Jewel will partner with ACM Lifting Lives to perform a live mash-up of her chart-topping hit "Hands" combined with "Fill a Heart," an original song written by singer-songwriter Tori Kelly, in a special musical moment presented by ConAgra Foods' Child Hunger Ends Here program. This performance will take place during the 48th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Sunday, April 7 (8:00-11:00PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.
This year's ACM Lifting Lives show moment marks the fifth consecutive year of moving performances which have highlighted worthy causes and provided support on behalf of their beneficiaries during the live Awards telecast. Tori Kelly will introduce the powerful 2013 ACM Lifting Lives moment with Jewel.
Jewel experienced significant hardship in her early years prior to embarking on a successful career as a singer-songwriter and selling more than 27 million albums worldwide. Without a place to call home, there were times when she wasn't sure where she would spend the night or find her next meal. This experience provided the inspiration for her hit song "Hands," a song about desperate times and not losing hope.
"I'm so honored to perform this year's ACM Lifting Lives moment and support ConAgra Foods' Child Hunger Ends Here campaign," said Jewel. "It's an important cause I hold near and dear to my heart, and this is a wonderful way to give back and raise awareness. Tori wrote such a beautiful song, and I hope it serves as a wake-up call to everyone about how widespread a problem this is in the United States."
"The Academy has been dedicated to improving lives through the power of music for 40 years, and this is the fifth year we've included an ACM Lifting Lives moment in the ACM Awards. We are proud to partner once again with ConAgra Foods to bring together a memorable performance to viewers at home, and remind them about some serious issues that Americans face on a daily basis," said Hannah Martin, Manager, ACM Lifting Lives. "It's an honor to have Jewel and Tori contribute their talents to this cause and to help raise awareness for the nearly 17 million children who live in food insecure homes today."
"Child hunger is a problem we cannot ignore," said Chris Sinta, Director of Consumer Promotions at ConAgra Foods. "We're excited to continue our partnership with the Academy of Country Music, and we're honored to have Jewel sing 'Fill a Heart.' Together, we can help make a difference."
For more information on how to join the fight against child hunger and how to participate in the ConAgra Foods Child Hunger Ends Here program, please visit www.childhungerendshere.com.
Jewel is an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, actress, poet, painter, philanthropist and daughter to an Alaskan cowboy singer-songwriter. From the remote ranch of her Alaskan youth to the triumph of international stardom, the three-time GRAMMY Award nominee, hailed by the New York Times as a "songwriter bursting with talents," has enjoyed career longevity that is rare among her generation of artists. Whether alone with her guitar or fronting a band of ace musicians, Jewel has always been a charismatic live performer, earning the respect of other singer-songwriters such as Merle Haggard,
Bob Dylan and Neil Young, who not only invited her to open their shows, but mentored her in the early phases of her career.
In 2013, after a tremendous amount of success as a singer-songwriter, Jewel released a Greatest Hits album. The album features a collection of her most well-known songs as well as two new duets with
Kelly Clarkson and The Pistol Annies, and a new track, "Two Hearts Breaking." She will star as June Carter Cash in the television movie "Ring of Fire," based on June's life, which will premiere in late May. Currently, Jewel lives on a working ranch in Stephenville, Texas with her husband, World Champion bull-riding superstar Ty Murray, and their baby, Kase Townes Murray.
Tori Kelly is a 20-year-old singer/songwriter from Southern California. She self-released Handmade Songs by Tori Kelly last May, a collection of songs that perfectly blend the accessibility of the girl-next-door with the depth and skill of a world-class artist. Kelly started singing at age 3 and then picked up drums, piano and guitar shortly thereafter. She credits Michael Jackson, Jeff Buckley, John Mayer, Jill Scott, and gospel artists such as Crystal Lewis and J. Moss as her musical influences, which are reflected in her soulful pop/rock blend. Her clear and uncompromising vision for her craft and career has helped her build a
Youtube channel that has garnered more than 35 million views and a following that spans the globe. As the new "it girl" of music, Kelly has generated buzz not seen in years from a female singer/songwriter. When she stands on stage, she gives new meaning to "a girl and her guitar." In a world where so much music has become overproduced and complex, Kelly is a purist, and her unique vocal runs and the purity of her tone are impossible to ignore.
ACM Lifting Lives is the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. Each year, ACM Lifting Lives provides grants to music therapy and music education programs. Other giving includes serving members of the country music
Community who face unexpected medical or financial hardship through the Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund and partnering with artists to improve lives through music. Downloads and direct donations of Toby Keith's performance on the 45th annual telecast, Darius Rucker's performance on the 46th annual ACMs and Little Big Town's performance on the 47th annual broadcast raised funds and awareness for Stand Up To Cancer, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and ConAgra Foods' Child Hunger Ends Here campaign. respectively. For more information, please visit www.ACMLiftingLives.org.
The 48th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry, is produced for television by dick clark productions. Allen Shapiro, Orly Adelson and R.A. Clark are executive producers. Barry Adelman is producer, and Bob Bardo is the executive in charge of production. Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.
