Coordinates	9°1′48″N38°44′24″N
name	QVC
logofile	QVC.svg
logosize	200px
logoalt	QVC Logo
launch	July 1986
picture format	480i (SDTV)1080i (HDTV)
network	QVC
Owner	Liberty Media
founder	Joseph Segel
slogan	Quality, Value, Convenience
country	USA
broadcast area	Worldwide
headquarters	West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania
web	QVC.com
sat serv 1	DirecTV
sat chan 1	Channel 275
sat serv 2	Dish Network
sat chan 2	Channel 137
cable serv 1	Available on many cable systems
cable chan 1	Check local listings for channels
adsl serv 1	Sky Angel
adsl chan 1	Channel 333
online serv 1	QVC
online chan 1	Watch live (US only) }}

QVC is a multinational corporation specializing in televised home shopping. Founded in 1986 by Joseph Segel in West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania, United States, QVC broadcasts in five countries as QVC US, QVC UK, QVC Germany, QVC Japan and – QVC Italy to 200 million households. The name is an acronym standing for Quality, Value, Convenience.

Corporate history

QVC was founded on June 13, 1986 by Joseph Segel. One of the first brands to sign a two year deal with QVC was Sears products. Its first live broadcast took place at 7:30 PM ET on November 24 of that year, reaching 7.6 million TV homes. The corporation later set a new record for first full-year fiscal sales for a new public company of $112 million. Its competitor is the Home Shopping Network (HSN).

Initially broadcast live from 7:30 PM ET until midnight each weekday and all day Saturdays and Sundays, the channel extended its live programming to 24 hours in January 1987. QVC acquired its top competitor, the Cable Value Network (CVN), in 1989. The $380 million deal contributed to a loss of $17 million during the next fiscal quarter, and then to difficulties in the couple of years that followed.

On February 2, 1995, Comcast purchased a majority shareholding in QVC, Inc., taking control of the corporation. QVC kicked off the "Quest for America's Best: 50 in 50 Tour," a 50-week nationwide product search. QVC.com was founded in 1996.

In July 2003, Comcast sold its majority share to Liberty Media.

In May 2009, QVC became the first multimedia retailer to offer a native high-definition service. As with HSN, the 4:3 cut for analog viewers in this 16:9 presentation is made to the extreme right of the screen rather than on both sides of the 4:3 frame, allowing the network to place their graphics fully to the left and lower portions of the screen to maximize camera presentation space.

On September 23, 2007, QVC U.S. rebranded itself, changing its logo on-air and online. The rebranding was accompanied by an advertising campaign with the tagline "iQdoU?" ("I shop QVC, do you?") that had preceded the rebrand with billboards in major U.S. cities.The iQdoU? campaign also included a "teaser" website found at iQdoU.com.

On September 30, 2010, at 11pm, QVC began broadcasting in Italy, both on satellite and digital terrestrial television.

Operations

All of QVC's operations (U.S., UK, Germany, Japan and Italy) run 24 hours a day, although live programming hours vary between each region.

Headquarters

QVC has its headquarters in West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania, near West Chester and by U.S. Route 202. The $100 million QVC Studio Park complex, located on an plot of land, opened in 1997.

QVC US

QVC's U.S. operations are based in the Studio Park complex, which houses its corporate headquarters, studio and broadcasting facilities. Studio Park is the former corporate offices of Commodore Business Machines. Call center facilities are located in Chesapeake, Virginia; Port St. Lucie, Florida; and San Antonio, Texas. QVC's distribution centers are situated in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Suffolk, Virginia; Florence, South Carolina; and Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

QVC U.S. also operates a series of retail stores across the country, including outlet stores that are located in Bloomington, Mn.; Lancaster, Pa.; Frazer, Pennsylvania; Prices Corner, Del.; Rehoboth Beach, Del.; and Myrtle Beach, S.C.

QVC broadcasts live in the United States 24/7, apart from the Christmas show which is pre recorded to more than 100 million households, and ranks as the number two television network in terms of revenue (#1 in home shopping networks), with sales in 2010 giving a net revenue of $7.8 billion.

QVC UK

QVC UK was launched in October 1993. QVC UK's headquarters and broadcasting facilities are located at Marco Polo House in Battersea, London, while call center and distribution facilities are situated in Knowsley, Merseyside. QVC UK also runs two outlet stores, one in Warrington, the other in Shrewsbury. QVC has a second channel in the UK: QVC Beauty.

QVC UK broadcasts live 17 hours a day (although the channel runs 24 hours a day), 364 days a year.

QVC Germany

QVC Germany, incorporated in Düsseldorf, runs call centre operations from two sites in Bochum and Kassel, whilst distribution is handled from a dedicated site in Hückelhoven.

QVC Germany broadcasts live 24 hours a day, 363.5 days a year (off-air Christmas Eve (no program after noon) and Christmas Day). QVC has a second channel in Germany: QVC Plus.

QVC Japan

QVC Japan is based in Makuhari, where its corporate headquarters and call center facility are located. Distribution facilities are located in Sakura City.

QVC Italy

QVC Italy was launched in October 2010. QVC Italy's headquarters and broadcasting facilities are located at Brugherio, near Milan.

QVC Italy broadcasts live 17 hours a day (although the channel runs 24 hours a day), 364 days a year. The primary distribution platform for QVC Italy is satellite and digital terrestrial television both.

Hosts

QVC’s live broadcast is supported by 26 program hosts. They come from a variety of different backgrounds and work three-to four-hour shifts on-air, four to five days a week.

