Emeli Sandé Chosen to Perform at 21st Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party

Gala Event to be held February 24 at West Hollywood Park

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) announced today that it has selected soulful Scottish songstress Emeli Sandé to perform at this year’s Academy Awards Viewing Party to be held on Sunday, February 24, 2013, at West Hollywood Park. This annual gala, sponsored by Chopard, Neuro Drinks and Wells Fargo, is the largest fund-raising event in Hollywood on Oscar night and has raised more than $34 million to support the Foundation’s mission to empower people infected, affected and at risk of HIV/AIDS.

“Emeli Sandé’s album, ‘Our Version of Events,’ is a true work of art and a favorite of mine”

“Emeli Sandé’s album, ‘Our Version of Events,’ is a true work of art and a favorite of mine,” said Founder Sir Elton John. “When she is on stage, you can feel her passion for music and the heart that goes into her lyrics. I can’t wait to introduce Emeli to my guests and experience her live performance together. I predict that by next year she will be a multi-Grammy Award winner.”

Sandé leads the 2013 BRIT Award nominations with four nods, including Best Female Solo Artist, Album of the Year and two for Best Single. Her breakthrough multi-platinum album, “Our Version of Events,” was the top-selling album in the U.K. last year, winning over critics, fans, and fellow artists worldwide. Sandé has also enjoyed international success, selling 2.5 million copies and achieving Gold and Platinum status in France, Italy, Australia, Ireland, Germany, Holland, Belgium and Switzerland.

"I'm absolutely delighted to have the chance to work with Sir Elton again and to help support the amazing work he continues to do with his Foundation,” said Emeli Sandé. “I was lucky enough to perform at his Winter Ball recently and I'm sure this will be as memorable a night. I look forward to helping the Foundation raise funds and awareness for those touched by HIV/AIDS."

In addition to Sandé’s performance, guests can look forward to an evening of fun that includes a dinner prepared by internationally renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay and a lively auction performed by Sotheby’s own Jamie Nivens. The event will play host to a myriad of Hollywood top names, many of whom are committed supporters of the Foundation’s work to provide services, including direct treatment and care for people living with HIV/AIDS in marginalized communities. Among the individuals who will attend the celebration are the 2013 Event Chairs, including Bill and Tani Austin, Johnny and Edwina Barbis, Joseph Blount, Chris Colfer, Miley Cyrus, John Demsey, Alec Gores, Tim Hanlon and Anthony Klatt, Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness, Diana Jenkins, Quincy Jones, Rashida Jones, Heidi Klum, Ryan Kwanten, Fred Latsko, Sandra Lee, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, Eric and Janet McCormack, Joe McMillan, Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer, Katy Perry, Tyler Perry, Pablo and Nathalie Salame, Caroline Scheufele, Sharon Stone, Steve Tisch, Edward Walson and John Waters.

Audi, Grey Goose and MAC Viva Glam are the evening’s Co-Sponsors. The Foundation is especially grateful to the City of West Hollywood for its continued collaboration with EJAF. American Airlines is EJAF’s official sponsoring airline.

ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION - Sir Elton John established the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) in 1992. To date, the Foundation has raised more than $275 million in support of projects in 55 countries. EJAF is one of the largest HIV/AIDS grant-making organizations in the world. Charity Navigator has awarded EJAF 4 out of 4 stars – its highest possible rating – seven years in a row. EJAF’s grantmaking embraces grassroots and community-based programs, regional partnerships, national strategies and international collaborative efforts. The Foundation supports a diverse range of initiatives, including HIV prevention programs throughout the United States, the Americas and the Caribbean; HIV prevention and care services for highly marginalized and vulnerable populations; and HIV/AIDS prevention education and the promotion of sexual health for adolescents. For more information, please visit www.ejaf.org.

CHOPARD – Passion for excellence: Louis-Ulysse Chopard founded his own workshop in 1860 in Sonvillier, the Swiss Jura. Since 1963 Chopard has been owned by the Scheufele family and is headquartered in Geneva. Internationally renowned for its watch and jewellery creations, the Group today employs 1,950 people worldwide. The Group is independent and vertically very integrated, controlling the entire process from design to distribution through 1515 points of sale and 145 dedicated boutiques. Over 30 different crafts are practiced in four manufacturing sites with a strong emphasis on in-house training. Chopard has built its reputation on iconic collections such as “Happy Diamonds,” “Happy Sport” and “Mille Miglia.” The firm is also highly recognized for its High Jewellery creations and fine watchmaking and manufacturing expertise, expressed in the L.U.C collection. In accordance with two of its fundamental values, respect and social responsibility, Chopard is strongly committed to various philanthropic organizations. Long-term partnerships tie the company to the World Wildlife Federation, the José Carreras International Leukemia Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Chopard is also a faithful partner of the Cannes International Film Festival and legendary classic car events, such as the Mille Miglia in Italy and the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. For more information, please visit: us.chopard.com

NEURO DRINKS – Founded by Diana Jenkins, Neuro manufactures and markets a line of functional beverages that incorporates the latest in nutrition science and neurocognitive research to enhance your life. Whether you need to optimize your brainpower or focus your willpower, there’s a neuro for that. The product line includes neuroSONIC, with a blend of caffeine and L-theanine to increase mental alertness so you can focus; neuroPASSION, with caffeine and L-citrulline to increase your drive to pursue what you love; neuroBLISS, with chamomile blended with L-theanine to reduce stress and keep you calm; neuroSUN, with your daily supply of vitamin D to improve your immunity; neuroTRIM, which includes a satisfying portion of fiber to control your appetite so you eat less; and neuroSLEEP, with melatonin and magnesium to improve your sleep so you can recharge. Each neuro has only 35 calories, contains no artificial flavors or colors and has a fully recyclable bottle. Neuro is available at retailers nationwide. For more information, please visit www.drinkneuro.com

WELLS FARGO – Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.4 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com), and has offices in more than 35 countries to support the bank’s customers who conduct business in the global economy. With more than 265,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 26 on Fortune’s 2012 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy all our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. For more information, please visit: www.wellsfargo.com/about/csr

AMERICAN AIRLINES – American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® carrier serve 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories with, on average, more than 3,300 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members and members-elect serve more than 900 destinations with more than 10,000 daily flights to 149 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).

American Airlines is the official sponsoring airline of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.