Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News, December 2008: FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI Named iTunes' "One of 2008's "Best"

FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI
Named iTunes' "One of 2008's "Best"

Battistelli-penned "You're Here" Is Top Christmas Song!

NEWS SOURCE: Vining Media
December 10, 2008

Nashville, TN - (December 10, 2008) - Fervent Records'/Reprise singer and songwriter Francesca Battistelli hasn't stopped since the release of her debut project, MY PAPER HEART, released July 22nd. With the success of her first radio single, the hit "I'm Letting Go," which nabbed the #3 spot on the radio charts, to numerous appearances and touring non-stop this past summer and fall, Battistelli is more than excited for what's ahead in 2009. Set to follow up with her next radio single "Free To Be Me" hitting the airwaves next month, Battistelli has joined the 35-date "Winter Jam" tour, performing in markets all over the country starting in January and going through March. She'll be sharing the stage with artists such as TobyMac, Brandon Heath, and Hawk Nelson, among many other special guests. For the most updated tour dates and information, please visit www.jamtour.com.

FRANCESCA TOPS AT iTUNES!
The music of Francesca Battistelli has been recognized by being named one of iTunes' best new artists of 2008 within the Christian/Gospel Category. In addition, she received accolades for "I'm Letting Go" as the #3 "Best iTunes Song" of the year, following Steven Curtis Chapman and Casting Crowns, respectively.

CHRISTMAS TIME
Garnering even more radio airplay, Battistelli's two newly recorded Christmas songs - "You're Here" (written by Battistelli) and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" - are currently being played on stations nationwide. In fact, both songs are so popular that "You're Here" was the most added Christmas single for the first week of December, while "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" was the 4th highest add, according to Radio & Records (chart below). Not shy to radio charts, Battistelli's "You're Here" also debuted at #25 on AC Monitored and #27 at AC Indicator this week. Both Christmas singles are available exclusively on iTunes.

Did we mention that radio loves Francesca?
"I was blown away by Francesca's debut single "I'm Letting Go." Uptempo, fresh and fun - that actually describes her whole album My Paper Heart. And then, on top of that, she surprises us all with the touching (original) "You're Here" for Christmas. This girl is the real deal." - Sarah Taylor, Spirit 105.3 KCMS Seattle

"Francesca is one of those artists that you just kind marvel at...she can live life, write an amazing song, and connect with our audience every single time. I have no doubt she'll be around for years to come, and I'm grateful to share her unique sound and perspective with our audience at WAY-FM Colorado." - Jeff Connell, WAY-FM Denver

"Bold. Fresh. Sincere. Compelling. Us." - Chris Lemke, WCSG-FM/Grand Rapids

"Francesca delivers a fresh, new sound to Christian music....it's a car windows down, hair blowing in the wind on a bright, warm sunny day style of music that definitely strikes a chord with listeners out there. " - Mike Prendergast, 94.9 KLTY Dallas

ABOUT FRANCESCA
Songs from Francesca Battistelli's My Paper Heart have appeared on two episodes of MTV's "The Hills." She has also appeared on the homepage of YouTube.com with a video featuring her breakout voting song, "It's Your Life," which encouraged listeners to use their voice by voting in the recent Presidential election.

Battistelli is managed by Proper Management and booked by Third Coast Artist Agency (www.tcaa.biz), both based in Nashville, TN. For more information about Francesca Battistelli, please visit francescamusic.com.

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