BOYZ II MEN ADDED TO STAR-STUDDED LINE-UP OF NBC’S 13TH ANNUAL “CHRISTMAS IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER” SPECIAL ON NOVEMBER 30 (8-9 P.M. ET/PT)

New York – November 24, 2010 – NBC will celebrate the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree once again with a live broadcast from Rockefeller Center in New York City on Tuesday, November 30 (8-9 p.m. ET/PT). The star-studded holiday special will feature performances by Boyz II Men, Susan Boyle, Mariah Carey, Charice, Sheryl Crow, Jackie Evancho, Josh Groban, Katherine Jenkins, Annie Lennox, Kylie Minogue, Jessica Simpson and The Radio City Rockettes with a mix of current hits and holiday classics.The 78th annual holiday extravaganza will feature a tree that is 74 feet high, 40 feet in diameter and weighs a whopping 12 tons.

The tradition of the Rockefeller Christmas tree dates back to the Great Depression. First erected in 1933, the inaugural tree was decked with 700 lights and placed in front of the then eight-month-old RCA Building, now the GE Building. The Christmas tree gathering was enhanced in 1936 with the opening of the Rockefeller Plaza outdoor ice-skating pond. NBC-TV televised the tree lighting for the first time in 1951 on “The Kate Smith Show” and as part of the nationwide “Howdy Doody” television show from 1953-55.

Prior to this year’s primetime telecast, WNBC, NBC’s New York flagship station, and other nationwide affiliates will broadcast an additional live hour of the special (7-8 p.m. ET). “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” is produced by Brad Lachman Productions with Lachman serving as executive producer. Bill Bracken is producer.

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS:

Boyz II Men, the best-selling R&B group of all time and four-time Grammy winners followed up the worldwide success of their 2009 Grammy-nominated R&B Album of the Year “Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA,” the group has no plans of stopping as they approach their 20th anniversary in entertainment. The trio will also be hitting the road in early 2011 to play shows throughout the US and Canada. On February 11, 2011 they will also set sail on “The Love Cruise,” a four-day fan cruise to the Bahamas that will include meet-and-greets, a poker tournament, a welcome party, and the chance to have their wedding vows renewed while being serenaded by the Boyz themselves.

First discovered on “Britain’s Got Talent,” Susan Boyle became an instant internet sensation with over 500 million views on YouTube. Her debut album, “I Dreamed A Dream,” went from the most pre-ordered album in Amazon’s global history to the fastest selling female debut album of all time in a matter of weeks. Boyle will be releasing her second album, “The Gift,” on November 9th, with highlights including delightful renditions of the traditional hymn “Away In A Manger” and a cover of Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over.”

“Merry Christmas II You” is Mariah Carey’s 13th studio album, and follows up her worldwide multi-million-selling “Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel” (released September 2009), her multi-platinum “E=MC²” (2008), and worldwide 10 million selling “The Emancipation Of Mimi” (2005). “The Emancipation Of Mimi” generated three Grammy awards (including Best Contemporary R&B Album), two #1 singles, and countless more honors during its 18-month chart stay. Soundscan’s biggest-selling album of 2005, Mimi featured “We Belong Together” (Grammy winner for Best Female R&B Vocal and Best R&B Song) and “Don’t Forget About Us,” Mariah’s 16th and 17th #1 career singles respectively. They tied one of the most enduring chart records in Billboard Hot 100 history, Elvis Presley’s 17 #1’s. Three years later, Mariah surpassed Elvis when “Touch My Body” (from “E=MC²”) became her 18th #1 Hot 100 hit. Mariah is now positioned as the only active recording artist with the potential to surpass the Beatles’ all-time high of 20 #1 hits. The success of “E=MC²” brought total sales of Mariah’s albums, singles and videos to more than 200 million worldwide, distancing her even further from the pack as the most successful female recording artist in history.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Charice found her singing voice at a young age. By age 7, she was supporting her family through her earnings from singing competitions. In 2007, a web-savvy fan began posting a series of Charice’s performances on YouTube, including appearances on the Filipino talent show “Little Big Star” and the popular South Korean talent show “Star King.” She instantly became an internet sensation, earning herself appearances on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and “Oprah.” She has since released her self-tilted debut album, which recently reached #1 in Japan.

Nine-time Grammy Award-winning musician Sheryl Crow recently released her seventh album, “100 Miles From Memphis.” For the Missouri native, the album is a statement of purpose, featuring eleven songs that are characterized more by capturing a classic spirit than by imitating any specific style. Crow has sold 16 million albums in the United States and 35 million albums worldwide. She currently resides on a farm outside Nashville, Tennessee with her two sons.

