INITIAL PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE �2005 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS,� AIRING NOVEMBER 22 ON ABC

Mariah Carey, Kenny Chesney and Rob Thomas Set

The initial performers set to appear on the �2005 American Music Awards,� to be telecast on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network, are not only all multi-platinum sellers, they are also all nominees for this year�s awards.

Scheduled to perform thus far are international superstar Mariah Carey (four nominations), Country Music�s reigning Entertainer of the Year, Kenny Chesney, and the driving force of matchbox twenty and acclaimed solo artist Rob Thomas.

A previous winner of eight American Music Awards, Mariah Carey is simply the No. 1 most successful female songwriter and performer of all time. She recently added to her long list of achievements when she became the only woman in history to hold the two top spots on the hit singles chart simultaneously. Also a previous American Music Award winner, Kenny Chesney has sold over 25 million records. His current album, the self-written �Be As You Are,� debuted at No. 1 without the benefit of a single or a tour -- although his ensuing summer tour marked the third year in a row in which the high energy performer played to over a million people. Rob Thomas is one of the most distinctive vocalists and accomplished songwriters in contemporary music. He made chart history earlier this year when his first solo album, �� Something to Be,� entered the charts at No. 1, making him the first male artist from a rock or pop group to debut at the top of the charts with an initial solo album.

Additional artists will be added to the lineup and announced at a later date. The special will emanate from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, and be hosted by Cedric �The Entertainer.�

A total of 21 publicly voted awards will be presented on this year�s �2005 American Music Awards� in eight areas of music -- Dance-offPop/Rock, Country, Soul/Rhythm & Blues, Rap/Hip-Hop, Latin Music, Adult Contemporary Music, Alternative Music and Contemporary Inspirational Music.

The live special is a presentation of dick clark productions, inc., with Allen Shapiro serving as executive producer. Larry Klein produces the telecast and Jeff Margolis directs.