iHeartMedia

Host Eleanor Wells brings to light the stories of women obscured by the shadows of their famous musician partners.

Listen to the trailer here

(BOSTON, MA – November 23, 2020) -- Double Elvis Productions today announced About A Girl, a new iHeartRadio Original podcast chronicling the women behind the scenes of music’s greatest icons, who inspired, loved, supported, and challenged these artists on their way to greatness. Hosted by Eleanor Wells, the series brings focus to the many women without whom the landscape of popular music might be very different. About A Girl will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network, with the first two episodes debuting November 30. New episodes will air every Monday. Listeners can hear the official trailer now on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

About A Girl is a scripted narrative anthology series highlighting the stories of twelve women who inspired and supported some of the most celebrated and enduring music of the modern age, from Angie Bowie and Jane Asher, to Rita Marley and Pam Courson. Hosted by Eleanor Wells, the writer and director known for short films including The Harpist and Eagle Rock, About A Girl celebrates the unsung feminist heroes behind some of the world’s most iconic musicians and their contributions to music as we know it today.

“The women featured in About A Girl have made an impact on music that is often overlooked,” said host Eleanor Wells. “This show is an inside look at some of the most exciting milestones in music history, and a glimpse into the private moments and characters that changed the landscape of music forever.”

About A Girl is the latest podcast focused on deep-dive storytelling throughout music history from leading music podcast company, Double Elvis. Audio-first media company Double Elvis is led by Brady Sadler and Jake Brennan, creator of Disgraceland, the number one most downloaded music podcast according to Podtrac, The 27 Club, and Blood On The Tracks. About A Girl is their latest release in a slate of shows aimed at spotlighting artists and the story behind their craft.

“Double Elvis spotlights untold music stories - from up and comers to the beloved. About A Girl celebrates the resilient women who inspired and helped shape some of the most prolific music of a generation - the partners of famous musicians,” said Brady Sadler, cofounder of Double Elvis Productions. “Eleanor dives into the untold stories of these women behind your favorite songs, albums and artists, lending them the credit they deserve, while bringing fans closer to the art they love at a time when live music isn’t an option.”

Releasing weekly this winter, each of the twelve episodes will spotlight women’s contributions to the most popular music in the world - from inspiring songs and albums to supporting and often challenging their famous husbands and lovers like David Bowie, Sir Paul McCartney, Hank Williams and Jim Morrison.

“Double Elvis brings creativity and a fresh perspective to the music podcasting genre,” said Will Pearson, Chief Operating Officer, iHeartPodcast Network. “About A Girl is yet another groundbreaking series they’ve produced that is redefining what it means to be a music podcast, and showcases their knack for captivating storytelling.”

Fans can visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen to About a Girl on their favorite device.To learn more about About A Girl and upcoming episodes, visit Instagram.com/DoubleElvis.

About A Girl is co-produced by Double Elvis and iHeartRadio. Double Elvis is represented by Oren Rosenbaum at UTA.

About Double Elvis Productions

Double Elvis is a music-focused entertainment company rooted in podcasting. Co-founded by Brady Sadler and Jake Brennan, creator & host of the podcasts “Disgraceland” ​(#1 most downloaded music podcast),​ “27 Club” and “Blood On The Tracks,” the company specializes in storytelling about music and aims to provide a platform for artists and a destination for music fans. In 2020 Double Elvis also released the critically acclaimed coming-of-age music memoir, “Dear Young Rocker.”

Inspirational Guest Teachers & Healers Include Lewis Howes, Ashley Neese, Ryan Weiss, And More; First Episode Now Available

Los Angeles, CA - November 30, 2020 - Following the release of her highly-anticipated record CHANT: The Human & The Holy, today, GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter and mental health advocate LeAnn Rimes continues her wellness journey with the launch of her mental health and wholeness iHeartRadio Original podcast, Wholly Human.

It’s no secret that the multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter has both professionally and personally weathered the highest heights and the lowest depths for nearly three decades, which set her on a passionate path to greater understanding, compassion and healing. Along her journey, Rimes created Soul Of EverLe, a space designed to use her voice and express her heart in a new way; and now in a whole new format it extends into Wholly Human where Rimes continues her journey to healing by connecting with like hearted souls on a deeper level on this whole new podcasting platform.

The first season of the 12-episode podcast will feature an introduction into Rimes’ journey, as she shares what went into building her mental health and wholeness toolkit and introduces her community to teachers and wise souls that have helped her along the way, such as lifestyle entrepreneur and New York Times bestselling author Lewis Howes, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner® Nicole Lohse who talks about using physiology to make sense of our experiences, life coach Ryan Weiss who advocates for the need to slow down and learn to nurture ourselves in order to be our best selves, and breathwork teacher and author Ashley Neese whom Rimes credits as her introduction into learning to heal through different healing modalities, as well as some surprise star-studded friends.

Today, Rimes stands stronger than ever and remains dedicated to using her singular voice to uplift others striving to make sense of themselves and the world we share. Join her as she offers her own hard-earned insights and those of acclaimed teachers and amazing healers to inspire us all to become more complete and Wholly Human.

Wholly Human is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network and is available now on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

About LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes is an international multi-platinum selling acclaimed singer and ASCAP award-winning songwriter who has sold more than 44 million units globally, won 2 Grammy® Awards; 12 Billboard Music Awards; 2 World Music Awards; 3 Academy of Country Music Awards; one Country Music Association Award and one Dove Award. At 14, Rimes won "Best New Artist” making her the youngest recipient to take home a Grammy® Award. LeAnn has been honored with the Ally of Equality Award by the Human Rights Campaign for over 20 years of equal rights support, the 2019 HOPE Award for Depression Advocacy, and 2009 ACM Humanitarian Award, among other recognitions, solidifying her dedication to making the world a better place.

The powerhouse vocalist lit up television screens throughout the 2018 holiday season as she starred and served as an Executive Producer in Hallmark’s “It’s Christmas, Eve,” which earned the highest TV original movie debut to-date for the channel premiering to over 4.3 million viewers.

Passionate about using her voice to help heal the world, LeAnn released a chant record in November of 2020 called CHANT: The Human and The Holy (Soul of EverLe / Thirty Tigers). Rimes continued her wellness journey with the launch of an iHeartRadio podcast, Wholly Human, which brings her lifestyle blog, Soul of EverLe, to life and introduces fans to the teachers and wise souls that have made a positive impact on her life. Next up, LeAnn will celebrate her 25th anniversary as a recording artist in 2021 with the release of her next studio album.

First project is to translate and adapt the true crime podcast “Forgotten: Women of Juárez” (Olvidadas: Muertes de Juárez) for Latin America Listeners

Copenhagen & New York – November 25, 2020 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 audio company in America and the No. 1 podcast publisher globally, and European podcast platform Podimo today announced a strategic partnership to translate and adapt popular podcasts across the globe in different languages, introducing these podcasts to hundreds of millions of new listeners.  The partnership will kick off with the widely popular true crime podcast “Forgotten: Women of Juárez” (Olvidadas: Muertes de Juárez) about femicides in Mexico’s most dangerous city in three languages: Spanish, German and Danish.

In one of 2020’s most intimate and shocking true crime podcasts, “Forgotten: Women of Juárez,” from iHeartMedia and Unusual Productions, hosts Mónica Ortiz Uribe and Oz Woloshyn investigate theories surrounding the disappearance of hundreds of young women along the Mexican border city of Juárez. Some are tragically found with symbols carved into their bodies or wrists bound with shoelaces -- is it a serial killer, organ traffickers, or a Satanic Cult? Executive produced by iHeartMedia and Unusual Productions, in partnership with Podimo, the adapted versions, starting with Spanish, will feature both existing content from the original podcast, plus exciting new elements including additional interviews with special hosts Rossana Fuentes-Berain and Sandra Romandía.  The adapted podcast series will be released in early 2021 in 20 countries in Latin America, as well as in Spain and in the USA, followed by Podimo’s German and Danish markets at a later date.  The original series will continue to be available on the iHeartRadio App and everywhere podcasts are available.  

 “This partnership is powerful. iHeartMedia’s understanding of great storytelling combined with Podimo’s ultra-local on-the-ground presence in Latin America and Spain will help us tell important stories like this to a local audience. We know that around 90% of all listening on Podimo is on local language podcasts, so translating good stories will help grow the audience for these stories tremendously,” said Eva Lægdsgaard, Chief of Strategic Relations at Podimo. “In the podcast business, everything begins and ends with great storytelling. But for great stories to have a great life, we need to drive large-scale listening numbers for our podcasters and publishers -- both locally and globally. This will help them monetize their content on a much bigger scale, and that is the very core of our business model.”

“We’re excited to partner with a podcast innovator like Podimo and use iHeartMedia’s unparalleled ability to introduce podcast listening at scale to bring some of the most fascinating local podcasts to millions of listeners worldwide,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “Podcast listening continues to see tremendous growth as more and more listeners seek out layered storytelling, and we believe this venture with Podimo will help us to introduce great podcasts to new fans around the world.”

About Podimo

Podimo is a European podcast platform that offers personal recommendations for users, while supporting creators through a new revenue share model. Currently live in Denmark, Germany, Spain, and across Latin America, the app features great podcasts from anywhere in the world via RSS feeds, and is free to download and listen with no login required. As a Premium member, you’ll unlock access to an additional 400+ Podimo produced and licensed shows that can’t be heard anywhere else, and your membership fee is shared directly with the podcast creators you listen to each month. https://podimo.com

New Monday-Friday Podcast Premieres February 1 on iHeartPodcast Network with Macy's as Exclusive Launch Sponsor

NEW YORK - November 24, 2020 -- Meredith Corporation's PEOPLE, the leading multiplatform entertainment brand, ubiquitous and still at the center of pop culture conversation more than 46 years since its launch, and iHeartMedia, the nation's No. 1 audio company reaching nine out of ten Americans every month, announce PEOPLE editor Janine Rubenstein as host of PEOPLE Every Day, the new Monday-Friday podcast that is set to premiere with Macy's, one of the nation's premier omni-channel fashion retailers, as the exclusive launch sponsor on February 1 on iHeartRadio and all major podcast platforms.

Rubenstein appears regularly on broadcast entertainment and morning shows where she contributes expert commentary on the latest news and PEOPLE feature stories. For the past nine years she has reported and edited breaking news, music features (she interviewed Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey, Jon Bon Jovi, and John Legend, to name a few), human interest, style, and contributed to PEOPLE's popular franchises Sexiest Man Alive and the Beautiful Issue, as well as co-hosted the PEOPLE & Entertainment Weekly Red Carpet Live streaming events during awards season. Prior to joining PEOPLE, the San Francisco native reported news and entertainment at Essence, and served as a reporter/writer at the legendary Cape Times newspaper in South Africa, where she covered crime and local news stories in Cape Town during the 2010 World Cup Games.

"I couldn't be more excited to host the new PEOPLE Every Day podcast," said Rubenstein. "As a lifelong news and entertainment enthusiast, I look forward to engaging the brand's vast audience – and welcoming new audiences -- on this exciting platform, where I'll be breaking down the biggest and best stories of the day."  In addition, she will step into the role of Editor-at-Large, where she will continue to write, report, and oversee select editorial projects for PEOPLE.

As host of PEOPLE Every Day, which is co-produced by PEOPLE and iHeartRadio, Rubenstein will bring the PEOPLE newsroom to life as a daily escape. Listeners will have access to behind the scenes news spanning celebrity and entertainment, inspiring human-interest features, true crime, style and beauty, sneak peeks, and more. Episodes will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network and will feature the biggest stories of the moment, presented with in-depth explainers, expert interviews, and exclusive reporting.

"PEOPLE Every Day will be unlike any other daily podcast the audience has heard – fresh, inspiring, enlightening and fun – and we know that Janine's incredible skill as a journalist and commentator along with iHeart's award-winning producers will make this show a truly compelling daily habit for our audiences," said Will Lee, SVP, Digital, Meredith Entertainment Group.

"We are thrilled to have Janine on board to host PEOPLE Every Day," said Conal Byrne, President, iHeartPodcast Network. "Her warmth and energy on the mic, along with her experience covering entertainment, style, celebrity, sports, breaking and really all types of human-interest news over the last decade makes her a perfect fit to bring this new daily podcast to life."

About PEOPLE
Meredith Corporation's (NYSE: MDP) PEOPLE revolutionized personality journalism when it launched as a weekly in 1974 with a mission to celebrate extraordinary people doing ordinary things and ordinary people doing extraordinary things.  Ubiquitous and still at the center of pop culture more than 46 years later, the PEOPLE brand is accessible across all media and platforms (print, digital, video, OTT, mobile, social) bringing more than 100 million consumers a unique mix of breaking entertainment news, exclusive photos, video, unparalleled access to the red carpet, celebrities, and in-depth reporting on the most compelling newsmakers of our time. An essential component of PEOPLE's editorial vision remains human interest stories, which touch and often mirror the lives of our passionate audience. ComScore ranks the PEOPLE/Entertainment Weekly Digital Network No. 1 in the entertainment news category. PeopleTV, the advertiser-supported OTT streaming service from PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly that launched in 2016, features original series and specials focusing on celebrity, red carpet, pop culture, lifestyle and human-interest stories. PEOPLE is an award-winning 24/7 news organization headquartered in NYC with reporters worldwide. For more information visit PEOPLE.com and follow @people on Twitter and Instagram, @peoplemag on Facebook, and the PEOPLE channel on YouTube and on Snapchat's Discover.

