McDonald's Announces Finalists in 'Voice Of McDonald's II' Global Singing Contest

McDonald's Announces Finalists in 'Voice Of McDonald's II' Global Singing Contest

OAK BROOK, Ill., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- People from around the world voiced their choice more than 46,000 times in a recent online vote and helped select 14 talented McDonald's restaurant workers as Voice of McDonald's II finalists. Each finalist competed in the second round of judging with 34 other semifinalists for the chance to be named McDonald's next singing sensation. The 14 finalists will be flown with a guest to Orlando, Fla., to participate in the final competition to be held at McDonald's 2008 Worldwide Convention, April 14-17.

"The response to online voting was terrific and we now have 14 very impressive young men and women going into the final rounds of competition," said Rich Floersch, executive vice president and chief human resources officer, McDonald's Corporation. "This is an exciting opportunity for our restaurant employees. We are very proud of them and their accomplishments, and to empower them to explore their artistic talent motivates us all."

The 14 Voice of McDonald's II finalists are:
-- Paulina Susan Bacarat -- Davao del Sur, Philippines
-- Glories Putera Birawida -- Malang, East Java, Indonesia
-- Aziah Bolling -- Newfoundland, Pennsylvania
-- Chisato Kon -- Aomori-shi, Aomori-Ken, Japan
-- Mandy Neff -- Greenville, Ohio
-- Natercia Pintor -- Lisbon, Portugal
-- Candido Revilles -- Calgary, Alberta, Canada
-- Anthony Reber -- Vevey Vaud, Switzerland
-- Jesus Xavier Rios -- Fajardo, Puerto Rico
-- Axel Gaston Rivero -- Buenos Aires, Argentina
-- Frank Steding -- Moers, Germany
-- Charles Wilkins -- Cochran, Georgia
-- Mary Margaret Yu -- Davao del Sur, Philippines
-- Zul'fiya Zagashtokova -- Cherkessk, Russia

Each finalist has won a trip with a guest to compete for a chance to win the $25,000 grand prize and be named the next Voice of McDonald's at McDonald's 2008 Worldwide Convention.

"McDonald's is not only committed to offering world-class training and benefits, but also to helping our employees realize their hopes and dreams," said Floersch. "For many, Voice of McDonald's is considered the chance of a lifetime. We've all been inspired by their performances and can't wait for the finalists to hit the stage in Orlando."

About Voice of McDonald's

Voice of McDonald's is a worldwide contest to discover, recognize and reward the most talented singers from among the more than 1.6 million crew and managers working in McDonald's restaurants. Level one judging took place in October 2007, at which time a panel of judges with expertise in the music/talent industries judged contestants in three areas: singing ability (60 percent), creativity (20 percent) and on-camera/stage presence (20 percent).

In the second round of competition, people from around the world went online to help choose the top global finalists. Because of the outstanding talent of the 35 semi-finalists, McDonald's senior management raised the number of finalists from 10 to 14.

About McDonald's

McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 30,000 local restaurants in more than 100 countries. More than 75% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by franchisees and affiliates. Please visit our website at http://www.mcdonalds.com/ to learn more about the Company.

McDonald's and the Voice of McDonald's II logo are trademarks of McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: McDonald's

CONTACT: Deanna Killackey of JSH&A, +1-630-932-7927, for McDonald's; or
Heidi Barker, +1-630-623-3791, or Soraya Garcia, +1-630-623-2163, both of
McDonald's

Web site:

http://www.mcdonalds.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: McDonald's Electronic Press Kit: http://mcdepk.com/voice

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