Embedded below is a list of QVC's current hosts in the United States, along with their signature shows:

Jill Bauer (joined QVC in 1993)

*You're Home with Jill

*Just Desserts with Jill

Sandra Bennett (joined QVC in 2006)

*Whole You with Sandra

Rachel Boesing (joined QVC in 2011)

Jayne Brown (joined QVC in 1999)

*Downtown Style with Jayne Brown

*QVC This Morning Fashion Forum

*QVC This Morning Fashion Friday

Courtney Cason (joined QVC in 2010)

Rick Domeier (joined QVC in 1994)

*techCONNECT with Rick

*Get Fit with Rick

*Home Projects with Rick and Dan

*Rick & Easy Cooking

*Rick & Easy Solutions

Sharon Faetsch (joined QVC in 2003)

Jacque Gonzales (joined QVC in 2003)

*Electronics with Jacque & Friends

Carolyn Gracie (joined QVC in 2005)

*Garden Party with Carolyn

*Kitchen Unlimited with Carolyn

Nancy Hornback (joined QVC in late 2009)

Dan Hughes (joined QVC in 1989)

*QVC This Morning

*For Race Fans Only

*The Great Outdoors with Dan

Albany Irvin (joined QVC in 2009)

*Electronics Made Easy with Albany

*Bright Ideas with Albany

Dave James (joined QVC in 2004)

*Seriously Late on QVC

Pat James-DeMentri (joined QVC in 1989)

*QVC This Morning

*QVC This Morning Fashion Forum

*QVC This Morning Fashion Friday

Gabrielle Kerr (joined QVC in 2007)

Shawn Killinger (joined QVC in 2007)

*"No Problem!" with Shawn

*Shawn Says, "Accessorize!"

Antonella Nester (joined QVC in 2004)

*Antonella's Italian Kitchen

Jonathan Redford (joined QVC in 2009)

Lisa Robertson (joined QVC in 1995)

*Ask Lisa About Style

*PM Style with Lisa Robertson

*What the Tech? with Lisa

Mary Beth Roe (joined QVC in 1990)

*My Time with Mary Beth

*Handbags with Mary Beth

Amy Stran (joined QVC in 2009)

Jane Treacy (joined QVC in 1986 as one of the original hosts)

*Shoe Shopping with Jane

*Enjoyable Entertaining

*Jane's Rock Stars

*Now That's Cool! with Jane

David Venable (joined QVC in 1993)

*Dining With David

*In the Kitchen with David

*In the Kitchen with David PM Edition

*Merry Memories with David (seasonal show)

Dan Wheeler (joined QVC in 1991)

*Home Projects with Rick and Dan

Leah Williams (joined QVC in 1996)

*AM Style with Leah Williams

References

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/app.html/params.file.|cp|mainhqpress,html/left.html.file.|nav|navhqabout,html

http://www.multichannel.com/article/263755-QVC_HD_Now_100_High_Def.php

External links

QVC US

QVC Germany

QVC Japan

QVC UK

QVC Studio Tours Page US

QVC Italy

Category:Shopping networks Category:American television networks Category:Companies based in Pennsylvania Category:Television channels and stations established in 1986 Category:English-language television stations in the United States Category:Clothing retailers of the United States Category:Retail companies of the United States

de:QVC it:QVC ja:QVC

Coordinates	9°1′48″N38°44′24″N
name	Marie Osmond
background	solo_singer
birth name	Olive Marie Osmond
alias	Marie Osmond
birth date	October 13, 1959
origin	Ogden, Utah, United States
genre	Country, pop
occupation	Singer, actress
years active	1962–
label	MGMCurbPolydor
website	}}

Olive Marie Osmond (born October 13, 1959) is an American singer, actress, doll designer, and a member of the show business family The Osmonds. Although she was never part of her family's singing group, she gained success as a solo country music artist in the 1970s and 1980s. Her best known song is a cover of the country pop ballad "Paper Roses." In 1976, she and her singer brother Donny Osmond began hosting the TV variety show ''Donny & Marie''.

Early life

Born Olive Marie Osmond in Ogden, Utah to Olive and George Osmond, Marie Osmond was raised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The only daughter of nine children, her brothers are Virl, Tom, Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, Donny, and Jimmy Osmond. From an early age, her brothers maintained a career in show business, singing and performing on national television. Osmond debuted as part of her brothers' act The Osmond Brothers on the ''The Andy Williams Show'' when she was three, but generally did not perform with her brothers in the group's television performances through the 1960s.

Music career

1970s

Aside from her two older brothers (who are deaf), Marie was soon the only family member not involved in the music business. After the initial success of The Osmonds in 1970, Marie's older brother Donny was gaining success as a solo artist on the Pop Music charts and was becoming a teen idol. The Osmonds' management convinced Marie to try her hand as well. She signed with the family's record label, MGM Records and began making concert appearances with The Osmonds. Her style was more directed towards country music, in contrast with her brothers' pop music.

In 1973, Osmond cut her first single as a solo artist, "Paper Roses". The recording became a #1 country hit, reached the Top 5 on the ''Billboard'' magazine pop chart, and achieved crossover success. The song earned a gold record as did the album of the same name. Osmond released another single, "In My Little Corner of the World", and a same-name album in 1974, with both entering the ''Billboard'' Top 40 in 1974. The title song on her next album ''Who's Sorry Now'', released in 1975, went to #20 the month after its release. The title song from Osmond's final solo album of the seventies, ''This Is The Way That I Feel'', reached #39 within two months of its 1977 release.

In 1974, Osmond had two pop music duet hits with brother Donny: "I'm Leaving It All Up to You" and "Morning Side of the Mountain." The former song was a Top 20 country hit.

1980s

In the early 1980s, Osmond's music career went into a brief hiatus while she pursued a career in acting. She turned down the lead role as Sandy in ''Grease'' because she didn't approve of the script's moral content, and the role went to Olivia Newton-John. She appeared in some TV movies and did voice-over work for children's cartoons. Prior to the comeback success of her brother Donny in the late 1980s, Marie made a comeback in country music as a solo artist by signing a deal with Curb Records in Nashville. In 1985, Marie and Dan Seals sang a duet called "Meet Me in Montana" which became a #1 country hit that year.

