McDonald's Welcomes Chris Daughtry and Wayne Brady as Celebrity Hosts for "Voice of McDonald's" Global Singing Competition

McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) today announced that multi-platinum recording artist
Chris Daughtry and entertainer Wayne Brady will share their talents with
contestants in the fifth biennial "Voice of McDonald's" global singing
competition, held as part of its global convention in Orlando, Fla later this
month.


Sixteen global semi-finalists were selected from a field of nearly 58,000
restaurant employees representing 63 countries competing for the "Voice of
McDonald's" title in Orlando and a $25,000 grand prize. Top music industry
professionals selected the semi-finalists, who will receive a star-studded
experience and benefit from expertise in vocal coaching and stage presence.


Additionally, fans around the world can vote for their favorite semi-finalist
from April 7 - 28 at www.voiceofmcdonalds.com. The Fan Favorite winner will
receive an additional $5,000.


"We're proud of the opportunities available to McDonald's employees, and this
program adds a whole new layer of excitement," said Rich Floersch, executive
vice president and chief human resources officer at McDonald's.


Chris Daughtry, lead singer of the Grammy-nominated band Daughtry, will serve as
a mentor to the semi-finalists and judge the competition, along with David
Foster, multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning music producer and composer; Ken
Hertz, prominent entertainment attorney and brand marketing strategist; and
Skylar Grey, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter.


As a multi-platinum recording artist Chris brings a unique perspective. "I know
what a competition can mean to a developing artist's career," said Chris. "I
couldn't be more excited to partner with McDonald's and mentor these contestants
like I did during this season on American Idol."


Wayne Brady, Grammy-nominated vocalist and Emmy Award winner, will be the master
of ceremonies for the semifinals on April 28 where the contestants will perform
for thousands of McDonald's employees, Owner/Operators and suppliers. From
there, four employees, one from each global region, will be selected to perform
in the May 1 finals, where the winner will be announced.


"I got my start in show business by working as a crew member for a major brand,
paying my dues and taking advantage of great opportunities," said Brady. "I can
relate to these young people who are looking for their big break. What a cool
chance McDonald's is giving them to showcase their talents and learn some early
career tips that could help their musical dreams come true."


The Global Semi-Finalists Are: 

Asia/Pacific, Middle East & Africa
Oneg Israel, Israel
Precious Mahlangu, South Africa
Rocky Rosabal, Philippines
Nicole Thornton, Australia

Europe
Victoria Frostad, Norway
Chloe Jones, United Kingdom
Patrick Reis, Switzerland
Sevil Velieva, Ukraine

Latin America
Jonathan Carreno, Argentina
Werbson Cunha de Sena, Brazil
Natalia Esparza, Mexico
Lucy Ospitia, Colombia

North America
Roosevelt Boles, Jr., USA
Ashlae Nelms, USA
Krystal Parker, USA
Vanessa Sears, Canada

The Voice of McDonald's grand prize winner will receive $25,000. The second
prize winner receives $17,500, third prize winner receives $12,500, fourth prize
winner receives $7,500, and all other contestants will win $3,000. All 16
semi-finalists will receive $500 for a celebration party with co-workers at
their restaurants and a $1,000 donation in their names for their local Ronald
McDonald House Charities or other children's charity.


To learn more about the Voice of McDonald's finalists and to view live webcasts
of the competitions on April 28 and May 1 visit www.aboutmcdonalds.com or
www.voiceofmcdonalds.com. You also can join the conversation by following the
competition on Facebook, Twitter (#voiceofmcdonalds), and Flickr.


ABOUT McDONALD'S
McDonald's is the world's leading global food service retailer with more than
35,000 locations serving approximately 70 million customers in more than 100
countries each day. More than 80% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned
and operated by independent local business men and women. To learn more about
the company, please visit: www.aboutmcdonalds.com and follow us on Facebook
(http://www.facebook.com/mcdonaldscorp) and Twitter
(http://twitter.com/McDonaldsCorp).


ABOUT DAUGHTRY
Multi-platinum recording artist Daughtry has scored four No. 1 hits, garnered
four Grammy nominations, won four American Music Awards, sold over 8 million
albums and 18 million singles worldwide, and sold out concerts around the world.
Daughtry's self-titled debut was the fastest-selling rock debut in Soundscan
history and its follow up, Leave This Town, marked the quintet's second
consecutive No. 1 album. Daughtry's third album, "Break The Spell," was
certified gold within four weeks of its release. Daughtry's latest single
"Waiting For Superman," from the band's new album Baptized, is Top 15 at AC.
Daughtry will hit the road in June with the Goo Goo Dolls for an extensive
summer tour. In addition to recording and touring the globe, frontman Chris
Daughtry is also dedicated to using his position to raise awareness about a
number of charitable causes including an ambassadorship with DC Comics and its
"We Can Be Heroes" campaign.


ABOUT BRADY
Wayne Brady entertains audiences worldwide with his acting, improv comedy,
singing and dancing on television, film and stage. He began his career as a
theme park performer in Orlando, Fla. In 1998, his career took off with "Whose
Line Is It Anyway?" for which he won a 2003 Emmy Award for Outstanding
Individual Performance in a Variety, Musical or Comedy Series. