Ellio's Rock Star Challenge: Teen Musicians Gain Exposure in Online Competition

Ellio's Pizza hot new online music competition is adding sizzle to the summer scene. Ellio's Pizza is introducing their new Microwave Cheese Pizza and launching the Ellio's Rock Star Challenge (www.elliosrockstar.com). The Rock Star Challenge gives individual teens and teen bands unprecedented exposure to kids nationwide and DJs in top music markets. Plus, the winner will be awarded a three-day recording session with a music producer approved by one of 2006's hottest new bands, Flyleaf.

Ellio's, the maker of delicious frozen pizzas for more than 40 years, is kicking off the Internet-based Ellio's Rock Star Challenge with a pre-launch in June. "Everyone between 13 and 20 years old ? from garage bands to individual musicians ? can start pre-registering on elliosrockstar.com," says Susan Pilcher, Ellio's brand manager. When they visit the site, contestants can post information about their bands and their music genres, as well as upload their all-important MP3s. "Pre-registering increases the chances of gaining early exposure in the contest, especially with DJs," says Pilcher.

Starting August 1, 2006, teens can log on to www.elliosrockstar.com to view the singers' and bands' profiles and listen to their music. More importantly, they'll be able to comment and vote for their choice as to who should be named "Ellio's Rock Star". The top five musicians with the most votes will advance to a final round, where members of the band Flyleaf will choose the grand prize winner.

While today's teens have grown up loving Ellio's unique sauce and end-to-end toppings, the launch of Ellio's New Microwave Cheese Pizza makes it even easier for teen musicians to have a quality snack during practices and jam sessions. Pilcher adds that the new Ellio's Microwave Cheese Pizza is a perfect fit with the teen lifestyle. "Teens want to spend their time listening to music and having fun, not on food preparation," adds Pilcher. "Popping an Ellio's Pizza into the microwave is a simple and convenient way to get a delicious snack by a brand they know and love."

Parents also recognize that teenagers' involvement with music keeps their kids socially engaged and alleviates worries about where their teens are spending their time. "When teens are involved in writing, practicing, and performing music, they spend much of their time at home or at the homes of friends," says Pilcher.

The Ellio's Rock Star Challenge delivers on three of teen's biggest passions: music, the Internet, and pizza. This online contest gives teens the opportunity to showcase their talent, listen to MP3s and cast votes for the next Ellio's Rock Star.