Lincoln man competes for chance at 'Voice of McDonald's' title

Consumers can vote for their favorite contestant Oct. 28-Dec. 2 at www.voiceofmcdonalds.com/voting/usa

[October 29, 2013]  Rigoberto Ernst, a McDonald's crew member from the independently owned and operated McDonald's at 1109 Hickox Drive in Lincoln, is one of the talented U.S.-based employees who have a chance to advance to the "Voice of McDonald's" global competition in Orlando, Fla., in April 2014 to experience a whirlwind of professional vocal performance coaching, expert industry advice and loads of fun. The voting started Monday, and Ernst hopes to generate support through online votes through Dec. 2 at www.voiceofmcdonalds.com/voting/usa.

Voice of McDonald's is a contest that aims to discover, recognize and reward the most talented singers among the approximate 1.8 million individuals employed by either McDonald's or its independent owner-operators worldwide. In the United States, this fifth edition of the competition started with a talented field of McDonald's employees. The talent search calls on consumers and top music industry professionals to help narrow the field to just three contestants for a world-class opportunity to achieve their dreams.

If Ernst is voted to move on to the finals in Orlando, he will receive a star-studded experience. An entourage will provide expertise on hair and makeup, wardrobe, choreography, stage presence, and vocal coaching. Additionally, he will have access to a panel of internationally renowned vocal and music industry professionals who will serve as judges in the competition and offer advice for launching a career in the music industry.

Pending the results of the competition here in the United States, if Ernst moves on from the semifinals, he will perform in two rounds of the final global competition on a massive concert stage with a live orchestra in front of more than 15,000 McDonald's owner-operators, corporate employees and suppliers in attendance at McDonald's Worldwide Owner/Operator Convention.

"Rigoberto has worked so hard for this moment and truly deserves this special opportunity McDonald's has given him to shine," said Jack Millan, McDonald's owner-operator. "I know he will make us proud, and we can't wait to hear the competition results."

The global Voice of McDonald's winner receives $25,000; the second prize includes $17,500; third prize gets $12,500; and fourth prize yields a check for $7,500.

To read more about Rigoberto Ernst and the other Voice of McDonald's front-runners from around the world, see their music videos at www.voiceofmcdonalds.com.

For real-time news and updates leading into the April 2014 competitions in Orlando, follow @McDonaldscorp on Twitter and the Voice of McDonald's hashtags, #VOMcD and #voiceofmcdonalds.

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McDonald's is the world's leading global food service retailer, with over 34,500 locations serving more than 69 million customers in more than 100 countries each day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local men and women. To learn more about the company, visit:www.aboutmcdonalds.com. Follow McDonald's on Facebook and Twitter @MyIllinoisMcD.