NEW YORK – December 1, 2010 – Avon Products, Inc. launches Avon Voices, its first-ever global online singing talent search for women and songwriting competition for men and women in celebration of its 125th Anniversary. Avon invites people from more than 60 countries, along with its 6.2 million independent sales Representatives, to ignite a global movement through music. A renowned judging panel of music industry leaders from around the world includes: Fergie, six-time Grammy award winner; legendary songwriter, Diane Warren; Natasha Bedingfield, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter; Lea Salonga, Filipina singer and actress; Ivete Sangalo, Brazil's biggest pop star; and Russian sensation, Valeriya. Highlights of the year-long program will include travel to exciting destinations for nearly 200 global contenders to receive professional coaching and Avon makeovers, and record performance videos. The goal of the Talent Search is to find two talented singers – one an Avon Representative – who may have the opportunity to record a professionally produced album.

"For 125 years, Avon has empowered women to find their own unique voices as they work to make their dreams come true. We are thrilled to now give women the opportunity to share their voice, their song and their story through this unprecedented global talent search," noted Andrea Jung, CEO and Chairman of Avon Products, Inc. "Avon Voices will celebrate Avon's heritage and our future, as we raise women up through beauty, inspiration and song."

Starting today, December 1, 2010, the program's official website - AvonVoices.com – is live, and open for registration. There are three ways to engage as a member of the Avon Voices global community:

• Sing: Women are invited to participate in the online Singing Talent Search by choosing a song from the website and uploading a submission video through February 13, 2011 at AvonVoices.com.
• Vote: Everyone can be a talent scout and recruit all of the talented people they know, watch videos, and vote for their favorite Avon Voices contenders to help decide the outcome. From April through October, the search will be narrowed down four times by a combination of online public voting and judges' scores. (Official Round One voting begins April 22, 2011).
• Write: Women and men may enter the Songwriting Competition. Write an original song that inspires or shares hope and optimism with the world. Simply submit a digital file and lyric sheet at AvonVoices.com (between May 20, 2011 and July 1, 2011).

Global Music Industry Leaders Lend Their Expertise

Avon Voices has gathered an unprecedented array of music artists from around the world to support this movement. Joining Fergie, Ms. Warren, Ms. Bedingfield, Ms. Salonga and Valeriya on the judging panel will be: Delta Goodrem, Australian Artist of the Decade; Sheila E., breakthrough, Grammy-nominated female percussionist; David Pack, Grammy award-winning singer/composer and music producer; and Maia, Colombian singing star. Additional global judges will be announced in the coming weeks.

"I'm so fortunate to be living my dreams through music. I know so many women dream of having their voices be heard – now they can," says Fergie. "Avon Voices will give women everywhere the chance to share their beautiful voices with the world."

Currently, many other music and entertainment celebrities have joined forces in support of Avon Voices at a national and regional level in every corner of the globe. Local consumer and promotional events will be taking place throughout the year, especially during the Talent Search submission period. Avon Voices is also featured in over 40 million Avon brochures being distributed globally during December and January. Currently, many other music and entertainment celebrities have joined forces in support of Avon Voices at a national and regional level in every corner of the globe. Local consumer and promotional events will be taking place throughout the year, especially during the Talent Search submission period. Avon Voices is also featured in over 40 million Avon brochures being distributed globally during December and January.

Music Downloads to benefit the Avon Foundation for Women

Avon Voices is about more than providing a showcase for undiscovered talent. Throughout the year, music will be available for digital download in select countries, with a percentage of proceeds supporting the Avon Foundation for Women's global campaign to end violence against women and girls. To date, Avon global philanthropy has raised and awarded more than $30 million directed to domestic and gender violence awareness, education, direct services and prevention programs.

In support of Avon's Global Campaign, Ms. Warren will be releasing her single Until U Love U, recorded by Valeriya and produced by David Pack. The digital download will be available for purchase in certain participating countries in January 2011.

"As a songwriter, I know what it's like to touch the hearts and lives of people through the power of music." Ms. Warren said. "I'm truly inspired by Avon's commitment to uplifting women through the universal language of music."

At the conclusion of the program, Ms. Warren will also be providing an anthem to be recorded by up to 10 global finalists alongside many of Avon Voices celebrity judges, with proceeds going to Avon global philanthropy. The anthem will debut live at the Avon Foundation for Women Annual Gala, scheduled for Fall 2011 in New York City.

Live Twitter Q&A

Tune in today at 2:45 PM ET for a LIVE Twitter Q&A with Fergie, Diane Warren and Andrea Jung as they answer questions from featured bloggers from around the world. Access the Twitter Q&A here http://www.twitter.com/avonvoices or by following #avonvoices.

Avon Voices is being produced in partnership with, and powered by, Intero, a company committed to connecting, artists, brands and communities with meaningful content delivered through live events and online channels.Avon Voices is being produced in partnership with, and powered by, Intero, a company committed to connecting, artists, brands and communities with meaningful content delivered through live events and online channels.

About Avon Products, Inc.

Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with over $10 billion in annual revenue. As the world's largest direct seller, Avon markets to women in more than 100 countries through approximately 6.2 million active independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon's product line includes beauty products, as well as fashion and home products, and features such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, Avon Naturals, and Mark. Learn more about Avon and its products atwww.avoncompany.com.

About Avon Foundation for Women

The Avon Foundation for Women was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women. Through 2010, Avon global philanthropy has donated more than $800 million in more than 50 countries for causes most important to women. Today, Avon philanthropy focuses its funding on breast cancer research and access to care, efforts to reduce domestic and gender violence, its women's environmental movement to nurture nature, and efforts to provide relief and recovery in times of major natural disasters and emergencies.

To learn more about Avon Voices, go to: http://www.avonvoices.com/ or follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/avonvoices) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/avonvoices).

SOURCE: AVON