Shaq Crowns The "King Of Bling" At Annual GM All-Car Showdown In Los Angeles
3rd Annual Event Draws A-List Stars and World-Class Athletes to Celebrate the Hottest Modified GM Vehicles
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) kicked off the ESPY Awards week in style last night at the 3rd 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 on the heels of his NBA victory as host of the exclusive event to see his celebrity and athlete friends compete for the GM All-Car Showdown “King of Bling” title.
Twelve 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” title went to Dwyane Wade for his 2006 white HUMMER H2 SUT. Ludacris won “Best Exterior” for his 1954 multicolor green Chevrolet Bel Air while Snoop Dogg won “Best Interior” for his 1966 white Cadillac Deville complete with three chandeliers. Cedric the Entertainer won “Best Old School Car” for his 1952 midnight blue candy Buick B52. Judges participating in the event included James Brown (Fox Sports), Nick Cannon (Actor), Serena Williams (Tennis Star) and Susan Docherty (Western Region General Manager for General Motors).
A $2,500 donation was made in each participant’s name to the charity of their choice and this year’s “King of Bling,” Dwyane Wade received a $10,000 donation to the Dwyane Wade Foundation, which provides support to various youth, educational, health and family service programs that benefit the underprivileged and underserved.
“The GM All-Car Showdown has become the pinnacle event where car culture and style merge with today’s most recognizable names in entertainment, music and sports,” stated Susan Docherty. “Each individual’s vehicle customization is a true reflection of their unique sense of style.”
Guests including Tom Brady, Reggie Miller, Tony Gonzalez, Jeremy Piven, Adrien Brody, Noah Wyle, Jesse Metcalf, Milla Jovovich, A.J. Discala, Geoff Stults, Oksana Baiul, Simon Rex, Vernon Davis, La La Vasquez, Josh Charles, Tony Kana, Ian Ziering, Coolio and Luke Perry among otherswere treated to a special performance by Common.
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:
Ludacris (Actor/ Rapper) – 1954 multicolor green Chevrolet Bel Air
Matt Leinart (NFL Arizona Cardinals) – 2007 white Chevrolet Tahoe
Bernard Hopkins (Boxer) – 2006 maroon HUMMER H2
Maria Menounos (Actress/ TV Host) – 1963 pastel green Chevrolet Impala
Reggie Bush (NFL New Orleans Saints) – 2006 black HUMMER H2
Travis Barker (Blink 182) – 2007 black Cadillac Escalade
Cedric the Entertainer (Actor/ Comedian) – 1952 midnight blue candy Buick B52
Sam Hornish Jr. (2006 Indianapolis 500 Winner) – 1976 Cadillac Eldorado
Stacy Keibler (Actress) – 2005 silver Cadillac SRX
Jamie Kennedy (Actor) – 2006 red with black trim Chevrolet SSR
Dwyane Wade (NBA Champion Miami Heat) – 2006 white HUMMER H2 SUT
Snoop Dogg (Actor/ Rapper) – 1966 white Cadillac De Ville with real platinum pin-striping