online by a panel of musical icons.

"Center Stage" will select three artists with the most "amplification" (shares/likes) and individually award them with a recording session with a leading GRAMMY producer, production of a music video with a noted producer and/or director, or an opening act performance sloton a major tour or music festival. The winning artists will be announced at The GRAMMYs annual SXSW party in March, during SXSW 2013. Visit Grammy Amplifier  or Hyundai Center Stage for a chance to enter the program and for a complete set of rules.

"Hyundai's partnership with The Recording Academy ties together music's biggest brand with Hyundai's passion for creativity and innovation," said Steve Shannon, vice president, marketing, Hyundai Motor America. "In continuing our successful relationship, 'Center Stage' and the GRAMMY Amplifier allows Hyundai to connect with an audience that loves music and share great music with fans everywhere."

Hyundai will also play a starring role at the GRAMMYs as both the "Official Vehicle Partner" of the GRAMMY Awards and GRAMMY Week. As part of GRAMMY Week, Hyundai Equus and Genesis vehicles will grace the red carpet, chauffeur VIPs to the awards ceremony, and be on display at the official GRAMMY Celebration after-party. The 55^th Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place live on Sunday, Feb. 10, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 -- 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).