Jackie Evancho, the 10-year old soprano prodigy whose performance on “America’s Got Talent” won the hearts of millions and brought her into the national spotlight, will release her debut recording, “O Holy Night” on November 16. Since appearing on “America’s Got Talent” Jackie’s accumulated more than 30 million combined YouTube views and was the #1 Hot Google Search this past summer. Jackie first began singing at the age of 7 after watching “The Phantom of the Opera” on DVD. She launched her own YouTube channel and started serious vocal lessons when she was 8 years old. A Pittsburgh native, Jackie performed at local talent shows, going on to perform at high profile events including singing the National Anthem at Pittsburgh Pirates games.

Josh Groban returns to the “Christmas in Rockefeller” stage for the second time in his extensive career. An international superstar, the Los Angeles native has sold more than 25 million albums and DVDs worldwide, and filled arenas from North America and Europe to Australia and the Philippines. He was the best-selling recording artist of 2007 thanks to sales of his double-platinum 2006 album “Awake” and his blockbuster 5-time platinum Christmas album, “Noel.” After teaming with super-producer Rick Rubin, Groban will be releasing his fifth studio album, “Illuminations” on November 15. This is a very personal album for Groban, who co-wrote 11 of the 13 songs on the collection including “Hidden Away,” which Groban co-wrote with Dan Wilson.

Katherine Jenkins, known as “the young woman from the little place with the huge voice,” hails from the tiny village of Neath in the Welsh Valley. With multi-platinum recordings along with critical acclaim and awards that span decades, Jenkins has become more than a household name in the United Kingdom. Not one to limit herself to opera or her classical/crossover, she loves to perform all types of music. Katherine’s US debut album “Believe” was produced by 15-time Grammy-winning star-maker and hit man David Foster for 143/Warner Bros. Records.

Annie Lennox is the most successful female British artist in pop music history. She has amassed sales of more than 78 million albums worldwide in her 26-year career, both as a member of the groundbreaking Eurythmics and as a solo artist. Her towering achievements also include 34 hit singles, four Grammy Awards, 11 Brit Awards and five Ivor Novello Awards. The superstar has also won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. In addition to her music, Lennox devotes her energy to The SING Campaign, a humanitarian organization Lennox founded to raise awareness and support for the AIDS/HIV pandemic in Africa.

Born in Australia, Kylie Minogue released her first single, a remake of the 1962 Little Eva hit “Locomotion,” in 1987. The song hit #1 in Australia and remained in the top spot for seven weeks, becoming the biggest Australian single of the 80′s. Two decades later, Kylie achieved the record for the most played female artist on UK radio over the last 20 years. Since then she has released eleven studio albums, two live CDs, eight live concert DVD’s, plus her “Greatest Hits” and the “Ultimate Kylie” double album and multiple video packages. Minogue’s latest album “Aphrodite” became Kylie’s fifth #1 album in the UK which made Kylie the first solo artist in the history of the UK charts to have a #1 album in four different decades. Around the globe “Aphrodite” debuted in the top 10 in thirteen different countries. The album has produced two consecutive U.S. Billboard Club hits with “All The Lovers” and “Get Outta My Way.” Kylie’s “Aphrodite – Les Folies 2011″ world tour begins in Denmark on February 19th and is expected to hit the U.S. this spring.

Born and raised outside of Dallas, Texas, Jessica Simpson has taken the music, fashion and entertainment industries by storm and become an international media darling. She made her mark in the music industry with her RIAA-certified double platinum 1999 debut, “Sweet Kisses,” and has since released five additional full-length solo albums including the quadruple platinum “In This Skin” and her latest effort, “Do You Know.” She soon began appearing on television in “That 70’s Show,” her MTV reality show “Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica,” and her recent VH1 docu-series, “Jessica Simpson’s: The Price of Beauty.” Simpson has found additional success as a designer with her Jessica Simpson Collection and her fragrance “Fancy.” An enthusiastic philanthropist, she also serves as the International Youth Ambassador for Operation Smile.

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

OTHER PERFORMERS INCLUDE MARIAH CAREY, SHERYL CROW, JOSH GROBAN, JESSICA SIMPSON, SUSAN BOYLE, ANNIE LENNOX, KATHERINE JENKINS, CHARICE, KYLIE MINOGUE AND JACKIE EVANCHO (NBC’S “AMERICA’S GOT TALENT”)

Natalie Morales joined “Today” as a National Correspondent in February 2006 and was named co-anchor of the third hour of “Today” in March 2008. Morales also serves as a National Correspondent for all NBC News platforms including “NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams,” “Dateline NBC,” and MSNBC. Prior to joining “Today,” Morales was an anchor and correspondent at MSNBC from March 2002 to February 2006. While working for NBC News, Morales has reported on and contributed to several major breaking news stories, including the 2009 presidential inauguration; the Southern California wildfires; the Minneapolis bridge collapse; Hurricane Katrina and the recovery efforts; the Tsunami disaster; the death of Pope John Paul II; the 2004 presidential election; the war in Iraq; and the Columbia Shuttle explosion. Additionally, Hispanic Magazine named her one of the “Top Hispanics to Watch” in 2005 and one of the “Top Trendsetters” of 2003. She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and two sons.

