From Restaurant Grill to Musical Thrill

McDonald's helps employees follow their dreams

Lucky Zofo's shift at a McDonald's McCafé in Springs, South Africa began like any other. Then suddenly he got exciting news from his owner/operator and restaurant manager: his dream to be a professional singer had just taken a huge step forward. He was named a semi-finalist in the Voice of McDonald's singing contest.  

Twenty nine other McDonald's restaurant employees in 18 countries around the world felt that same exhilaration ... then things started moving fast. McDonald's was making arrangements for these employees to record in professional studios. Videos featuring them were going into production. The buzz began spreading on social networking websites. It's all leading up to three weeks beginning November 11, when anyone and everyone can go online to rate the performances of these employees-turned-pop singers. 

The voting will result in 12 being named finalists, winning trips to Orlando, Florida, where they'll work with world-renowned vocal coaches, Grammy-Award winning producers and recording executives. They'll compete to take the spotlight onstage, backed by a full orchestra in front of 15,000 cheering fans, with the hope of winning the Grand Prize of $25,000.  It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that only McDonald's can offer. 

McDonald's created this competition as another way to recognize the talent of its people, and offer them a world-class opportunity to achieve their dreams. With 1.6 million employees working in McDonald's restaurants, these 30 are fully aware that they have already achieved something special: they were chosen from over 10,000 candidates from 51 countries. Though they come from different cultures and speak many languages, they share a love for music and can't wait for the world to hear their talent. 

"This has already been a life changing experience for me" says the 24-year old Zofo, who sings during his shifts. Eddie Davenport from Stockbridge, Michigan, agrees. "My goal is to become a professional jazz singer," he says. Davenport, who works as a restaurant maintenance employee and is legally blind, is putting all of his effort towards being voted a Voice of McDonald's Finalist.      

This is the third Voice of McDonald's contest, and advance word is that the level of competition during online voting will be outstanding. The fun begins November 11 and runs through December 4, 2009, at the contest website. McDonald's encourages everyone to go online, check out our talented employees and rate their favorites.