Rolling Stone names finalists in rock star contest

Rolling Stone is thrilled to reveal that Lelia Broussard and The Sheepdogs are the final two acts in the magazine’s first-ever “Do You Wanna Be A Rock & Roll Star?” competition, as chosen by consumer votes. Broussard and The Sheepdogs will go head-to-head at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in June to compete for the ultimate prize: To be the first band or artist not signed with a major label to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone.

The winner, who will receive a recording deal with Atlantic Records, will be announced on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and also perform on the show. The August 18 issue of Rolling Stone (on newsstands August 5) will feature either Broussard or The Sheepdogs on the cover.

Consumers can vote for the winner at RollingStone.com, where there are videos, interviews, photos, streaming music, and other content. The Bonnaroo performances will stream live. Voting closes on July 1, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

“Congratulations to Lelia and The Sheepdogs on advancing to the finals,” says Nathan Brackett, Rolling Stone Deputy Managing Editor. “We’ve been impressed with their growth over the past couple of months, and can’t wait to see them battle it out at Bonnaroo.”

Launched in February, the competition started with 16 acts selected by Rolling Stone, AOL Music editors, and Atlantic A&R executives. During the competition, Broussard, The Sheepdogs and other finalists traveled to New York City to record and perform three songs for Rolling Stone editors, Atlantic A&R executives and other industry professionals, including Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump.

Broussard, 21, of Los Angeles, grew up in Louisiana and Philadelphia, where she started writing music and playing guitar as a teenager, and later moved to New York City before ending up in California. Classic-rock quartet The Sheepdogs formed in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in 2006 and has toured across North America along with releasing three independent albums.

Garnier Fructis, a brand committed to celebrating self-expression and personal style, is the exclusive sponsor of “Do You Wanna Be A Rock & Roll Star?” During the competition, Garnier Fructis mentored the acts to help them establish individual styles both on- and off-stage and will be instrumental in helping the bands become Rolling Stone cover-ready. Garnier Fructis will also be in full support of the two bands at Bonnaroo helping them with their style as well as dedicating an area in their tent where festival attendees can cast their vote for either Leila Broussard or The Sheepdogs. In addition, Garnier Fructis will offer complimentary hair washings and styling tips to the festival attendees.

“We’ve been truly impressed with the amount of talent that’s emerged, and we’re honored to have helped the finalists develop their personal styles throughout this journey. Garnier Fructis is eager to continue helping them establish their style as they continue their quest to make rock & roll history by being on the cover of Rolling Stone,” says Kat Peeler, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Garnier Fructis.

“It’s been a compelling and inspiring experience to watch the contenders as they face the hurdles of the competition,” said Craig Kallman, Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO. “What is most impressive is how the artists have evolved along the way, honing their performing, writing, and recording skills. Lelia Broussard and The Sheepdogs are gifted, exciting artists who are now about to face the ultimate test, a live performance before tens of thousands at Bonnaroo. I can’t wait to see who the public chooses for the Rolling Stone cover and who becomes part of our Atlantic family.”

Consumers can follow the competition through Rolling Stone’s email alerts, Facebook page and Twitter feed. A variety of sweepstakes will award free tickets to Bonnaroo, downloads, t-shirts and other prizes. In addition, AOL Music will supplement the online coverage with its own content.

For more information on the “Do You Wanna Be A Rock & Roll Star?” contest, visit RollingStone.com.