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."
