“C If You Can Make Shaq Laugh” Could Score You $5,000 From C By Courvoisier [VIDEO]

According to a press release I just received, if you can make Shaq laugh, you could score $5,000 and make it famous.

Courvoisier®, the cognac house of Beam Inc., today announced the launch of the "C if U Can Make Shaq Laugh" competition, challenging consumers to break out their comedy chops and make legendary basketball superstar, sportscaster and entertainer Shaquille O'Neal laugh. The contest launches today and runs through April 1, 2012.

To kick off the competition, Shaq and C by Courvoisier created a video to encourage entries and build excitement.

The video, which stars Shaq himself, can also be viewed on Courvoisier's Facebook® page and YouTube® channel and challenges the consumer to be their funniest self.

"Courvoisier is thrilled to work with Shaq to launch the 'C if U Can Make Shaq Laugh' contest," said Kim Washington, Sr. Director of Courvoisier. "Shaq has been entertaining us for years, and we're happy to give him the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the show."

"I'm looking forward to checking out the comedic talents of C by Courvoisier fans," said Shaquille O'Neal. "After hanging with the comedians on my comedy tour, it's going to take a lot to crack me up, so I'm expecting you guys to bring it."

To enter, consumers are asked to create a brief video where they showcase their best comedic material – stand-up, quirky human tricks, impressions – whatever they think will get Shaq to crack a smile. Three finalists will be selected from the pool of entries and will be flown to meet Shaq in Atlanta on April 27, 2012. There, they will perform their act live for Shaq and a panel of judges who will crown a winner based on the performance that generates the most laughter. The winning act will receive a $5,000 cash prize and the notoriety of making Shaq laugh. Entrants are not required to incorporate C by Courvoisier, but it is encouraged. The contest runs through April 1, 2012. Details and entry instructions can be found at www.facebook.com/courvoisiercognac.

Shaq's All-Star Comedy Jam will hit more than 20 cities in 2012, including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. For tickets and details, please visit shaqallstarcomedyjam.com/.