Western Union partners with Sunidhi Chauhan; launches Digitized Western Union Singing Telegram

The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU), a leader in global payments, launched Western Union Singing TelegramSM, a new interactive online platform that allows consumers to create a personalized music video and virtual duet with international recording artists including Bollywood's most famous contemporary singer Sunidhi Chauhan.

In addition to Sunidhi Chauhan, recording artists include also K'naan, Snoop Dogg, and Timbaland.

- Mega-producer Timbaland performing "This Lady" and "Drummer Boy," as the first holiday song of his career, available Dec. 1

- 13-time Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg performing "Pretty Woman" and "Life of the Party," available Dec. 17

Diane Scott, chief marketing officer, and president, Western Union Ventures, said, "The Western Union Singing Telegram service creates a new way for consumers around the world to show their loved ones they care about them when sending the gift of cash this holiday season. The singing telegram is a natural fit for us to help consumers around the world virtually connect with their family and friends, giving them the gift of music, their personal image and voice, to make their day better."

The Western Union Singing Telegram, an online interactive platform enabling consumers to emotionally connect with their loved ones when sending money, combines virtual performances with recording artists with select access to BMG Rights Management music libraries. The Western Union Singing Telegram service could have a broader impact on the entertainment industry and how consumers interact with their favorite stars.

"Our enthusiastic involvement in the Western Union Singing Telegram campaign, spearheaded by our partner Venus Brown and Stone Buddha Music, best exemplifies BMG's desire to be at the cutting edge of new business opportunities working with leaders in their industry like Western Union," said Richard Blackstone, chief creative officer, BMG North America. "Venus' entrepreneurial instincts, married with Western Union's desire to provide the richest form of engagement for their customers, enabled this opportunity to create a groundbreaking music-driven, enhanced product."

180 Amsterdam, which is part of the 180 division of the Omnicom Group, developed the creative concept for the refreshed Western Union Singing Telegram in its role as the global creative agency of record for the company.

Western Union first introduced singing telegrams to the world on July 27, 1933. The first singing telegram was a birthday message sent from our office on 60 Hudson Street in New York City.

Western Union Singing Telegram service and Western Union World of Betters recently launched as two programs of many that align under "Moving Money for Better" branding concepts, focused on Western Union® products and services as solutions to create "moments of better.' While sustaining the company's 160-year history of innovation and helping people improve lives, and connecting individuals and families around the world, the new branding elements depict visual timelines that invite consumers to be a part of the worldwide campaign.