Elliott Yamin to Join USO Tour

Elliott Yamin to Join USO Tour 2/6/08

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Singer/songwriter Elliott Yamin will journey to Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom to entertain service members as part of a USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour Feb. 12-21. During his 10-day tour, the former "American Idol" finalist will dazzle troops with his powerful vocals and chart-topping hits. Yamin will also sign autographs, extend America's gratitude and share his experience of life on the road.

Devoted to supporting those serving in the U.S. armed forces, Yamin visited San Diego's North Island Naval Base in June of 2007, where he welcomed home sailors returning from an extended deployment in Iraq. While visiting the installation, he also toured the USS Boxer, ate lunch with service members, listened to stories and expressed his heartfelt thanks to Navy personnel for their dedicated service.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to travel on a USO entertainment tour," says Yamin. "When I think about how much our men and women in uniform sacrifice and how much courage they possess, it's remarkable. I'm anxious to perform for them, it's the very least I can do."

Proclaimed the "best male vocalist in the history of American Idol" by Simon Cowell, Yamin finished third in the fifth season of "American Idol." Capturing the hearts of millions, in 2007 he signed with Hickory Records and released his debut album "Elliott Yamin." Ranked #3 on the Billboard charts, the CD sold more than 90,000 copies in its first week and spawned such hits as "Movin' On" and "Wait for You." Yamin has accomplished more than most, including coping with near deafness in his right year and Type 1 diabetes. He now tours nonstop and is busy promoting his album.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, there are currently 1.4 million active-duty U.S. service members and 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserves, with many serving overseas. USO entertainment tours are essential to fulfilling the USO's mission of boosting troop morale. Entertainers who recently participated in USO tours include Kix Brooks, Scarlett Johansson, Yellowcard, Robin Williams, Lance Armstrong and Kid Rock.

SOURCE USO