This summer, MSN� Messenger offers music fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to instant message with some of the recording industry's hottest young artists. Beginning today, music fans in the United States can download MSN Messenger 6.0 until Aug. 31 and enter to win the "IM A Star" promotion at http://imastar.msn.com/. Seven winners will receive an exclusive invitation to personally chat with one of seven major musical acts--Mary J. Blige, Bon Jovi, Bow Wow, Ludacris, Mya, Seal and Smashmouth--in an exclusive 10-minute instant message (IM) session. Winners can also invite eight of their friends to join the instant message conversation.

In addition to the promotion, fans can log on to MSN Entertainment to access information, as well as watch and hear their favorite artists. Fans can also listen to artists' singles, view their latest videos, purchase their albums and download images to a desktop computer. In addition, they can get artists' biographies, tour information and photos. "The 'IM A Star' promotion from MSN Messenger is a unique opportunity for music fans to get up close and personal with the entertainers they love," said Hadi Partovi, general manager for MSN Entertainment at Microsoft Corp. "In addition to giving seven lucky winners and their friends the chance to chat with their chosen celebrity, consumers can log on to MSN Entertainment anytime to find up-to-the-minute celebrity information and enjoyment."