Verizon Wireless Unveils Shakira Tour Plans

Verizon Wireless will use its sponsorship of music artist Shakira’s North American tour this summer to promote its V Cast music service and other technologies to the Latino market.

The five-time Grammy-winning singer and songwriter will begin the 23-city Oral Fixation tour Aug. 9 in El Paso, TX.

Verizon Wireless customers in each city will receive a personal video invitation on their cell phones from the star to attend the events. Customers can text or click to purchase or win tickets. Some concertgoers will receive a barcode ticket sent to their phones that gets them entry into the show.

“We wanted to market V Cast music and products and services by showcasing our network and technology so people can see how to incorporate technology into their lifestyle,” said Brenda Raney, spokesperson, Verizon Wireless. “By choosing an artist like Shakira, we’re able to leverage the Verizon Wireless brand to the Latino market.”

As part of the promotion, Shakira’s fans can text in songs that they would like to hear her play in their city. Several consumers will receive backstage passes.

Verizon Wireless will intertwine technology on many levels during the tour adding a new dimension to the concertgoer’s experience, Raney said.

Shakira’s relationship with the telecommunications company extends to her hit Hips Don’t Lie, which debuted exclusively on Verizon Wireless’ V Cast music service last year. Verizon Wireless and Shakira teamed up for the world premier of the song, music video, ring tone, ring back tone, wallpaper and behind-the-scenes footage of the video shoot for the single prior to its retail availability.

Verizon Wireless serves more than 51 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, the company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone.

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