JERRY LEWIS MDA TELETHON
STARTS SEARCH FOR NEW TALENT

TUCSON, Ariz., June 3, 2004 — In the spirit of the ever-popular talent search show “American Idol,” the 2004 Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association is once again looking for new talent to present on its live national broadcast.

For the second year, MDA’s “Stars Across America” talent search is seeking singers, dancers, comedians, bands and novelty acts. Selected performers will appear live on the Telethon on Monday, Sept. 6, from Hollywood, New York, Chicago and other remote locations. The show draws some 60 million viewers, plus millions more on the Internet.
“Last year’s talent search was a great success, and I’m sure we’ll find even more promising newcomers for this year’s show,” said Telethon star and MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis. “The 2004 Telethon is a great venue for introducing some of the stars of tomorrow, and performers are always enthusiastic about helping ‘my kids.’”

MDA’s 39th annual Labor Day Telethon will be broadcast live beginning at 9 p.m. EDT on Sept. 5.

To audition, send a VHS-format videotape of your performance (no more than 4 minutes) to: Jerry Lewis MDA Talent Search 2004, 7800 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036. All tapes become property of the Telethon and will not be returned. Deadline for receipt of tapes is July 16.

Candidates must be at least 18 years old and able to provide their own music (live or pre-recorded) both for rehearsal and during the show itself.

Funds raised by the Telethon help support MDA’s programs of services and research for people affected by more than 40 neuromuscular diseases.