The Season’s Most Anticipated Holiday Music Event Will Also Feature Performances from Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Lewis Capaldi, Sam Smith, Shawn Mendes And More

The Virtual Event Will Broadcast Nationally Across More Than 95 iHeartMedia Radio Stations Nationwide and on the iHeartRadio App and will also Stream on The CW App and CWTV.com on December 10

The Annual “iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Presented by Capital One” Will Broadcast on December 14 as an Exclusive Network Television Special on The CW Network 

WHAT: iHeartMedia announced today that The Weeknd has been added to the lineup for the annual iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Presented by Capital One – the season's most anticipated holiday music event. Although fans are unable to attend the 2020 national iHeartRadio Jingle Ball in person, given the limitations on live events during the pandemic, this year’s virtual event will invite music fans into the homes of today’s top artists to share their personal holiday traditions and perform their biggest hits along with never-before-heard covers of iconic holiday songs. 

WHO: This year’s event will feature already announced performances from the biggest names in music today, including Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Lewis Capaldi, Sam Smith, Shawn Mendes and more.

WHEN: This year’s iHeartRadio Jingle Ball will broadcast across more than 95 iHeartMedia CHR radio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio App and will also stream on The CW App and CWTV.com on Thursday, December 10 at 9:00 p.m. EST/6:00 p.m. PST. In addition, The CW Network will broadcast the event as an exclusive nationwide television special on Monday, December 14 at 8:00 p.m. EST/PST

In addition, The CW will televise a one-hour “iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Greatest Moments” special, celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the event through performances, special backstage moments and more on Thursday, December 3 at 8:00 p.m. EST/PST. 

MORE: Each year, iHeartMedia radio stations across the country host live Jingle Ball concerts in local markets including Tampa; Dallas/Ft. Worth; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Minneapolis/St. Paul; Philadelphia; New York; Boston; Washington, D.C.; Chicago; Atlanta and Miami/Ft. Lauderdale featuring performances by the year’s most iconic artists as well as emerging talent. Over the past 25 years, Jingle Ball has become the biggest holiday celebration in music. The show has evolved into a sold-out, multi-city national tour, with tickets selling out in minutes. 

For the sixth straight year, Capital One will be the national presenting partner for the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball. Capital One cardholders will have the exclusive opportunity to enter the “Capital One Holiday Jam” contest for a chance to be one of 25 lucky winners featured in a virtual holiday classic sing-along with a Jingle Ball headliner. Winners will also hear from the artist in a private virtual meet and mingle discussion. Capital One cardholders can enter the contest from November 5 at 12:00am ET through November 16 at 11:59pm ET. To learn more, visit iheartradio.com/CapitalOne.

Proud partners of this year’s national iHeartRadio Jingle Ball include Capital One and The CW. Additional proud partners across iHeartRadio platforms include, Mercedes-Benz and Verizon with more to be announced. Multimarket partners include Kaiser Permanente and Nestle Waters with more to be announced.

The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Presented by Capital One is produced by Tom Poleman and John Sykes for iHeartMedia and Joel Gallen for Tenth Planet Productions. The “iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Greatest Moments” will be produced by iHeartMedia and Michael Dempsey for Dempsey Productions. 

Artists and/or events subject to change or cancellation without notice.

About Capital One

At Capital One we’re on a mission for our customers – bringing them great products, rewards, service, and access to unique and unforgettable experiences they are passionate about.  Capital One is a diversified bank that offers products and services to individuals, small businesses and commercial clients. We use technology, innovation and interaction to provide consumers with products and services to meet their needs. Learn more at capitalone.com/access.

About The CW

THE CW TELEVISION NETWORK, a joint venture between Warner Bros. and CBS, launched in 2006.  The CW is a multiplatform network that broadcasts a six-night 12-hour primetime lineup, Sunday through Friday and streams its ad-supported content, free, without login or authentication on CWTV.com and The CW app which is available on every major OTT platform. In daytime, The CW broadcasts a Monday through Friday afternoon block, and a three-hour Saturday morning kids block. The CW’s digital network, CW Seed, launched in 2013, and offers beloved limited-run series, as well as past seasons of recent fan-favorite television shows. For more information about the network and its programming, visit www.cwtvpr.com.

New York – November 17, 2020 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, and Cloud10 Media, the podcast network and production studio behind numerous hit celebrity podcasts, today announced they have partnered for a two-year production and distribution deal. The partnership will leverage Cloud10’s diverse slate of curated celebrity-hosted audio programs and iHeartMedia’s national cross-platform network in order to reach a wider audience of consumers across the country.

As part of the deal, all existing and upcoming Cloud10 Media podcasts including “Busy Philipps is Doing Her Best,” “Daddy Issues with Joe Buck and Oliver Hudson,” “Work in Progress with Sophia Bush,” and more will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network and will be promoted across iHeartMedia’s multiplatform network including radio, digital, social and live events.

