CLEAR CHANNEL ANNOUNCES LINE-UP FOR IHEARTRADIO MUSIC FEST

Clear Channel has just announced its line-up for its second annual, two-day 2012 iHeartRadio Music Festival, taking place Sept. 21 and 22 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, with tickets available at Ticketmaster beginning tthis Saturday (7.14) at 1 p.m. (ET).

Taylor Swift tops the line-up, which also includes Aerosmith, Rihanna, Usher, Bon Jovi, Lil Wayne, Green Day, Swedish House Mafia, No Doubt, Brad Paisley, Pitbull, Deadmau5, Miranda Lambert, Enrique Iglesias, Linkin Park, Jason Aldean, Pink, Mary J. Blige, Calvin Harris and Shakira.

The announcement was made this morning by Ryan Seacrest.

"There's nothing more amazing than the sound of a screaming crowd," said Swift. "Unfortunately last year, I couldn't be a part of the iHeartRadio Music Festival because I was on tour, and I just thought, next year... I'm saving the date."

"I can't wait to get on the stage and perform live at the iHeartRadio Festival," said Usher.

Pitbull noted, "To be a part of such diverse, powerful acts, in one place, is a great experience."

Said Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman: "Music is the lifeblood of so much of what we do at Clear Channel, and our listeners are the reason for everything we do. We're focused on making the iHearRadio Music Festival an experience that excites and electrifies music fans nationwide...and with a line-up like this, we believe we'll exceed all of their expectations. The iHeartRadio Music Festival is an indication of Clear Channel's ongoing commitment to music and artist development, maximizing artists' exposure to fans and audiences nationwide. With our broadcast brands, live events and the iHeartRadio digital platform, in combination with our relationships with artists, labels and most importantly our listeners, we continue to reinvent the music experience in a way that no other company can."

Added Clear Channel Media Entertainment Chairman/CEO John Hogan: "The iHeartRadio Music Festival last year was such an amazing experience for our listeners, and just like the iHeartRadio digital radio service, really showcased top artists across all genres of music. The bar was set high this year given the overwhelming success of last year's inaugural event and we are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to again deliver a diverse, extraordinary line-up of incredible talent to our listeners for year two."

Added Clear Channel National Programming President and Festival Executive producer Tom Poleman: "The Festival is the ultimate celebration of what's hot in all genres of music, from rock, pop and country to electronic dance music, R&B and hip-hop. I'm sure we'll have hundreds of memorable moments. It's the concert line-up of the year for both fans and artists."

Added Seacrest: "The iHeartRadio Music Festival is a unique celebration of music, the biggest names in the industry coming together for an impressive weekend of live entertainment. The momentum, energy and music experience around the inaugural iHeartRadio Music Festival was incredible, and I'm excited to be a part of this must-see event."