Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 2 today announces that pop superstar Kylie will join the line-up of glittering artists who will perform at the Thank You For The Music... A Celebration Of The Music Of Abba concert in London's Hyde Park on Sunday 13 September 2009.

Kylie will perform two tracks at her only live UK appearance this year: the 1980 number one hit Super Trouper, which was taken from the album of the same name, and When All Is Said And Done, from Abba's final studio album The Visitors which was originally sung by Anni-Frid Lyngstad in 1981. Kylie will perform this song accompanied by Abba's Benny Andersson.

Kylie says: "The opportunity to perform classic Abba songs on stage with members of Abba really is a dream come true. Their music has played such a great part in my life from a very early age and I'm thrilled I'll be able to share that with them personally."

It is also announced today that Radio 2 presenter and jazz singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum joins the all-star line-up, along with Christian Jon Billett, runner up in Radio 2's Voice of Music Theatre in 2006, who will be singing Anthem from the musical Chess.

The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Concert Orchestra, conducted by Anders Eljas, will accompany the acts for the evening, which promises to be a very special and unique occasion.

Presented by Radio 2 drivetime host Chris Evans, the gig will be broadcast live on Radio 2, with contributions from two members of Abba, Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, and a performance by the full West End cast of the musical Mamma Mia!

Chris Evans comments:

"Thank You For The Music, the songs they're singing;
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing.
Who would love to host this,
They asked in all honesty;
How about Chris E?

"How could I refuse? I can't wait to be there in amongst all those cascading melodies, unforgettable hooks and hopefully wide lapel jackets, big hair and beards. But enough about my outfit. See you on the 13th.

"PS: I can only contemplate ABBA with the added prospect of the diminutive but delightful songstress Ms Minogue will make the event even more Kylie delightful."

The line-up is:

Lulu will sing Gimme Gimme Gimme, a disco classic which was sampled by Madonna for her 2005 track Hung Up. Gimme Gimme Gimme was also one of the major songs to be featured in the Mamma Mia! movie.

Grammy Award-winning American singer-song writer Chaka Khan will perform The Winner Takes It All, a ballad released as the first single from the group's Super Trouper album in July 1980 which became a number one hit in the UK.

British band The Feeling will sing Does Your Mother Know and Knowing Me, Knowing You, which was the first single to be released from Abba's 1977 album, Arrival.

Texas front-woman Sharleen Spiteri will sing the 1975 hit SOS, taken from the eponymously titled ABBA album.

And newcomer VV Brown will sing Ring Ring, the song with which Abba entered the Swedish heats of the 1973 Eurovision Song Contest, finishing third.

A year later, the group achieved stardom by winning the same competition with Waterloo.

Radio 2 presenter and the queen of Theatre-land Elaine Paige will sing her classic 1985 hit duet I Know Him So Well from the musical Chess, with the production's original Svetlana, Irish singer Siobhan McCarthy.

Jodie Prenger, winner of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One's I'd Do Anything and currently starring in the new West End production of Oliver!, will perform One Of Us, the first single from Abba's final studio album as a group, The Visitors.

Jason Donovan will perform I Have A Dream, and adds: "I have huge affection for their songs, they were are a part of my childhood growing up in Australia, so I am honoured to have been asked to perform at this concert. They have timeless, uncomplicated melodies... simply great music for good times!"

Other artists performing on the night include Nerina Pallot (The Name Of The Game), Beth Nielsen Chapman (Fernando), Benny Andersson and the Orsa Fiddlers, West End star Kerry Ellis with You Have To Be There taken from Benny and Bjorn's new musical production, and Kristina and Marti Pellow singing One Night In Bangkok.

Other hosts include long-time collaborator with Benny and Bjorn, the multi-award winning lyricist Sir Tim Rice, and Swedish actor and star of the hit movie Mamma Mia!, Stellan Skarsgard.

Lewis Carnie, Head of Programming, Radio 2 and 6 Music, comments: "Everyone at Radio 2 is thrilled that Kylie is joining us in Hyde Park to celebrate the musical genius of Benny and Bjorn. Her performance promises to be very special and a must-see for all pop music fans."

The event will be broadcast live on Radio 2 from 6.30 to 9.30pm.

Event Information

Thank You For The Music... A Celebration Of The Music Of Abba, Sunday 13 September 2009, Hyde Park, London.

Gates open 5.00pm; entertainment on stage from 6.30pm.

Tickets cost Β£25.00 plus booking fees.

For full ticketing information, go to: bbc.co.uk/radio2/events/thank-you-for-the-music.

SH/SM3