MUMBAI: For the third consecutive year, Channel [V], China Central Television (CCTV) and Shanghai Media Group will join forces to present the biggest Chinese music event in the world - The Channel [V] Chinese Music Awards. In its 11th year, The Channel [V] Chinese Music Awards will be staged at Shanghai International Gymnastics Centre on 11 January 2005.

This year artists from Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong will vie for 11 coveted awards including Most Popular Male / Female Singer, Best Male and Female Singer, Best Group, Best Newcomer and Best Singer / Songwriter. The nominees include Jay Chou, Jerry Yen, Andy Lau, Faye Wong, Jacky Cheung and Mayday.

"The Chinese music industry has gone through tremendous growth in the past decade and we are proud that The Channel [V] Chinese Music Awards has played a significant role in the process by promoting excellence in Chinese music," said Channel [V] Mainland China general manager Grace Gu. "We will continue to be a pioneering force in supporting Chinese music and celebrating the results with Chinese music fans around the world."

The 10th anniversary Channel [V] Chinese Music Awards last year was watched by more than 226 million viewers in Mainland China including broadcasts on Channel [V], CCTV; and syndication on cable and terrestrial networks, informs an official release.

The awards this year are sponsored by presenting sponsor Panasonic Mobile Communications China; associate sponsors China Mobile Communications Corporation (M-zone) and Beijing Huiyuan Beverage and Food Group Co. Ltd.; and official sponsor C-BONS Maestro.

Votes can be cast online at http://v.sina.com.cn and http://www.vchinese.com, via SMS, fax and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. Six roadshow performances will be staged in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, providing more opportunities for artists from Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong to draw votes for the final event in January.