USHER TEAMS WITH SONY ERICSSON

Sony Ericcson and Usher had joined forces.

He will be the new face of Sony Ericsson's Walkman music phones. "It's the first big partnership in North America we've done," said Karen Morris, VP of Marketing for Sony Ericsson North America. "Globally, we've done things with Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera. But this time, we have aligned it with the [U.S.] portfolio we are bringing to the marketplace, and Usher has such broad appeal."

Sony Ericsson is the title sponsor for Usher's North American tour later this year, and the partnership will include access to exclusive content on Walkman phones, and contests, such as winning a chance to meet Usher on a video shoot, and getting VIP tickets for a concert. Fans will also be able to vote on what other band Usher will go on tour with, although Usher will have the final say. The content will be limited to one wallpaper on the phone right now, but will include ringtones and full-album downloads later this year.