In addition, iHeartMedia and Cloud10 Media will collaborate to develop and co-produce new audio content to harness the creative experience and innovative insight from both companies. More details on the new slate of shows will be available early next year.

Regarding the partnership, Sarna says, “I’m honored to be partnering with such a prodigious leader in the podcast landscape and thrilled to have the opportunity to share our exciting slate of content with a widespread and diverse audience thanks to iHeartMedia’s massive reach and distribution platform.”

“Partnering with iHeartMedia provides an invaluable opportunity for us to extend the reach of our content,” says Sarna. “We’re looking forward to bringing the best that Cloud10 has to offer to iHeartMedia’s quarter of a billion monthly listeners while also collaborating with iHeart’s team to develop unique and compelling new audio experiences for listeners.”

Will Pearson, the COO of the iHeartPodcast Network, says, “Sim and his team lead the way in developing the most engaging celebrity-driven podcast content in the industry. We are excited to team up with Cloud10 Media to create innovative new audio experiences for our listeners and bring them even more of the shows they crave.”

About Cloud10 Media

Cloud10 Media is a full-service podcast network that not only provides on-demand audio listeners a definitive outlet for curated podcast discovery, but also offers talent personalized, hands-on support and expertise for every step of the podcasting process, including production, editorial, and sales. Creators thrive with Cloud10’s 360-degree suite of services, support, and boutique-level assistance from conception to exhibition, while podcast audiences delight in the high-quality audio content. With an ever-growing roster of uniquely crafted podcasts, including Busy Philipps is Doing Her Best, Work in Progress with Sophia Bush, Joe Buck and Oliver Hudson Have Daddy Issues, and The Endless Honeymoon Podcast with Natasha Leggero & Moshe Kasher, among others, Cloud10 is proud to stand at the helm of a rapidly growing podcast movement. Cloud10 is led by founder and CEO Sim Sarna, who previously launched chart-topping podcasts Sibling Revelry and Anna Faris is Unqualified.

New York - November 13, 2020 - Kesha, in partnership with iHeartMedia the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, today announced her forthcoming podcast Kesha And The Creepies, which will launch on November 20th through the iHeartPodcast Network. The podcast will find the chart-topping superstar chatting with an eclectic mix of guests about their supernatural experiences, the occult, unexplained mysteries, urban legends, psychedelic art, spirituality, astrology and much more. And if the first episode’s guest (Alice Cooper!) is any indication, the podcast promises a collection of conversations you won’t find anywhere else. Other guests slated to appear in the first season will include Trippie Redd, Tyler Henry, Whitney Cummings, and more.

The podcast is Kesha’s latest endeavor during a busy and unprecedented past 12 months following the release of her acclaimed latest album ‘High Road’, launching her Kesha Rose Beauty cosmetics line, and becoming a YouTube beauty guru.  Of the podcast, Kesha told Entertainment Weekly “I’m existentially pleased and molecularly stoked to be premiering my new podcast Kesha & the Creepies!!! I have had so many experiences in this incarnation that I just can’t ignore or explain, and I’ve always been fascinated by supernatural subjects, the unexplainable, and people exploring alternative thought and lifestyles. With my podcast, it's my excuse to shoot the shit with the people I’m most fascinated with, and dive deep into their brains and hear about all things creepy. The creepy and unexplainable is what keeps life magic...so let’s talk about it. " 

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring a cultural icon like Kesha to the iHeartPodcast Network,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “As an incredibly successful artist and entrepreneur, she’s known for pushing boundaries in the smartest ways. Through her eclectic conversations and imaginative storytelling, she reels listeners in with this podcast, fans are going to love it.”

All episodes of “Kesha and the Creepies” will be available on the iHeartRadio App and everywhere podcasts are heard.  Fans can listen to the trailer HERE.

The Program, In Partnership With McDonald’s USA, Pepsi and Ulta Beauty, Celebrated The Rich Histories and Cultural Impact Of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Virtually Connected HBCU Students and Alumni With Their Favorite Musical Artists, Influencers and Entertainment With Performances From Khalid and H.E.R.

Pepsi and iHeartMedia United Four Top Legendary HBCU Marching Bands To Feature a Cross-Generational Musical Arrangement of the Curtis Mayfield Classic “Move on Up” and Megan Thee Stallion’s Chart-Topping Hit “Savage”

New York – November 13, 2020 – iHeartMedia celebrated the “HBCU Homecoming Celebration on iHeartRadio” on Thursday, November 12, with a number of events designed to shine a light on student excellence through an uplifting, high-energy celebration across multiple iHeartRadio platforms, showcasing HBCU pride, Black excellence and achievement. The event streamed on iHeartRadio’s YouTube, and partially broadcasted across iHeartMedia’s Hip Hop and R&B radio stations on November 12.