Her follow-up to "Meet Me in Montana" was a solo hit called "There's No Stopping Your Heart," which reached #1 in early 1986 for Marie. Her singles mainly focused on the more-popular Countrypolitan style. In late 1985, she released the "There's No Stopping Your Heart" album of the same name. In 1986, the single "Read My Lips" became a Top-20 country hit. She hit #1 again with a duet with Paul Davis with the song "You're Still New to Me." The Top-10 hit "I Only Wanted You," became her last major hit on the Country charts, to date. Osmond continued to release singles throughout much of the '80s, including "I'm In Love And He's In Dallas". In 1984, Marie had a single on RCA Records called, "Whos Counting." The single charted to only #82 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles. The single did receive a significant amount of airplay for a couple of weeks.

1990s

The last charting single came in 1995 with "What Kind of Man (Walks On a Woman)".

Acting career

In 1976, Osmond and brother Donny began to host their variety show ''Donny & Marie'', which ran on ABC until 1979.

Osmond's first "made for TV" movie was ''The Gift of Love'' which originally aired on ABC December 5, 1978. The movie was loosely based on the O. Henry story "The Gift of the Magi." Her co-star in the movie was Timothy Bottoms and she received her first on-screen kiss in this movie.

In 1978, she and Donny released their film ''Goin' Coconuts,'' which was not a financial success. The following year, Marie starred in a sitcom pilot titled "Marie." which did not make the new season schedule and in 1980 she had her own variety show on NBC, also titled ''Marie,'' which only ran for half a season.

Osmond had a recurring role as co-host with Jack Palance on ABC's documentary series ''Ripley's Believe It or Not!'' for two seasons (1985–86), replacing Jack's daughter Holly Palance. She introduced and narrated segments based on the travels and discoveries of oddity-hunter Robert Ripley.

The singer played her mother, Olive, in the TV movie ''Side By Side: The True Story Of The Osmond Family''. She also starred in the TV movie ''I Married Wyatt Earp''.

She returned to television first in the short-lived 1995 ABC sitcom ''Maybe This Time'' and then with brother Donny in 1998 to co-host ''Donny And Marie'', a talk/entertainment show that lasted two seasons.

She appeared as herself in the 2001 TV movie ''Inside The Osmonds'', which showed how the brothers' egos, their father's fiscal mismanagement, and the family's quest to build a multimedia empire led to their downfall. The film was produced by her younger brother, Jimmy Osmond.

In 2006, she was a judge on the short-lived Fox celeb reality show competition ''Celebrity Duets''.

Osmond had a radio show syndicated to adult contemporary radio stations, ''Marie And Friends'' that was canceled after 10 months.

It is reported by Entertainment Tonight that Marie will join the daytime cast of The Bold and the Beautiful, a long running CBS soap opera. A date has not been announced.

Broadway

She appeared in the Broadway musicals ''The King and I'' (as Anna) and ''The Sound of Music'' (as Maria) in the mid-1990s. Marie and her brother Donny recently starred in a new holiday production called ''Donny & Marie – A Broadway Christmas'', which was originally scheduled to play on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre from December 9 – 19, 2010. The show was then extended till December 30, 2010 and again till January 2, 2011.

Other work

''Donny & Marie'' in Las Vegas

The 750-seat showroom at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada is currently home to "Donny & Marie," a 90-minute variety show. The singing siblings are backed by eight dancers and a nine piece band. Donny and Marie sing together at the beginning and end of the show, and have solo segments in between. They recently extended their contract until October 2012.

''The Marie Osmond Show''

In 2008, Osmond had a new talk show in the works that was to have been taped in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, this project was cancelled before airing.

''Dancing with the Stars''

On August 29, 2007, it was announced that Osmond would appear as a celebrity contestant on the fifth season of the ABC show, paired with Jonathan Roberts, 2004 US Rising Star Latin Champion. On November 27, 2007, Osmond came in third place on the fifth season of Dancing with the Stars.

Doll business

In 1991, Osmond debuted her doll line on QVC. While QVC continues to be a primary source of distribution for her dolls, Osmond also carries her line in retail stores, through internet sales in the USA and worldwide, and direct response. In 2009, Osmond also debuted her dolls on The Shopping Channel in Canada.

Her first sculpture, a toddler doll she created and named after her mother, "Olive May," set a collectible record on QVC. Since then, Osmond has sculpted several dolls, including "Remember Me," "Baby Adora Belle," "Kissy and Huggs" and her hallmark doll, "Adora Belle."

In 2006, Osmond launched an embroidery machine line, a sewing machine line, and embroidery designs through Bernina. She has been featured on the cover of ''Designs in Machine Embroidery''.

In 2009, a 16" vinyl Fashion Doll of Marie Osmond "Grand Finale Fashion" was debuted at Osmond's 50th Birthday party in Las Vegas in celebration of her 50th birthday.

Osmond's doll collection has garnered numerous award nominations, including "Trendsetter of the Year" and Dolls magazine's "Awards of Excellence."

Crafting

In 2010, Osmond published a book of handcrafted project designs, ''Marie Osmond’s Heartfelt Giving: Sew and Quilt for Family and Friends'' (Martingale & Company,). The book contains step-by-step instructions for more than 20 projects, all designed by Osmond. Projects include her “Paper Roses” quilt, bags, aprons, and gifts for babies, teens, friends, and pets. The book also features several childhood photos.

Osmond has a line of sewing machines with Janome and a fabric line with Quilting Treasures.

Children's Miracle Network

Along with actor John Schneider, Osmond co-founded the non-profit organization Children's Miracle Network in 1983. The CMN is dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals across North America.

Nutrisystem spokesperson

As part of the ''Slimsational Stars'', Osmond is currently promoting the Nutrisystem brand of weight loss meals. She has starred in a number of commercials over the past five years.

Personal life

Osmond has been married three times, to two men, and divorced twice and has eight children in total from the two marriages. She married her first husband Stephen Craig, a Brigham Young University basketball player, in 1982. Their only child, Stephen James Craig, was born on April 20, 1983. They divorced in 1985. On October 28, 1986, Osmond married Brian Blosil. While married to Blosil, Osmond had two more children, Rachael Lauren (b. August 1989) and Matthew Richard (b. July 1999). They also adopted five children: Jessica Marie (b. November 1987), Michael Bryan (May 4, 1991 – 2010), Brandon Warren (b. November 1996), Brianna Patricia (b. November 1997), and Abigail Michelle (b. September 2002).

In 1999, Osmond revealed that she had suffered from severe postpartum depression. She co-authored a book called ''Behind the Smile'' with Marcia Wilkie and Dr. Judith Moore which chronicles her experiences with postpartum depression. In August 2006, it was suggested by several U.S. tabloids that she had attempted suicide. These reports were denied by her publicity team, which claimed she had suffered an adverse reaction to a medication she was taking.

On March 30, 2007, Osmond and Blosil announced they were divorcing.

On April 29, 2009, Osmond revealed that her daughter, Jessica, is a lesbian and had been living with her girlfriend for the prior three years in Los Angeles. In interviews Osmond has expressed support for her daughter.

On February 26, 2010, Osmond's son Michael committed suicide by jumping from the eighth floor of his apartment building in Los Angeles. He had reportedly battled depression for most of his life and had been in rehabilitation at the age of 12. The autopsy released on April 21, 2010 revealed that no drugs were found in his system.

On May 4, 2011, Osmond remarried her first husband, Stephen Craig, in a small ceremony in the Las Vegas Nevada Temple wearing her dress from the 1982 wedding.

Discography

1973: ''Paper Roses''

1974: ''In My Little Corner of the World''

1975: ''Who's Sorry Now''

1977: ''This is the Way That I Feel''

1985: ''There's No Stopping Your Heart''

1986: ''I Only Wanted You''

1988: ''All in Love''

1989: ''Steppin' Stone''

2010: ''I Can Do This''

Filmography

''Perry Como Sunshine Show'' (1974) – Guest

''Hugo the Hippo'' (1975) – Vocalist

''Donny and Marie'' (1976) – Herself

''Goin' Coconuts'' (1978) – Marie

''The Gift of Love'' (1978) – Beth Atherton

"The Big Show" (1980) – Host

"Marie" (1980) TV Series – Herself

''The Osmond Family Christmas Special'' (1980) – Herself

''Side by Side: The True Story of the Osmond Family'' (1982) – Olive Osmond

''Rooster'' (1982) – Sister Mae Davis

"The Love Boat" (1982) – Maria Rosselli (2 episodes)

''I Married Wyatt Earp'' (1983) – Josephine 'Josie' Marcus

''Rose Petal Place'' (1984) – Rose Petal

''The Velveteen Rabbit'' (1984) – Fairy Princess and Velveteen Rabbit

''Ripley's Believe It or Not!'' (1985–86) – Co-Host

''Rose Petal Place: Real Friends'' (1985) – Rose Petal

''Marie Osmond's Merry Christmas'' (1986) – Herself

''Television's Christmas Classics'' (1994) – Host

"Maybe This Time" (1995–96) – Julia Wallace

''Buster & Chauncey's Silent Night'' (1998) – Queen (voice)

''O' Christmas Tree'' (1999) – Star (voice)

"Donny & Marie" (1998) – Host

"Dancing With The Stars" (2007) – Third Place

"Dr.Phil" (2007) – Guest

"The Paul O'Grady Show" (2009) – Guest

"The Oprah Winfrey Show" (2010) – Guest

References

External links

Marie Osmond – Official Website

Marie Osmond Dolls – Marie Osmond Dolls News

Marie Osmond Getting Divorced – People Magazine, March 30, 2007

Category:1959 births Category:20th-century actors Category:Actors from Utah Category:American country singers Category:American female singers Category:American Latter Day Saints Category:American musical theatre actors Category:American musicians of English descent Category:American people of Welsh descent Category:American pop singers Category:American television actors Category:American television personalities Category:Living people Category:Musicians from Utah Category:Participants in American reality television series Category:People from Ogden, Utah Category:The Osmonds members

de:Marie Osmond fr:Marie Osmond pl:Marie Osmond simple:Marie Osmond

Coordinates	9°1′48″N38°44′24″N
name	Il Divo
background	group_or_band
genre	Operatic pop, vocal
years active	2004–present
label	Syco Music, Columbia
associated acts	Celine Dion, Toni Braxton,
website
current members	Urs BühlerSébastien IzambardDavid MillerCarlos Marín
notable instruments	}}

Il Divo ("divine male performer" in Italian) is a multinational operatic pop vocal group created by music manager, executive, and reality TV star Simon Cowell. Formed in the United Kingdom, they are also signed to Cowell's record label, Syco Music. Il Divo is a group of four male singers: French pop singer Sébastien Izambard, Spanish baritone Carlos Marín, American tenor David Miller, and Swiss tenor Urs Bühler. To date, they have sold more than 26 million albums worldwide.

Band history

The idea behind Il Divo's creation came to Cowell after hearing Andrea Bocelli singing ''Con te partirò'' while watching The Sopranos. In 2004, G4, a quartet of operatic male singers, also appeared in the UK on the Simon Cowell TV show X-factor. They finished runners-up, but were signed by Sony records. Aware of this new appreciation for lyrical voices and classical music, he decided to form a multinational quartet (the members hail from Spain, Switzerland, France, and the United States, the name being in Italian) that tried to recreate the style of The Three Tenors.

