LOS ANGELES, July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- General Motors Corp. kicked off the ESPY Awards week in style last night at the 2nd annual GM All-Car Showdown, an invitation-only event celebrating the hottest modified GM vehicles, both present-day and vintage, along with the best of the best world-class athletes and celebrities. Shaquille O'Neal returned to Los Angeles as host of the exclusive event to see his celebrity and athlete friends compete for the GM All-Car Showdown "King of Bling" title.
Twenty-four celebrity automotive enthusiasts proudly showcased their GM vehicles -- each reflecting its respective owner's personality and attitude via exterior and interior customization. This year's "King of Bling" and "Best Interior" titles went to Corey Maggette for his 2003 Blue Raspberry Cadillac Escalade ESV. Macy Gray won "Best Exterior" for her 2003 Black Oversized Hummer H2 while Shanna Moakler won "Best Old School Car" for her 1953 Seafoam Green Cadillac CoupeDeVille. Judges participating in the event included Michael Clarke Duncan, Frankie Muniz, Michael Irvin (Host of ESPN's NFL Gameday), and Jim Taylor (General Manager, Cadillac).
A $2,500 donation was made in each participant's name to the charity of their choice and this year's "King of Bling," Corey Maggette received a $20,000 donation to the Corey Maggette Flight 50 Basketball Camp, a non-profit organization benefiting Chicago's inner city children.
"There is a unique car culture in Los Angeles. With an event like All-Car Showdown, celebrities are able to display their individual sense of style with the cars and trucks they own," states Mike Jackson, General Manager of the GM Western Region. "GM's various models have established a significant presence in the world of entertainment, music, and, in general, pop culture. Through the application of customization such vehicles have become 'art on wheels.'" Guests including: Ashton Kutcher, Gabrielle Union, Ja Rule, Rachel Hunter, Funkmaster Flex, John Singleton, Michael Irvin ("The Longest Yard"), Dax Shepard, Will Estes ("American Dreams"), Guy Ecker ("Las Vegas"), Dorian Gregory ("Soul Train"), Kevin Willis (San Antonio Spurs), Will Demps (Oakland Raiders), Marissa Ramirez ("General Hospital"), RU (Pop Group), Jason Graham ("7th Heaven"), Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Michael Buffin, Rick Gonzales, Rosa Blasi, William Romeo (Kickboxer) among others were treated to special performances by Keyshia Cole, Fat Joe, Ciara and DJ AM.
More than 200 children from the Challenger's Boys & Girls Club of Los Angeles cheered on the participants as custom automobiles made their way down the runway including:
* Adrien Brody (Academy-Award Winner) -- 2005 Black Chevrolet Corvette C6
* Carlos Mencia (Comedy Central) -- 2003 Blue Hummer H2
* Corey Dillon (New England Patriots) -- 1966 Blue Chevrolet Impala
* Corey Maggette (Los Angeles Clippers) -- 2003 Blue Raspberry CadillacEscalade ESV
* Dwayne Wade (Miami Heat) -- 2004 White Hummer H2
* Elton Brand (Los Angeles Clippers) -- 2003 Black Cadillac Escalade ESV
* Eric Davis (former LA Dodger)-- 1966 Sunkist Orange with Gold Pearl
Chevrolet Stepside
* Eric Dickerson (NFL Hall of Famer)-- 2004 Black Hummer H2
* James "Lights Out" Toney (Boxer) -- 2004 Silver Gray Hummer H2
* Jeremy Piven ("Entourage") -- 2006 Black and Silver Cadillac XLR
* Kelly Monaco (Winner of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars") -- 2005 Black
Saab 9-7X
* Macy Gray (Musician) -- 2003 Black Oversized Hummer H2
* Maria Menounos (former "Entertainment Tonight" correspondent) -- 2004
Pearl Cadillac Escalade
* Michelle Rodriguez (Actress) -- 2003 Red Chevrolet SSR
* Milton Bradley (Los Angeles Dodger) -- 1969 Rust Chevrolet Chevelle
* Mr. Cartoon (Street Artist) -- 1961 Black Chevrolet Impala
* Musiq Soulchild (Musician) -- 2004 Metallic Blue Cadillac Escalade EXT
* Orlando Jones (Actor) -- 1962 Black Chevrolet BelAir
* Sean Avery (Los Angeles Kings) -- 2004 Yellow Hummer SUT H2 Bumblebee
* Shanna Moakler ("Meet the Barkers") -- 1953 Seafoam Green Cadillac
CoupeDeVille
* Shaquille O'Neal (Miami Heat) -- 2005 Black Hummer H2 Stealth
* Terrell Owens (Philadelphia Eagles) -- 1966 Midnight Blue PontiacFirebird
* Vida Guerra (Model/Actress) -- 1965 Red Chevrolet El Camino
* Willie McGinest (New England Patriots) -- 1961 Silver Gray Chevrolet
Impala
General Motors Corp. , the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader since 1931. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 321,000 people around the world. It has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in 200 countries. In 2004, GM sold nearly 9 million cars and trucks globally, up 4 percent and the second-highest total in the company's history. GM's global headquarters are at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. More information on GM can be found at http://www.gm.com.