ITunes Surpasses 500 Million Downloads

CelebrityAccess MediaWire – Apple music fans have purchased and downloaded more than half a billion songs from the iTunes Music Store. The 500 millionth song, Faith Hill’s "Mississippi Girl," was purchased on July 17 by Amy Greer from Lafayette, IN, and as the grand prize winner she will receive 10 iPods to share with family and friends, an iTunes gift card for 10,000 songs and an all-expenses paid trip for four to see Coldplay on their world tour.

"Just over two years ago, we sold our first song. Yesterday, we sold our half billionth song. WOW!" said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. "As we cross this major milestone, we couldn’t be more excited about the future of digital music, iTunes and the iPod."

"Steve and Apple’s impact with their complete thought of iPod and iTunes will be looked back upon as important as any instrument or device ever created for the music industry," said Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records. By Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen