VH1 FEELS LIKE HOME TO NORAH

The channel is pulling out all the stops, starting with a debut of the first video, "Sunrise," from the multi-Grammy-winning, multiplatinum Blue Note chanteuse, last weekend.

VH1.com users can hear the album Feels Like Home on the site’s "Hear Music First" feature now in advance of the album’s Feb. 10 release. Fans can also pre-order Norah’s new album at a special price which includes access to new photos, interviews and other exclusive content.

Jones joins Sarah McLachlan and Sting as the latest artists to participate in the "Hear Music First" program, which has proven to have a positive impact on first-week sales of many of its participating artists. "Sunrise" is the first video to be spun in VH1’s newly created rotation category, "Gung Ho," in which certain clips will be played around 50 times a week, roughly double the previous high.

Retailers are now predicting first-week sales for Norah could soar close to 700k.

"We are proud of the relationship VH1 has developed with Norah," explained VH1 Exec. VP Talent Relations and Music Programming Rick Krim "In Your Coffee" before making sure she was fully dressed. "We strive to help developing artists find success in the mainstream and two years ago, Norah was one of those artists. We’re excited to continue to be a part of Norah’s success as she embarks on her sophomore album. But don’t worry… We’re keeping her far away from Justin Timberlake."

Blue Note Marketing VP Andria Tay acknowledged VH1’s role in recognizing Norah early on. "They helped us transition the underground swell into a mainstream phenomenon with consistent support over the last two years. We’re excited that the challen is demonstrating its continuing faith in Norah with such a high profile, multi-faceted campaign to promote the release of the new album."