Angela Blair Wins 2nd Annual Kraft Gospel Talent Search Kicking Off Essence Music Festival

Angela Blair Wins 2nd Annual Kraft Gospel Talent Search Kicking Off Essence Music Festival

- Earns Grand Prize of $25,000, Audition with Sony Urban Gospel Music and Performance at the Essence Music Festival

NEW ORLEANS, July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Angela Blair, of Rowlett, Texas has been named the winner of the 2nd Annual Kraft Gospel Talent Search, a nationwide competition showcasing the gospel music stars of tomorrow. Angela received $25,000, an audition with Sony Urban Gospel Music and an opportunity to share the Essence Music Festival stage with world-renowned artists including Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin and Kanye West. The competition finale took place today at the House of Blues in New Orleans as a prelude to the Essence Music Festival.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050701/NYF037 )

Angela was one of 10 finalists who competed before a judging panel of recording industry experts, including gospel music phenomenon, Kim Burrell, and representatives from Sony Urban Gospel Music and Essence magazine. The event was hosted by Myra J. of the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Angela's stirring rendition of "God is Able" sealed her victory.

"Participating in the 2nd Annual Kraft Gospel Talent Search has allowed me to share my musical gift, my faith, my compassion, and my spirit with my community," said Angela."

Gospel music has been an important element in American culture for decades, its influence adding rhythm and texture to both Christian and secular music. In support of this burgeoning music form, the Kraft Gospel Talent Search was launched to underscore the endeavors of today's aspiring music artists. Natasha Williams, a mother from Peekskill, NY, won last year's competition.

"This was an exciting year for the Kraft Gospel Talent Search," said Robert Simpson, Director of Multicultural Marketing, Kraft Foods. "Every one of our finalists has star potential, so the competition was intense. Thanks to all of the contestants who submitted entries, and congratulations to Angela. Her passion and talent are truly inspiring and we wish her the best of luck with her audition."

Burrell, Sony Urban Gospel Music recording artist and one of the most sought after performers and producers in the gospel music industry joined the panel of judges to help Kraft Foods in its search for the next gospel superstar. "The level of showmanship and talent I've witnessed in this year's Kraft Gospel Talent Search has left me absolutely speechless," said The Stellar Award winner who's next album is due to hit stores this summer. "I'm proud to have been a part of the magic with Kraft Foods and wish each participant continued success."

Finalists for the 2nd Annual Kraft Gospel Talent Search included:

-- Cheryl Eastman, Dublin, CA -- Anne Marie Galvano, Rochester, NY -- Patricia Ann Mathison, Louisville, KY -- Danita Mumphrad, Florissant, MO -- Latisha Lynn Haynes, St. Louis, MO -- Tasa Roberts, Broken Arrow, OK -- Jacqueline Thomas-Hart, Durham, NC -- Sonya Newsom, Dallas, TX -- Raymond Parnell, Lafayette, IN

The 2nd Annual Kraft Gospel Talent Search was open to U.S. residents, 18 years of age or older. For more information, please visit http://www.kraftfoods.com/gospel .

About Kraft Foods

Kraft Foods markets many of the world's leading food brands, including Kraft cheese, Maxwell House and Jacobs coffees, Nabisco cookies and crackers, Philadelphia cream cheese, Oscar Mayer meats, Post cereals, and Milka chocolates, in more than 150 countries.

About Essence

Essence Festivals, LLC, produces the Essence Music Festival, in association with Festival Productions of New Orleans. Essence Festivals, LLC, is a division of Essence Communications Partners (ECP). ECP is the publisher of ESSENCE magazine, which after 34 years continues to be the preeminent lifestyle magazine of African-American women.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050701/NYF037 AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN2 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Kraft Foods

CONTACT: Tai Foster of Edelman, for Kraft Foods, +1-212-704-8210, tai.foster@edelman.com; Larry Baumann of Kraft Foods, +1-973-503-3261, larry.baumann@kraft.com

Web Site: http://www.kraftfoods.com/gospel

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