INDIANAPOLIS — A southern Indiana high school wrecked by tornadoes won a free concert by country music stars Lady Antebellum on Tuesday thanks to a rival school that, along with students in other states, advocated on the battered school’s behalf in an online contest.

Schools from as far away as northern Wisconsin submitted YouTube videos urging the Grammy-winning group to choose Henryville High School in the band’s “Own the Night” contest offering the winning school a concert at its prom. Henryville’s schools were heavily damaged when powerful tornadoes ripped through the region earlier this month, killing 13 people.

The winning video was entered by students at longtime sports rival Silver Creek High School in nearby Sellersburg, Ind. Henryville also got video support from a southern Illinois community hit by a fatal tornado in February.

“It meant a lot to us and made a lot of people cry. Knowing there’s that many people out there that cared to give it to us instead of their own prom,” said 17-year-old Henryville junior Daniele Kats.

She said word spread quickly on Facebook about Lady Antebellum’s choosing her school for the concert, adding: “It’s gonna be awesome.”

Lady Antebellum said the band was touched by Henryville’s “story, resilience and unity following devastating tornadoes.” Because of a scheduling conflict, the trio won’t be able to perform at Henryville’s prom on April 27, so a concert will be held for juniors and seniors in nearby Louisville, Ky., on May 16, followed by a benefit for the community.

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Lady Antebellum singer Charles Kelley said Henryville students shouldn’t be disappointed that the band won’t be able to visit their community.

“Trust me, we have something even bigger in store,” Kelley said in the band’s video announcing the win. Fellow singer Hillary Scott added: “See you soon, Henryville!”

The trio, rounded out by Dave Haywood, won best country album at this year’s Grammy Awards for “Own the Night,” and took home several Grammys last year.

Betty White gives Carl Reiner advice on his 90th

LOS ANGELES — Betty White has a suggestion for longtime friend Carl Reiner as he marks his 90th birthday: “Milk it.”

Reiner plays White’s boyfriend Max on the TV Land sitcom “Hot in Cleveland” and turned 90 Tuesday. White’s 90th birthday was in January.

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White suggested that Reiner should have people spoil him rotten.

White and Reiner have a special connection: The actress’ late husband, Allen Ludden, served with Reiner in World War II.

White’s birthday wish for Reiner is continued good health so he can keep acting and writing.

Reiner created “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” A spokeswoman says he is enjoying his birthday with friends and family.

Jeremy Lin signs contract backing Volvo

BEIJING — Emerging NBA star Jeremy Lin has signed a two-year contract with automaker Volvo to promote the company’s cars around the world but especially in Asia.

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The Chinese-owned company said in statement Tuesday that Lin will participate in Volvo’s worldwide corporate and marketing activities as a brand ambassador. The contract will focus on China, the United States and other Chinese-language markets in Asia.

Lin was undrafted and cut by two NBA teams before he shot to stardom with the New York Knicks this season. He’s the NBA’s first American-born player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent.

China is a major market for the NBA. Earlier this month, NBA superstar LeBron James agreed to promote Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins ice cream in Asia.

The popularity of basketball in Asia has grown during the last decade, in part because of former Houston Rockets center Yao Ming of China.

 

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