Al Roker has been the weather and feature reporter on NBC News’ “Today” since January 1996. Since July 2009 he has also been co-host of the morning show “Wake Up with Al” on the Weather channel. New York magazine has twice named Roker Best Weatherman. He came to WNBC-TV as a weekend weathercaster in December 1983 from WKYC-TV, the NBC television affiliate in Cleveland. Roker began his broadcasting career while still in college by landing a job as a weekend weatherman WTVH-TV in Syracuse, N.Y. in 1974. After graduation he moved on to weathercasting jobs in Washington, D.C. (1976-1978) and Cleveland, Ohio (1978-1983). He is a recipient of the American Meteorological Society’s prestigious Seal of Approval and has been a pioneer in the use of computer graphics for weathercasting. Roker is a bestselling author with four acclaimed books to his credit. This will be his 24th year hosting “Christmas in Rockefeller Center.”

NBC BRINGS BACK TRADITIONAL FAVORITES AND ORIGINAL SPECIALS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON HIGHLIGHTED BY A THANKSGIVING NIGHT MUSIC SPECIAL WITH GRAMMY WINNER TAYLOR SWIFT

All-new “Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special” Airs November 24

Holiday Traditions Include “Merry Madagascar,” “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina,” “Miracle on 34^th Street,” “Christmas in Rockefeller Center,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “People of the Year,” “NBC’s New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly” and “The 122nd Tournament of Roses Parade”

Other Events Are Network Premieres of Hit Feature Films “Enchanted” and “Bee Movie”

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – October 19, 2010 – NBC celebrates the holiday season with traditional favorites and original programming including a new Thanksgiving night music special, “Taylor Swift – Speak Now,” on Thursday, November 25 (8-9 p.m. ET) that takes fans on a whirlwind trip from New York to Los Angeles as the Grammy winner launches her latest album.

“Taylor Swift – Speak Now ” joins NBC’s Thanksgiving Day favorites on November 25 including “The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” (9 a.m.-12 p.m. in each time zone) and “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina” which follows the parade for its ninth consecutive year (12-2 p.m. in all time zones). In addition, the classic original film version of “Miracle on 34^th Street” airs (2-4 p.m. ET) after the “Purina Dog Show” while Matt Lauer’s annual “People of the Year” special airs 9-10 p.m. (ET).

These holiday treats join DreamWorks Animation specials on Wednesday, November 24 that include last year’s family favorite “Merry Madagascar” (8-8:30 p.m. ET) and the premiere of the all-new “Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special” (8:30-9 p.m. ET). Both specials repeat on Saturday, December 4 (8-9 p.m. ET).

Following the animated specials on November 24, the previously announced “The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now?” special will catch fans up on their favorite contestants (9-11 p.m. ET). An encore presentation of the program will air on Tuesday, December 28 (9-11 p.m. ET).

On Friday, November 26, audiences can settle in for the network debut of the hit feature film “Enchanted” (9-11 p.m. ET) while another smash film, “Bee Movie.” makes its network premiere on Saturday, November 27 (8-10 p.m. ET).

The merriment continues with the annual “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” on Tuesday, November 30 (8-9 p.m. ET) and the classic film “It’s A Wonderful Life” airs on Saturday, December 11 (8-11 p.m. ET) and repeats on Christmas Eve Friday, December 24 (8-11 p.m. ET).

“NBC’s New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly” will be counting down to 2011 on December 31 (10-11p.m. and resuming at 11:30 p.m. ET). “The 122nd Tournament of Roses Parade” rings in the New Year live from Pasadena, California on Saturday, January 1, 2011 (11 a.m.-1 p.m. ET, check local listings).

Holiday special descriptions are below:

“Taylor Swift – Speak Now ” brings fans on a whirlwind trip from New York City to Los Angeles with multiple one-of-a-kind performances including a concert 30,000 feet in the air on the plane ride across country. The special also features behind-the-scenes access to the recording studio and video shoot, autograph signings, appearances, paparazzi dodging — and all the mayhem viewers expect surrounding the Grammy-winning superstar.

“Merry Madagascar” begins when Santa (voiced by Carl Reiner) and his sleigh unexpectedly crash lands on the island, giving the jolly gentleman a case of amnesia. So it falls to everyone’s favorite Central Park zoo-sters — along with the ever-inventive Penguins — to deliver the presents and save Christmas. Throw in a long-lasting North Pole/South Pole rivalry between the Penguins and Santa’s Reindeer, magic flying dust and a King Julien-based holiday appropriately called “Julianuary” — and “Merry Madagascar” serves up a comedic holiday story like no other.

“Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special” celebrates Winter Feast, Po’s (voiced by Jack Black) favorite holiday. Every year, Po and his father hang decorations, cook together and serve noodle soup to the villagers. But this year Shifu (voiced by Dustin Hoffman) informs Po that as Dragon Warrior, it is his duty to host the formal Winter Feast at the Jade Palace. Po is caught between his obligations as the Dragon Warrior and his family traditions.

Viewers will get a chance to catch up with some of their favorite contestants from the last nine seasons of NBC’s hit series “The Biggest Loser” with the inspiring Thanksgiving week special “The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now?” More than 30 former contestants will be featured in the special revealing what they’ve been doing with their lives since competing on the show.

The “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” celebrates its 84th anniversary on NBC as America’s most cherished holiday tradition. With its spectacular pageantry, fun and surprises, the annual New York City extravaganza has become a perennial favorite for millions across the nation. Heralding the start of the holiday season, the world-famous parade features colorful grand floats, lively marching bands, amazing character balloons and special performances by some of today’s hottest stars and Broadway performers — plus an appearance by the one-and-only Santa Claus!

John O’ Hurley returns as host of “The National Dog Show Presented By Purina,” a purebred canine competition that is hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. The show — one of the oldest and most prestigious sporting events in North America — is one of only five remaining “benched” dog shows where the public can interact with the show dogs. David Frei, “the dean” of dog show commentators, will provide expert commentary with Mary Carillo as sideline interviewer. The competition features more than 2,000 of the nation’s leading canines representing more than 150 breeds, including some of the world’s largest, smallest and most exotic breeds, all vying for “Best in Show” honors. A “Cutest Puppy” competition will also be part of the show for holiday viewers.

Once again NBC celebrates the season with a special broadcast of the original “Miracle on 34^th Street,” the 1947 holiday classic that earned Edmund Gwenn an Oscar for his portrayal of Kris Kringle. When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus (Gwenn) is institutionalized for being “insane,” a young lawyer (John Payne) decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing.

With the New Year just weeks away, Matt Lauer (NBC’s “Today”) sits down with the most fascinating, inspirational, and most-talked about people of 2010 for his annual Thanksgiving primetime special “People of the Year.”

A classic Disney fairy tale collides with modern-day New York City in “Enchanted,” a story about a cartoon princess who is sent to the real world by an evil queen (Susan Sarandon). Soon after her arrival, Princess Giselle (Amy Adams) begins to change her views on life and love after meeting a handsome lawyer (Patrick Dempsey). Can a storybook view of romance survive in reality?

In “Bee Movie,” Barry B. Benson (Jerry Seinfeld), a bee who has just graduated from college, is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. On a special trip outside the hive Barry’s life is saved by Vanessa (Renee Zellweger), a florist in New York City. As their relationship blossoms, he discovers humans actually eat honey, and subsequently decides to sue them.

“Christmas in Rockefeller Center” is a star-studded, live broadcast from Rockefeller Center in New York City and celebrates the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree. The special will include a popular musical lineup celebrating the current hits and favorite holiday music from the world of entertainment.

NBC again presents this exclusive and special telecast of Frank Capra’s 1946 holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore. The film follows the life of George Bailey (Stewart) from childhood to maturity in the town of Bedford Falls. On what might be his last Christmas Eve, a discouraged Bailey wants to throw his life away. Fortunately, Clarence (Henry Travers), a second-class angel, is sent to show him the value of life. After Clarence gives Bailey a view of Bedford Falls without him, Bailey realizes how precious his life is and gets a second chance. He comes to learn that Clarence was right when he said, “No man is a failure who has friends.” The film, which earned Oscar nominations for best picture, director, actor and film editing, was produced and directed by Capra.

“Last Call” host Carson Daly will ring in the New Year live from Times Square with “NBC’s New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly.” The two-hour New Year’s Eve special will air live on Friday, December 31 — beginning in primetime (10-11 p.m. ET) — and continuing at 11:30 p.m. (ET) for the countdown to 2011. “NBC’s New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly” will broadcast in high definition from the middle of the world’s most famous New Year’s Eve destination — Times Square in New York City.

NBC will celebrate the “122nd Annual Tournament of Roses Parade” live from Pasadena, California on New Year’s Day. The parade will feature all the lavish floral floats, spectacular marching bands and high-stepping equestrian teams that have made the event the most popular New Year’s Day celebration in the world. This year’s Rose Queen and her court will also appear, along with special guests on magnificent floats.