BET Launches Brand New Summer Music Series

"GREY GOOSE ENTERTAINMENT AND BET PRESENT: RISING ICONS" FIRST EPISODE TO FEATURE GRAMMY(R) AWARD-WINNING ARTIST CHRISETTE MICHELE PREMIERING MONDAY, JULY 27, 2009 @ 10:30 P.M. ET *

Additional Rising Icons Featured Throughout the Series Include Hal Linton, Keri Hilson, Kid Cudi, Melanie Fiona, Ryan Leslie, The Dream and Wale

NEW YORK, July 23 -- BET is launching a new music program titled "GREY GOOSE ENTERTAINMENT AND BET PRESENT: RISING ICONS." This new late-night series will profile eight of the world's most talented and gifted musicians. Premiering on Monday, July 27 at 10:30 pm* with Chrisette Michele, the half-hour series will not only showcase their musical skills, but take viewers on a personal journey into their world. Created by GREY GOOSE Entertainment and produced by BET Networks, GREY GOOSE ENTERTAINMENT AND BET PRESENT: RISING ICONS candidly chronicles the artist's personal lives both on the road and on stage, where each talent uniquely shines their brightest.

Chrisette Michele Payne, known to the music world as Chrisette Michele, is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter on the Island Def Jam Music Group. Growing up with a strong gospel background from her parents has influenced her to sing in a jazz style, reminiscent of icons such as, Sarah Vaughn, Jill Scott, Macy Gray, Erykah Badu and Ella Fitzgerald. Michele's solo accomplishments include her debut album "I Am," lead single "If I Have My Way," which charted number four on Billboard's Hot Adult R&B Airplay, and sophomore album "Epiphany." Michele embarked on a nationwide co-headlining tour during summer 2008 with fellow soul-singer, Raheem DeVaughn, called "The Art of Love Tour." In addition, Michele's performance of the song "Be OK" from her first album garnered a Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance in 2009.

For more information, visit www.BET.com/risingicons for air times, studio audience participation, tour dates and more and www.Complex.com for more information on the local rising icons and artist downloads.

*All times ET/PT

About BET Networks

BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 98 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET Digital Networks - BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Mobile, which provides ring tones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

GREY GOOSE(R) Entertainment

Founded in April 2005, GREY GOOSE Entertainment is dedicated to producing original and unique content for television, music, and film. Each innovative project reflects the spirit of GREY GOOSE Vodka and celebrates the interests of the consumer. In addition to "RISING ICONS," GREY GOOSE Entertainment produces "Iconoclasts," the groundbreaking television series where each episode features two leading innovators from different fields who come together to discuss their passions and creative processes. In addition to "Iconoclasts," GREY GOOSE Entertainment supports The Artists' Den, an innovative enterprise that curates the best new music from around the globe, which it showcases in unique and intimate venues.

GREY GOOSE(R) Vodka

Blended and bottled in the celebrated Cognac region of Western France, GREY GOOSE Vodka is truly a unique offering. Every element that goes into its production ensures that GREY GOOSE Vodka stands alone as the "World's Best Tasting Vodka." The 80 proof super-premium spirit is packaged in beautiful frosted glass bottles, with a clear window in the shape of a Grey Goose silhouette that allows a peek at the flight of the Grey Goose across the majestic Massif Central Mountains. Each bottle is sealed with a cork stopper and an elegant foil closure. The GREY GOOSE portfolio is comprised of GREY GOOSE Vodka, GREY GOOSE La Poire, GREY GOOSE L'Orange, and GREY GOOSE Le Citron flavored vodkas.