JIMMY KIMMEL RETURNS AS HOST OF THE �2006 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS,� AIRING LIVE NOVEMBER 21 ON ABC

INITIAL PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED INCLUDE BEYONC�, MARY J. BLIGE, CARRIE UNDERWOOD & JOSH GROBAN

Jimmy Kimmel, host and executive producer of ABC�s �Jimmy Kimmel Live,� will return as host of the �2006 American Music Awards� for the third time. The show will air live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network, and is produced by dick clark productions, inc. The multi-talented TV personality, talk show host and producer will take the stage to help hand out 20 American Music Awards representing the best of Pop/Rock, Country, Soul/Rhythm & Blues, Rap/Hip Hop, Latin, Alternative, Adult Contemporary and Contemporary Inspirational music.

�I am very happy to have been asked to return as host of the American Music Awards and graciously accept ABC�s apology for snubbing me last year,� said Kimmel.

In addition to his hit late-night talk show, Kimmel was also recently announced as the host of the new ABC game show �Set for Life,� which will premiere later this year. Kimmel�s company, Jackhole Industries, which he runs with partners Daniel Kellison and Adam Carolla, is responsible for shows such as �Crank Yankers� and �The Andy Milonakis Show,� both of which were recently picked up for new seasons on MTV 2, and also produced the award-winning Comedy Central feature film �Windy City Heat,� in which Kimmel also appears. �Windy City Heat� will be released on DVD today.

The �2006 American Music Awards� will feature a star-studded list of nominees, presenters and performers. Initial performers just announced by show producer Larry Klein include Beyonc�, Josh Groban and nominees Mary J. Blige and Carrie Underwood. Additional performers and presenters are to be announced.

Winners of the American Music Awards are selected by the public. A national sampling of approximately 20,000, taking into account geographic location, age, sex and ethnic origin, will be sent ballots by the National Family Opinion, Inc. firm under the supervision of Broadcast Research and Consulting, Inc. Names of the nominees on the ballot were compiled from data supplied by the music industry trade publication, Radio & Records and Nielsen Soundscan, which tracks retail music sales. Results of the voting, tabulated by the Ernst & Young LLP accounting firm, are kept secret until envelopes are opened during the presentation ceremonies.

The executive producer of the �2006 American Music Awards� is Allen Shapiro. Producer of the television special is Larry Klein, with Louis J. Horvitz directing. Writers will be Barry Adelman and Fred Bronson. Executive in charge of production is Bob Bardo. The associate producer is Don Harary. John Shaffner and Joe Stewart are the production designers. The talent executive is Carla Patterson. The executive in charge is Fran La Maina.

For a complete list of nominees, please visit www.abc.com. To request media credentials to cover this event, please visit http://www.dickclarkproductions.com/ama/and complete the credential application.