By Malinda Osborne

U.K. female pop star Natasha Bedingfield will bring her signature playful, upbeat style to the third annual Merial Concert Series at 7 p.m. tonight at the Paramount Theater, which is located 1 block north of the convention center.

The songstress broke onto the U.S. music scene in 2004 with her first single "Unwritten" from her self-titled debut album. It was one of the most played songs on the radio in 2006. The next year, Bedingfield received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Unwritten." Bedingfield had another Top 20 hit from the same album with "These Words."

Next came the album "Pocketful of Sunshine" in early 2008, with two singles—"Love Like This," featuring Sean Kingston, and "Pocketful of Sunshine"—becoming Top 20 hits.

Both albums show influences from pop, rock, hip hop, R&B, electronic, and reggae music. Bedingfield's songs often take an outspoken perspective on the lifestyles of independent young women.

Prior to the AVMA Annual Convention, Merial mailed a concert announcement to all preregistered convention-goers. For each announcement flyer brought to the Merial booth or to the concert, the company will donate $5 to Paws to Save Pets, a program that funds disaster preparedness and relief efforts for companion animals.

Paws to Save Pets donates equally to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation and the Petfinder.com Foundation. The campaign was launched in 2005 shortly after devastating hurricanes hit the Gulf Coast. It has raised more than $3 million in cash and products since its inception.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees must present a valid 2009 convention badge.