THE 2004 WORLD MUSIC AWARDS COME TO AMERICA FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER

Usher, Celine Dion, Alicia Keys, Josh Groban, Avril Lavigne, Hoobastank, Kanye West, Hilary Duff and More to Appear in Live Telecast from Las Vegas

For the first time in its history, "The 2004 World Music Awards" will be presented in Las Vegas, in a live telecast which will air WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

The show, which highlights the world's best-selling recording artists, will feature performances by Usher, Celine Dion, Alicia Keys, Josh Groban, Avril Lavigne, Kanye West and Hilary Duff.

For 10 years ABC has broadcast "The World Music Awards," which took place in Monte Carlo. This year, for the first time, the show will originate live from Las Vegas. The show is seen worldwide in more than 150 countries.

Legendary recording industry executive Clive Davis will receive the Outstanding Contribution to the Music Industry Award.

The executive producers of "The 2004 World Music Awards" are Melissa Corken, John Martinotti and Gary L. Pudney. The producer is R.A. Clark. Bruce Gowers directs.

"The 2004 World Music Awards" is a Marcor International Production in association with the Gary L. Pudney Company. (CLOSED-CAPTIONED) (Broadcast in stereo where available.)

A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.