Simon Cowell conducted a worldwide search for young singers who were willing to embark on the Il Divo project, which lasted two years, from 2001 until December 2003, when the fourth member of Il Divo, American tenor David Miller, was signed. The well-established formation of Il Divo comprises a renowned Spanish baritone, Carlos Marín; two classically trained tenors, Swiss Urs Bühler and American David Miller; and a French pop singer, Sébastien Izambard.

Il Divo sings in Spanish, English, Italian, and French. Il Divo was named the Most Multinational UK No.1 Album Group in the 2006 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.

On 25 April 2007, Il Divo performed on American Idol in one of the "Idol Gives Back" episodes, which raised money for children in the U.S. and Africa. For every vote cast during that show, Idol sponsors Coca-Cola, AT&T;, and others donated money to Charity Projects Entertainment Fund (CPEF) and other groups such as Save the Children and America's Second Harvest.

On 12 December 2008, Il Divo performed their new song at the Swedish Idol 2008 finale in the Globen Arena in Stockholm.

As Barbra Streisand's Guests

Having just completed a six-month tour of America, Australia, and Europe, Il Divo then participated in all 20 concerts by Barbra Streisand in her North American tour as her special guests. "Streisand: The Tour" with Il Divo was ranked second for all tours for 2006, generating $92.5 million in gross sales.

2006 World Cup

On 9 June 2006, Il Divo performed the 2006 FIFA World Cup official song, "The Time of Our Lives," with R&B; singer Toni Braxton live, at half-time, during the opening match between Germany and Costa Rica, and again a month later at the 9 July closing ceremony. The song is available exclusively on the ''Voices from the FIFA World Cup'' compilation album, and on the European reissue of Braxton's album ''Libra'', but not on any Il Divo album. A shortened version of the song is featured on the second disc of Braxton's greatest hits album.

2011 Paraguay

The Paraguay show was Il Divo's biggest capacity performance ever and took place on 20 december 2011, at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium in Asuncion, for 33.900 people.

Discography

''Il Divo'' (2004)

Recording started in the first half of 2004 in Sweden, with producers Quiz & Larossi, Per Magnusson & David Kreuger and in the UK with producer Steve Mac. This self-titled album contained the Spanish rendition of Toni Braxton's hit "Unbreak My Heart" (''Regresa a Mí''), (Braxton had originally released "Regresa a Mi" as a b-side to her 1996 single, "Unbreak My Heart"); their second single and first original song "Mama"; Sinatra's "My Way" (''A mi manera''); "Nella Fantasia," and 1994's San Remo Festival winner "Passerà."

The album hit the #1 slot on both Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com after a career-defining appearance on ''The Oprah Winfrey Show'' on 5 April 2005, where they performed "Regresa a Mi".

In the United Kingdom, the ''Il Divo'' album knocked Robbie Williams out of the number 1 spot in the UK charts, Williams allegedly said to them at the "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" film premiere, “So you are the four idiots who have forced me off my number one spot!”.

This multiplatinum-selling CD became number one in the charts in a total of 13 countries around the world, and achieved top 5 placing in 25 countries.

''Ancora'' (2005)

This was recorded in both Sweden and London with producers Per Magnusson, David Kreuger and Steve Mac, who were also the producers of their first album. Released on 7 November 2005 in the UK, it hit number one both in the UK and Australia within one week. ''Ancora'' was released in the US on 24 January 2006. It entered the Billboard albums chart at number 1, selling more than 150,000 copies during its first week of sales.

Highlights include "Isabel," "I Believe In You (Je crois en toi)," a duet with Céline Dion, a Spanish version of Secret Garden's "You Raise Me Up" (Por ti seré), and a Spanish cover of Eric Carmen's "All by Myself." Two of the tracks on the non-American release of this CD, "O Holy Night" and a version of Schubert's "Ave Maria," also appear on 2005's ''The Christmas Collection''.

''The Christmas Collection'' (2005)

Recorded in 2005, the album is a collection of Christmas and holiday-inspired songs.

''Voices'' (2006)

Is a collection of songs released at the time of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

''Siempre'' (2006)

Released on 21 November 2006 in the United States and one week later in the rest of the world.

''The Promise (2008)''

The album was released globally on 10 November 2008, except in the US and Canada, where it was released on 18 November 2008, Ireland where it was released on 7 November 2008, and Japan, on 26 November 2008. The album reached the No.1 spot in the UK on 16 November 2008. The album was produced by Steve Mac. According to the credits on the DVDs, the bagpipes in ''Amazing Grace'', both on this album and in the performance in the ''In the Coliseum'' DVD, are played by Robert White.

Wicked Game (2011)

According to Sony Music International the upcoming album is scheduled for release on 28 November 2011. Il Divo premiered the first song from the album, "Dove L'Amore", in a live performance at the Classical Brit Awards on Sunday 12 May 2011. At the same event Il Divo received the award for 'Artist of the Decade'. Over the last few weeks, IL Divo have been on a worldwide Promotional tour with "Wicked Game" in readiness for their 4th world tour which starts next year, for more information on this visit www.IL DIVO.com.

DVDs

Mama (2005)

The Il Divo release "Mama" – The Video, which includes exclusive footage of the "Making of the Video," a live recording of "Mama – Live In New York," plus a photo gallery.

Encore (2005)

An open air "live" concert filmed at the Teatro Romano, which is part of the "Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida" World Heritage site in Mérida, Spain, 2005 and was released as DVD on 24 January 2006. The DVD features 8 tracks, including:

Concert

''Si Tu Me Amas''

''Isabel''

''O Holy Night''

''Heroe''

''All By Myself (Solo Otra Vez)''

Extras

Il Divo Revealed (documentary interspersed with concert songs)

Regresa A Mi (Unbreak My Heart) (Music video)

Mama (Music video)

Live at the Greek Theater (2006)

The second official DVD release of Il Divo, this contains the full live concert performed on 27 June 2006 at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, California as part of their World Tour 2006. This recording captures all the songs that have established the group's popularity, such as their breakthrough hit "Regresa A Mi" through to their original songs such as "Mama," "Si Tu Me Amas," and the only song taken from their Christmas album, "Rejoice." They also performed a previously unreleased rendition of the iconic song "Somewhere" as featured in the musical ''West Side Story''. Most releases in the United States of America do not have "Everytime I Look At You" on it as a major music distributor bought the rights to it in order to promote this song as a bonus track on their release of the DVD, despite the tracklisting on the back-covers still listing the track.

