AP’s red carpet experience will broadcast live on Xbox 360

In an agreement announced today, Xbox LIVE® subscribers will be able to watch AP’s live coverage of celebrity arrivals along the red carpet at the 2013 Grammy Awards and Academy Awards and interviews with the biggest names in entertainment.  The AP will have prime position on the red carpet and its strong reputation as a news provider has resulted in the past in one-on-one interviews with fan favorites, including Adele, Beyoncé, Tom Hanks and Tom Cruise. 

“We are thrilled to be able to deliver our outstanding entertainment experience on the popular Xbox LIVE platform,” said Michael Dutton, AP’s global director, entertainment products. “From social media to smartphones and tablets and now connected entertainment consoles, the AP is always looking for creative ways to bring our content to a wider audience.” 

The AP live red carpet coverage will begin at 6 p.m. ET, Feb. 10, for the Grammy Awards and at 6 p.m. ET, Feb. 24, for the Academy Awards. Both evenings will be anchored by veteran entertainment news correspondent and host Michelle Marie. Marie has previously reported for E! News and was ABC’s digital host for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” in 2011. 

All Xbox LIVE Gold subscribers in the U.S. will be able to access the live coverage through their Xbox 360 console.    

“Our focus is to continue to expand and diversify the entertainment experiences offered to our Xbox community,” said Jose Pinero, senior director Xbox LIVE. “The AP has always provided dynamic content, access to great celebrities and we are excited to bring this to Xbox LIVE.” 

The 2013 Grammy Awards and Academy Awards live red carpet broadcasts further expand the commitment Microsoft is making in live interactive TV experiences. Xbox LIVE carried the 2012 U.S. presidential debates, 2012 Video Game Awards and 2013 People’s Choice Awards. 

Digital publishers can learn more about AP’s live entertainment products at http://marketing.ap.org/2013awards/Online/.