The special events included an inspiring artist panel, iHeartRadio Beautiful Possibilities presented by Ulta Beauty, that featured a discussion and performance from singer and songwriter H.E.R. The panel hosted by iHeartRadio's Angela Yee, co-host of the The Breakfast Club, covered female empowerment, entrepreneurship and beauty. Special guest panelists including actress and producer, La La Anthony as well as CEO and Founder of Kreyol Essence, Yve-Car Momperousse explored female entrepreneurship and the art of brand building as the modern-day self-CEO. During the discussion, panel participants shared their personal stories of success to inspire and pave the way for the next generation of Black women leaders. 

The program also featured a tailgate party, iHeartRadio HBCU Homecoming Party on the Yard, presented by McDonald’s, through its Black & Positively Golden Movement, which featured a virtual Homecoming performance from global superstar Khalid. The virtual event, hosted by iHeartRadio’s DJ Envy, co-host of the hit morning show, The Breakfast Club and Hampton University Alumni, included special celebrity guest appearances from Lil Baby
Saweetie and Big Sean as well as McDonald’s owner/operator interviews, legendary HBCU Homecoming highlights and several special surprise moments. 

iHeartRadio Presents The Pepsi HBCU Marching Band Experience, voiced by Award Winning entertainer, philanthropist, entrepreneur and current HBCU student, Megan Thee Stallion and Charlamagne tha God, brought together legendary marching bands – some even rivals – from four of the top HBCUs in the nation including Florida A&M, Hampton University, Prairie View A&M and North Carolina A&T for a first-of-its-kind, tour-de-force musical experience. In partnership with each band director and iHeartMedia, Pepsi created a special collaborative experience featuring a cross-generational musical arrangement of the Curtis Mayfield classic “Move on Up” and Megan Thee Stallion’s chart-topping hit “Savage.”

In addition, the month-long celebration included HBCU-inspired iHeartRadio Playlists and a 24-hour iHeartRadio HBCU station with anthems to celebrate homecoming and other special surprise moments that captured and paid homage to HBCUs and the spirit of the season.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of HBCUs and their students and alumni will not be able to attend in-person homecoming celebrations to honor their institutions’ rich histories, cultural impact and notable alumni. To help fill that void, the “HBCU Homecoming Celebration on iHeartRadio” launched on October 19 featuring podcast episodes and vignettes highlighting former HBCU students and alumni throughout the month.  Participating talent included singer and songwriter Bobby Valentino; singer and songwriter Brian McKnight; recording artist, songwriter, actor and activist Killer Mike; actress and personality La La Anthony; actor Lance Gross; singer, songwriter and actor Lionel Richie; producer, songwriter and DJ Metro Boomin; comedian, actor, and television and on-air personality Steve Harvey; actor and entertainment reporter Terrence J; singer and songwriter Toni Braxton; recording artist Wale; film producer Will Packer; and iHeartRadio on-air personalities Bev Johnson, Bushman, media mogul and cultural architect Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, Kendra G, Kyle Santillian, Mike Evans, Monica Barnes, Queen B and Zach Boog, most of whom are also HBCU alumni.

All-star vets Darrell Taylor and Theresa Gonzalez make epic return to season shot entirely in Iceland

First-ever MTV’s Official Challenge Podcast set to launch through the iHeartPodcast Network with fan favorites Tori Deal and Aneesa Ferreira as hosts

NEW YORK, NY - November 12, 2020 — MTV today announced that the highly-anticipated new season of The Challenge: Double Agents will premiere on Wednesday, December 9th at 8:00pm ET/PT.  

Following The Challenge: Total Madness, which scored the highest-rated season in eight years, The Challenge: Double Agents returns to a partner format with 19 action-packed episodes. Filmed entirely in Iceland, the frigid Arctic Island sets the scene for this espionage thriller featuring 30 of the strongest reality titans from around the globe, who are forced to outsmart each other in a game of secrets, spies and lies for their share of one million dollars. 

Leading up to premiere, fans will get an exclusive sneak peek and meet the cast during MTV’s The Challenge: Double Agents Declassified launch special airing on Monday, December 7th at 8:00pm ET/PT.

Coinciding with the new season, MTV’s Official Challenge Podcast will kick off on Thursday, December 10 through the iHeartPodcast Network. Hosted by fan favorite vets Tori Deal and Aneesa Ferreira, the audio show will recap each episode of the current season, reliving the drama of the series’ biggest alliances, frenemies and feuds. New podcast episodes drop the day after and are available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard, offering The Challenge fanatics exclusive behind-the-scenes scoop, from how stunts are created to the food the cast eats and more.  

Meet the cast:

 
VETERANS: 

Aneesa Ferreira - 14th Challenge
Twitter: @Aneesamtv, Instagram: @Aneesamtv

Ashley Mitchell - 8th Challenge
Twitter: @mtvashleybrooke, Instagram: @mtvashleybrooke

Big T - 3rd Challenge
Twitter: theogbig_t Instagram: @BigTFaz

Cory Wharton - 8th Challenge
Twitter: @CoryWharton, Instagram: @CoryWharton_ig

CT - 18th Challenge
Twitter: @TheOfficial_CT, Instagram: @_famous4nothing

Devin Walker - 5th Challenge
Twitter: @MTVDevinWalker Instagram: @mtv_devin 

Darrell Taylor - 9th Challenge
Twitter:  @mtvrrdarrell Instagram: @darrell_taylor_lb4lb

Fessy Shafaat - 2nd Challenge
Twitter: @fessyfitness, Instagram: @fessyfitness

Jay Starrett - 2nd Challenge
Twitter: @Jay__Qs, Instagram: @jqskim

Josh Martinez - 4th Challenge
Twitter: @JOSHMBB19, Instagram: @josh_martinez_

Kam Williams - 5th Challenge
Twitter: @iamkamiam_, Instagram: @iamkamiam_

Kaycee Clark - 2nd Challenge
Twitter: @ThatStudMuffin, Instagram: @kcsince1987

Kyle Christie - 6th Challenge
Twitter: @KyleCGShore, Instagram: @kylecgshore

Leroy Garrett - 12th Challenge
Twitter: @bruce_lee85, Instagram: @royleethebarber

Nany Gonzalez - 10th Challenge
Instagram: @nanycarmen

Nelson Thomas - 7th Challenge
Twitter: @_nelsonthomas, Instagram: @_NelsonThomas

Nicole Zanatta - 3rd Challenge
Twitter: @n_zanattaMTV, Instagram: @n_zanattamtv 

Theresa Gonzalez - 7th Challenge
Twitter: @theresa_m_jones, Instagram: @theresa_m_jones

Tori Deal - 5th Challenge
Twitter: @tori_deal, Instagram: @tori_deal

Wes Bergmann - 14th Challenge
Twitter: @westonbergmann, Instagram: @westonbergmann

ROOKIES

Amber Borzotra - Big Brother
Twitter: @amberborzotra, Instagram: @amberborzotra

Amber Martinez - Are You The One?
Twitter: @amba1210, Instagram: @ambaaa_

Gabby Allen - Love Island/Celebrity Big Brother UK
Twitter: @gabbydawnallen, Instagram: @gabbydawnallen

Joseph Allen - America’s Got Talent
Twitter: @itsjosephallen, Instagram: @itsjosephallen 

Lio Rush - Former WWE Wrestler
Twitter: @TheLionelGreen , Instagram: @thelionelgreen

Lolo Jones – U.S. Olympian/ Celebrity Big Brother
Twitter: @lolojones, Instagram: @lolojones 

Mechie Harris - Musician/ Ex on the Beach
Twitter: @mechiesocrazyy, Instagram: @mechiesocrazy

Nam Vo - Ultimate Beastmaster
Instagram: @nam.vo.official

Natalie Anderson - Survivor/Amazing Race
Twitter: @NatalieeAnd, Instagram: @natalieeand

Olivia “Liv” Jawando - Shipwrecked
Instagram: @livleilani

Additionally, The Challenge: Double Agents is set to roll out globally across MTV’s international networks in early 2021.

Follow The Challenge on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, subscribe to The Challenge on YouTube, and use #TheChallenge36 to join the conversation!

The Challenge: Double Agents was created for MTV by Bunim/Murray Productions. Gil Goldschein, Julie Pizzi, Emer Harkin, and Danny Wascou serve as Executive Producers 

About MTV

MTV is the leading global youth media brand in 180 countries, reaching 450 million households in nearly 30 different languages across every platform. A unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), MTV operations span cable and mobile networks, live events, theatrical films and MTV Studios.

