Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/11/2010 -- O Ent, today announced that entertainment star and Queen of the Carolinas - Shelly B has been tapped to host the 3rd annual #1 rated Carolina awards show among southern viewers, the CAROLINA MUSIC AWARDS sponsored by Budweiser. This much-anticipated special will broadcast LIVE from the Progress Energy Center in Raleigh on Sunday, July 18, 2010 at 8:00 P.M. on U Stream.com with an official rebroadcast on Carolinas FOX 50 Affiliate station.

Continuing a tradition of honoring and showcasing the industry’s hottest stars in music, and entertainment from the Carolinas, CM AWARDS ‘2010’ sponsored by Budweiser is poised for another chart-topping night of never-before-seen moments. The night promises plenty of excitement with scheduled performances by some of the hottest Carolina artist around. The CM Awards are the culmination event for the Official I love Music Weekend July 16th -18th. The weekend focuses on Music and Arts appreciation kicking off with several events Saturday July 17th.

The excitement is ever increasing in the Carolinas with the announcement that several popular radio personalities J Rok from Rock 103FM, Big B of Coast 97.3FM, Kalim Hasan of Soul 104.5FM, and Sha'Linda Pruitt - Online Editor K97.5/Radio One will be presenting at the awards. According to event insiders a few additional surprises to the CM Awards will be officially announced at a later date.

“We are thrilled that Shelly B is going to host the CM AWARDS ’2010,” commented Omar McCallop, CM Awards President, CEO/Founder of O ENT. “Her versatility as a performer perfectly matches the conceptual theme of our show. This will be the event of all events. Get ready for some amazing performances and entertainment that will knock you out; all helmed by ‘The Queen of the Carolinas.’”

One-woman entertainment conglomerate Shelly B is sure to reign supreme as host of this year’s CM AWARDS ’2010. Blessed with style and substance and a serious shoe game, Shelly B is a two time CM Award-winning musician, television host and entrepreneur. Her abilities to grace the stage and captivate the audiences with her personality and style is a sure bet to become the talk of the Carolinas.

CM AWARDS ’2010 will recognize the achievements of artists and entertainers in 16 categories. Best Male and Female Hip Hop Artist, Model and DJ of the Year, Producer of the Year, and recently added category for New CM Awards Artist: Hip-Hop Male. Outside of the urban categories, CM awards will be presented for Best Rock Male, Female and Group, Best Country Group, Male and Female Artist. According to CEO Omar McCallop “Our ability to present a unified Carolina music scene puts us in front of the competition and brings awareness to all music of the Carolinas not just one segment”.

On the social media front, CM AWARDS ’2010 will focus on digital exclusives and interactivity. There will be several Pre-show performances in Chapel Hill, Charlotte, and Rocky Mount that will live only on digital platforms. Internet users will be able to live stream the shows and interact with Carolina’s leading trendsetters.

On July 17th - CM Awards will Presents DJs Vs Artist Basketball Classic & Cookout Hosted by Core DJ Ike G Da. And finally the launch of the Youth Music Movement will take place building anticipation for the newly created Youth Music Awards coming in 2011.

For two years the CM AWARDS has reigned as one of the highest rated and most memorable celebrations in Carolina entertainment, rivaling all Carolina awards shows. Having escalated each year in industry influence, celebrity nominations, attendance and one-of-a-kind performances, CM AWARDS has undoubtedly established itself as the hottest ticket in the Carolinas.

For continuous CM AWARDS ’2010 updates, including live streaming details for the show, please visit: http://www.carolinamusicawards.com/. Additionally, stay on the pulse of any and everything relating to the CM AWARDS ’2010 through our Twitter page at http://www.twitter.com/CMAWARDS (hash tag: #CMAWARDS) and Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/CMAwards.