Natercia Pintor Wins 'Voice Of McDonald's II' Global Singing Contest

Natercia Pintor Wins 'Voice Of McDonald's II' Global Singing Contest

Winner From Portugal Chosen As Company's Singing Sensation by Grammy Award-Winning Artist Ne-Yo and Music-Industry Judges

ORLANDO, April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Natercia Pintor, a McDonald's employee from Lisbon, Portugal, brought 13,000 people to their feet with a powerhouse rendition of Dreamgirls' anthem, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," to win the Voice of McDonald's II singing competition.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080417/AQTH088)

As the grand-prize winner, Pintor receives $25,000 and a trip for two to the "American Idol" Season 7 finale in Los Angeles next month. The icing on the cake was a surprise announcement by Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins who invited the new Voice of McDonald's winner to record a demo tape in his Los Angeles music studio at Interscope Records.

"I have such strong emotions right now -- so grateful to McDonald's, so proud to represent Portugal, and very happy," said Pintor. "This is a dream come true."

Mary Margaret Yu from Davao City, Philippines took second place in the competition, winning $10,000, and Candido Revilles from Calgary, Alberta, Canada placed third, bringing home $5,000.

Performing with a 30-piece orchestra today, Pintor sang her heart out to an audience of McDonald's restaurant owners from around the world and a panel of celebrity judges, including multi-platinum and Grammy Award-winning artist and songwriter Ne-Yo; Jody Gerson, co-president, Sony/ATV Music Publishing; and Ken Hertz, senior partner, Goldring, Hertz and Lichtenstein, LLP.

"I was blown away by the talent. They brought the house down," said Ne-Yo. "It was really, really difficult to chose the winner. I applaud McDonald's for doing this."

Voice of McDonald's is the largest global singing competition of its kind, open to the 1.6 million McDonald's crew members and managers in 118 countries. More than 3,600 talented singers entered the contest from 53 countries around the world.

Pintor and 13 talented competitors won an all-expense paid trip with a guest to Orlando for a week of preparation, coaching and competition. On Monday, the field was narrowed down to the three finalists who performed today for the celebrity judges.

Voice of McDonald's II is just one example of the opportunities McDonald's creates to celebrate the talents of its employees around the world. This program is a fun way to honor McDonald's employees and let their voices be heard.

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.

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Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080417/AQTH088
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: McDonald's

CONTACT: Jessica Thompson, +1-630-623-3678, or Lisa McComb,
+1-630-484-1158, or Soraya Garcia, +1-630-400-4014, all 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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Profile: International Entertainment