About Bunim/Murray Productions

Bunim/Murray Productions (BMP) is the leading producer of innovative entertainment content. The Emmy Award-winning company is widely credited with creating the reality television genre with its hit series The Real World, which aired for 32 seasons on MTV. BMP continued to innovate with the first reality game show, Road Rules (MTV), in 1995; the first reality sitcom, The Simple Life (E!), in 2003; and the first reality soap opera, Starting Over, in 2003. BMP’s current programming includes Keeping up with the Kardashians, Total Divas and Total Bellas (E!),The Challenge (MTV), Born This Way (A&E), Kim Kardashian West:  The Justice Project (Oxygen), The Real World and Ball in the Family (Facebook Watch), Endless, Stranded with Sam and Colby (Snapchat), Miz and Mrs. (USA Network), Family or Fiance (OWN), Iyanla Fix My Life and Fear Not (OWN), Crystal Maze(Nickelodeon) and Emily’s Wonder Lab (Netflix). BMP has also produced Transhood (HBO), They Call Us Monsters (PBS), Valentine Road (HBO), Pedro (MTV) and the Emmy Award-winning Autism: The Musical (HBO) for BMP Films. Based in Glendale, CA, the company was founded in 1987 by Jonathan Murray and the late Mary-Ellis Bunim, who were inducted into the Television Academy’s Hall of Fame in 2012. The company joined Banijay Group in 2010.

The multimedia entrepreneur and entertainment icon presents a new podcast featuring unfiltered conversations about relationships, culture, health, art, and more

NEW YORK – November 11, 2020 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and Jill Scott, a music and entertainment icon and multimedia entrepreneur, today announced “Jill Scott Presents: J.ill the Podcast.” The intimate talk show-style podcast will feature no-holds-barred conversations on topics around relationships, culture, health, art and everything else that comes with surviving and thriving as a Black woman in today’s world. The iHeartRadio Original Podcast will premiere November 18, with new episodes airing every Wednesday. Listeners can hear the official audio trailer now on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Joining Scott on the show will be her sister friends, fellow singer-songwriter Aja Graydon-Dantzler and leading radio personality Laiya St. Clair, who bring their diverse perspectives to spark unique discussions about today’s most important issues. The three women will engage in thought-provoking conversations about a variety of topics – from where they would go if they ever left the U.S. to addressing rumors that have been spread about them to their thoughts on the grind and productivity culture.  As we continue to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her debut album, Who is Jill Scott? Words & Sounds, Vol. 1, the podcast is Scott’s latest multimedia endeavor, connecting her more personally to her devoted fan base and the next generation of Black culture consumers. Scott, a trusted voice named by TIME Magazine as a "cultural icon of healing power and serenity," is a Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, New York Times bestselling poet, and NAACP award-winning actress.

“J.ill the Podcast will spark unfiltered conversations by and for Black women who influence culture and uplift sisterhood,” said Scott. “2020 has been a challenging year for our community, and our hope is that this show will continue to keep our love village connected, entertained and empowered. These are valuable discussions about how we’re feeling and what’s happening in the world today.”

This honest, powerful, and moving show will address everything from friendships between Black women to motherhood, politics, film, and television, and much more. Listeners can expect to hear expert commentary from guests, such as Dr. Yaba Blay and Kier Gaines, as well as illuminating discussions between the hosts analyzing the impact of significant cultural moments.

“We’re honored to partner with Jill in bringing this important project to life,” said Will Pearson, Chief Operating Officer, iHeartPodcast Network. “The topics that the podcast broaches are critical to today’s cultural dialogue and we look forward to helping deliver these important perspectives to our listeners.”

Fans and podcast lovers can enter to win an invitation to an exclusive listening preview with Scott on November 17. Enter here.

“Jill Scott Presents: J.ill the Podcast” will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network, which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 250 million downloads each month. iHeartRadio Original Podcasts span every category from business, sports, spirituality, and technology to entertainment, family, comedy, and true crime—and everything in between—making iHeartRadio the largest publisher of podcast content in the world.

Fans can visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen to “Jill Scott Presents: J.ill the Podcast” on their favorite device.

Follow the “Jill Scott Presents: J.ill the Podcast” on social media:

Facebook: Jill Scott Presents: J.Ill

Instagram: @jillscottpodcast

Twitter: @jillscottpod

YouTube: Jill Scott

About Jill Scott

Jill Scott is a three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, New York Times best-selling poet, and critically acclaimed actor. Before having the No. 1 album in the country with "The Light of The Sun" and performing at The White House, the triple threat began her career collaborating with musical icons, such as The Roots, Will Smith, and Common in the late ‘90s. Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, Jill released her much-anticipated debut record, "Who is Jill Scott? Words & Sounds, Vol. 1," in July 2000, which became a double platinum album that earned Scott several Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist. Never limited to music, Scott is a true multimedia brand across audio, books, TV and film. She currently plays the role of "Hazel" in the BET+ remake of the 1996 romantic comedy, The First Wives Club. A consummate writer at heart, she penned “The Moments, The Minutes, The Hours,” a compilation of poems that instantly became a New York Times bestseller. She is the lead investor in True Voice, a digital wellness platform catered to women of color, and she is the founder of Blues Babe, a registered 501(c)3 foundation that supports minority students pursuing college degrees.