Setlist (in order)

Regresa a mi

All by myself (Solo otra vez)

Passerà

Isabel

Nella fantasia

Rejoice

Pour que tu m'aimes encore

I Believe In You (Je crois en toi)

Unchained Melody (Senza catene)

Every Time I Look At You

Si tú me amas

Feelings

Mama

Somewhere

Hero

My Way (A mi manera)

Extras

The Time of our Lives video - performed with Toni Braxton as the official 2006 FIFA World Cup song. It features three versions in English, German and the International one.

Up-close and personal interview - focuses on the group's reflections of their success so far.

Live at the Coliseum (2008)

The DVD was released in the UK on 1 December 2008, but the show was at the Pula Arena in Pula, Croatia.

It features performances of:

Amazing Grace

The Power Of Love (La Fuerza Mayor)

Hallelujah (Alleluia)

The Winner Takes It All (Va Todo Al Ganador)

Adagio

With an in-depth 30 minute interview entitled 'The Promise – Il Divo In Conversation.'

An Evening With Il Divo - Live In Barcelona (2009)

While partaking in their largest worldwide tour, Il Divo recorded and released An Evening With Il Divo – Live In Barcelona, a live DVD with an accompanying 10-track CD with songs from the concert. It was recorded at Il Divo’s largest capacity performance in Europe and took place at Palau Sant Jordi on 3 April 2009 with attendance of 20 000 people. Added to the setlist are two previously unrecorded songs by the band, Bridge Over Troubled Water and The Impossible Dream. Extras include a "behind the scenes footage/making of the tour" interview with Il Divo. Il Divo turned to the famous choreographer William Baker for a fresh look and feel, as his most famous work is for vastly different music and performers, mainly Kylie Minogue. Disc 1: The CD

Unbreak My Heart (Regresa A Mi)

Unchained Melody (Senza Catene)

La Promessa

Adagio

Somewhere

Nights in White Satin (Notte Di Luce)

Without You (Desde El Dia Que Te Fuiste)

Hallelujah (Aleluya)

Amazing Grace

My Way (A Mi Manera)

Disc 2: The DVD

Somewhere

Unbreak My Heart (Regresa A Mi)

La Promessa

Angelina

Isabel

Bridge Over Troubled Water

She

Passera

Unchained Melody (Senza Catene)

Mama

Nights In White Satin (Notte Di Luce)

The Winner Takes It All (Va Toda Al Ganador)

Without You (Desde El Dia Que Te Fuiste)

Pour Que Tu M'Aimes Encore

Everytime I Look At You

Hallelujah (Aleluya)

Adagio

La Vida Sin Amor

Caruso

The Power Of Love (La Fuerza Mayor)

My Way (A Mi Manera)

Amazing Grace

The Impossible Dream

Extras

On Tour With Il Divo

Live in London (2011)

Setlist (in order)

Come What May (Te Amare)

Dov'è L'Amore

Adagio

Nella Fantasia

La Vida Sin Amor

Everytime I Look At You

Passerà

Unchained Melody (Senza Catene)

My Way (A Mi Manera)

Wicked Game (Melanchonia)

Si Tú Me Amas

Mama

Hallelujah (Aleluya)

Crying (Llorando)

Unbreak My Heart (Regresa a Mí)

Without You (Desde El Dia Que Te Fuiste)

Pour Que Tu M'Aimes Encore

Somewhere

Time to Say Goodbye (Con Te Partirò)

Bonus Content

Countdown to the Coliseum

At The Classic Brits

At The Photoshoot

In The Studio

At The Coliseum

Wicked Game - Track by Track

Wicked Game Album Trailer

Bibliography

Romancing The World (2005)

Author: Allegra Rossi Format: Hardback 128 pages Date of publication: 10 November 2005 Publisher: Orion ISBN 9780752875194

Our Music, Our Journey, Our Words (2007)

Author: Il Divo Format: Paperback 192 pages Data of publication: 6 September 2007 Editor: Headline Book Publishing ISBN 9780755316571

Notes

External links

Official website

LiveJournal Fan Community

Il Divo Belgium website

Spanish website

Il Divo profile on the C Music TV channel

Il Divo section on ClassicalX

Belgium Il Divo Fansite

Belgium Il Divo Forum

Il Divo Brazilian Fanclub

Il Divo Kingdom ru

Il Divo Italian Web Site it

Category:Multinational musical groups Category:Musical groups established in 2004 Category:Opera crossover singers Category:Musical quartets Category:Sony BMG artists

ar:إيل ديفو bg:Ил Диво ca:Il Divo cs:Il Divo da:Il Divo de:Il Divo es:Il Divo fr:Il Divo id:Il Divo it:Il Divo (gruppo musicale) la:Il Divo lt:Il Divo ms:Il Divo mn:Ил Диво nl:Il Divo ja:イル・ディーヴォ no:Il Divo pl:Il Divo pt:Il Divo ru:Il Divo sk:Il Divo fi:Il Divo sv:Il Divo th:อิล ดิโว่ uk:Il Divo vi:Il Divo zh:美聲男伶

Coordinates	9°1′48″N38°44′24″N
name	Kim Kardashian
birth name	Kimberly Noel Kardashian
birth date	October 21, 1980
birth place	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
nationality	American
net worth	$35 million
years active	2007–present
occupation	Businesswoman, socialite, television personality, model, actress
height
measurements	35D-26-40
television	''Keeping Up with the Kardashians''''Kourtney and Kim Take New York''
spouse	(separated)
parents	Robert Kardashian (father)Kris Jenner (mother)Bruce Jenner (stepfather)
relatives	Kourtney Kardashian (sister)Khloé Kardashian (sister)Robert Kardashian Jr. (brother)Kylie Jenner (half-sister)Kendall Jenner (half-sister)
website

Kimberly Noel "Kim" Kardashian (born October 21, 1980) is an American socialite, television personality, model, actress and businesswoman. She is known for starring in ''Keeping Up with the Kardashians'', the E! reality series that she shares with her family, and its spin-offs including ''Kourtney and Kim Take New York''. Prior to the development of her career as a reality television star, Kardashian gained notoriety as the subject of a sex tape that subsequently resulted in a court awarding her $5 million. She has been involved in the production of several lines of clothing and fragrances. In 2010, she was the highest earning reality star, with estimated earnings of $6 million.

In August 2011, Kardashian married basketball player Kris Humphries in a widely publicized ceremony. In October 2011, Kardashian filed for divorce, 72 days after the wedding.

Biography

Early life

Kardashian was born in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of attorney Robert Kardashian and his wife Kris Kardashian (née Houghton). Her father was a third generation Armenian American, and her mother is of Dutch and Scottish descent. Kardashian has two sisters, Kourtney and Khloé, and one brother, Robert. She has stepbrothers Burton Jenner, Brandon Jenner, and reality TV star Brody Jenner, step-sister Casey Jenner, and half-sisters Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner. She attended Marymount High School.

In 2000, Kardashian married music producer Damon Thomas; their relationship ended in divorce in 2004. Subsequently she dated R&B; singer Ray J, NFL star Reggie Bush and Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin. She also dated model Gabriel Aubry.

2003–07: Controversy and reality television

In February 2007, a home sex video that she made with singer Ray J in 2003 was leaked. Vivid Entertainment bought the rights for $1 million and released the film as ''Kim Kardashian: Superstar'' on February 21. Kardashian sued Vivid for ownership of the tape. In late April 2007, Kardashian dropped the suit and settled with Vivid Entertainment for $5 million.

Kardashian was a friend of Paris Hilton, who introduced her to the socialite scene. Her first acting role was in the television series ''Beyond the Break''. In October 2007, along with her two sisters, mother, brother, half-sisters, and stepfather she starred in the E! television series, ''Keeping Up with the Kardashians''. As of October 2011, the series has aired 69 episodes over six seasons.

2007–2010: Modeling and retail

Kardashian co-owns a clothing boutique called D-A-S-H with her sisters Kourtney and Khloé. In December 2007, Kardashian posed nude for ''Playboy''. In February 2008, Bongo Jeans announced that she would be their face model. She has also modeled for Carl's Jr., Sugar Factory lollipops, and various other products.

Kardashian starred in the 2008 disaster film spoof ''Disaster Movie'' as Lisa, and appeared in the ''How I Met Your Mother'' episode "Benefits". She also appeared on the Season 3 premiere of the series ''90210'' with her sisters Khloé and Kourtney; they all played themselves. Kardashian was a guest hostess of WrestleMania XXIV and appeared as a guest judge during Cycle 13 of ''America's Next Top Model''. On December 16, 2009, Kardashian made a guest star appearance on CBS's ''CSI: NY'' with Vanessa Minnillo. In 2009 she had a cameo as club bouncer in the 2009 porn film spoof ''Deep in the Valley''

Kardashian was one of 13 participants on the seventh season of ''Dancing with the Stars''. She was partnered with Mark Ballas and was the third contestant voted off the show on September 30, 2008, finishing in 11th place overall. Sanford Siegal, the creator of the Cookie Diet, sued Kardashian, claiming she defamed him on Twitter. According to Siegal, Kardashian tweeted in October 2009 that he was "falsely promoting" that she was on the cookie diet. Siegal filed a claim in a Florida state court claiming the statements are false and defamatory. He also alleges that Kardashian was on QuickTrim's payroll when she posted the tweet. Kardashian's tweet appears to stem from an article on CookieDiet.com, that named Kardashian as one of many celebrities who saw positive results on the diet. Kardashian sent a cease-and-desist order to Siegal, demanding the link be removed.

Kardashian released her own fragrance product in 2010. In March 2009, Kardashian launched an endorsement with ''ShoeDazzle'' shopping, of which she is the co-founder and chief fashion stylist. The following month on April 9, 2009, Kardashian released a workout DVD series, ''Fit In Your Jeans By Friday,'' with trainers Jennifer Galardi and Patrick Goudeau. In September 2009, Fusion Beauty and Seven Bar Foundation launched "Kiss Away Poverty", with Kardashian as the face of the campaign. For every LipFusion lipgloss sold, $1 went to the Foundation to fund women entrepreneurs in the US.

She has also been featured in numerous international editions of ''FHM'', including the cover of the April 2010 Australian edition and the UK March 2011 edition. Famous Cupcakes, a Los Angeles bakery, created a vanilla cupcake mix for Kardashian. The cupcake flavor is called Va-Va-Va-Nilla. Kardashian has also created jewelry along with her sisters, Khloé and Kourtney. They produced a collection for ''Virgins, Saints, and Angels'' in 2010.

Again with her sisters, Kardashian has released various clothing lines. One called K-Dash was to be sold on QVC in 2010, and in the same year they produced a range for Bebe. As of August 2011 they are creating another for Sears, called the ''Kardashian Kollection''. In addition, Kardashian and her sisters created a sunless tanner called Kardashian Glamour Tan in 2010. On July 1, 2010, the New York City branch of Madame Tussauds revealed a wax figure of Kardashian.

2010–present: marriage, divorce and other ventures

Kardashian is the producer of ''The Spin Crowd'', a reality television show about ''Command PR'', a New York City public relations firm, run by Jonathan Cheban and Simon Huck. The show follows them as they settle into their new offices in Los Angeles. Kardashian is friends with both, specifically Cheban, and frequently appears on her reality shows. She also appeared at the 2010 MTV VMAs on September 12, 2010. She also appeared in and was the subject and judge of a task on the ninth episode of Season 10 of ''The Apprentice'' in 2010; the two teams had to create an in-store display for her new perfume line, to be sold at Perfumania. Kim, Kourtney, and Khloé wrote an autobiography entitled ''Kardashian Konfidential'', which was released in stores on November 23, 2010. In April 2010, Kardashian sparked controversy over the way she held a cat for a photograph. The same year, animal rights organization PETA criticized Kardashian for repeatedly wearing fur coats, and named her as one of the five worst people or organizations of 2010 when it came to animal welfare. In June 2010, ''The Guardian'' commented on her ability to attract payments of up to US$10,000 from sponsors for each tweet that she broadcasts.

In December 2010, Kardashian filmed a music video for a song titled "Jam (Turn It Up)". The video was directed by Hype Williams; Kanye West makes a cameo in the video. Kardashian premiered the song during a New Year's Eve party at TAO Las Vegas on December 31, 2010. The song was produced by The-Dream and Tricky Stewart. When asked if an album is in the works, Kardashian replied: "There's no album in the works or anything – just one song we did for ''Kourtney and Kim Take New York'', and a video Hype Williams directed, half of the proceeds we're giving away to a cancer foundation, because The-Dream's and one of my parents passed away from cancer. It's just all having fun – with a good cause". Jim Farber, writing for the ''Daily News'', called the song a "dead-brained piece of generic dance music, without a single distinguishing feature," and suggested that the single made Kardashian the "worst singer in the reality TV universe."

Kardashian's 2010 earnings were the highest among Hollywood-based reality stars, being estimated at $6 million.

Kardashian has supported the recognition of the Armenian Genocide on numerous occasions and has encouraged Barack Obama and the United States government to consider its acknowledgement. On April 21, 2011, a few days before the 96th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, she wrote about the issue on her blog in an effort to put it under spotlight and also sent a tweet to her fans urging its recognition.

Kardashian began dating NBA player Kris Humphries of the New Jersey Nets in October 2010. They became engaged in May 2011, and married on August 20, 2011 in Montecito, California. A two-part TV special showing the preparations and the wedding itself aired on ''E!'' in early October 2011, amidst what the ''Washington Post'' called a "media blitz" related to the wedding. After 72 days of marriage, Kardashian filed for divorce from Humphries on October 31, 2011, citing irreconcilable differences. After filing for the divorce, Kardashian asked the court to order Humphries to pay his own legal expenses. On December 1, 2011, Humphries filed his response to Kardashian's petition, requesting an annulment on the grounds of fraud or if the court will not grant an annulment, a decree of legal separation rather than Kardashian's requested divorce.

Several news outlets have surmised that Kardashian's marriage to Kris Humphries was merely a publicity stunt to promote the Kardashian family's brand and their subsequent television ventures. Her former publicist has also claimed that her short-lived wedding was indeed staged and a ploy to generate money. Kardashian has since filed suit against him, saying his claims were untrue. A widely circulated petition asking to remove all Kardashian related programing off the air has been followed since their split.

Filmography

! Year	! Title	! Role	Notes
2007–present	''Keeping Up with the Kardashians''	Herself	Reality Show
2008		Herself
2008	''Disaster Movie''	Lisa Taylor
2009	''CSI: NY''	Debbie Fallon	Season 6, 1 episode
2009–2010	''Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami''	Herself	Guest Star, 5 episodes
2009	''America's Next Top Model''	Herself	Cycle 13, 1 episode
2009	''Deep in the Valley''	Summa Eve
2009	''How I Met Your Mother''	Herself	Season 4, 1 episode
2009	''Beyond the Break''	Elle	Season 3, 4 episodes
2010		Herself	Season 3, 1 episode
2011	''Khloé & Lamar''	Herself	Guest Star, 3 episodes
2011–present	''Kourtney and Kim Take New York''	Herself	Reality Show
2011	''America's Next Top Model''	Herself	Cycle 17, 1 episode
2012	''Drop Dead Diva''	Nikki	Season 4, 1 episode
2012		Herself	Season 1, 1 episode
2012		Ava

References

External links

Kardashians join forces with Australian designer at Mediasearch

Category:1980 births Category:American female models Category:American film actors Category:American people of Armenian descent Category:American people of Dutch descent Category:American people of Scottish descent Category:American television actors Category:American women in business Category:American socialites Category:Businesspeople in fashion Category:Kardashian family Category:Living people Category:Participants in American reality television series Category:People from Los Angeles, California

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Debbie Greenwood (born 16 September 1959 in Liverpool, England) is a British television presenter and a former Beauty queen who won the title of ''Miss Great Britain'' in 1984.

Career

Debbie began her broadcasting career in 1984, presenting regional programmes for Granada Television. She then moved on to the BBC's ''Breakfast Time'' and later presented ''Streetwise'' for The Channel 4 Daily. She also presented the UK version of the short lived game show ''Love Me, Love Me Not'' in 1988, as well as the more successful BBC quiz for schoolchildren, ''First Class'', which was on BBC1 from 1984 to 1988, and which she hosted from 1986.

Debbie has since been seen on a variety of UK-based satellite and cable shopping channels, including TV Travel Shop. She can now be found presenting on QVC.

Personal life

Debbie is married to the presenter Paul Coia, with whom she has two daughters, Annalie and Luisa.

References

Category:1959 births Category:Living people Category:English television presenters Category:Television presenters from Liverpool Category:English beauty pageant winners