McDonald's holds online employee vocal contest

McDonald's holds online employee vocal contest
Tags: Burger/Steak/BBQ, Music Services
November 11, 2009

McDonald's is looking for the best singing voices from among the chain's 1.6 million employees around the world in the third global Voice of McDonald's singing competition.

The company is inviting customers to vote online for their favorite voice of McDonald's from among the 30 finalists representing 18 countries, now through Dec. 4. Online voting will help choose the 12 finalists who will win a trip to Orlando, Fla.

The 12 finalists, along with a guest, will experience the McDonald's Worldwide Owner/Operator Convention in April 2010. There, contestants will receive star treatment, including an entourage to provide expertise on hair and makeup, choreography, stage presence and vocal coaching as they prepare to compete in the finals. The 12 finalists also will sing on a massive concert stage with a live orchestra in front of the 15,000 McDonald's owner/operators, employees and suppliers in attendance.

The Voice of McDonald's grand-prize winner will receive $25,000; the second prize includes $10,000 and third prize receives $5,000.

"This competition puts a spotlight on one of the most important parts of our company, our people — their hidden gifts, hopes and dreams," said Rich Floersch, McDonald's executive vice president and global chief human resources officer. "Voice of McDonald's is just one example of the 'only-at-McDonald's' opportunities we've created to celebrate the talents of our employees around the world."

The 30 semi-finalists selected music ranging from pop to country and rock from a varied songbook provided by Sony ATV to create videos that are judged on their singing ability (60 percent), creativity (20 percent) and on-camera/stage presence (20 percent).

The Voice of McDonald's online voting site contains semi-finalists' impressive video submissions, photos and other interesting facts about these talented employees. Now McDonald's customers all over the globe have the chance to cast their votes. These online votes, together with a professional panel of international judges from the vocal and music industry, will decide who will become the top 12 finalists.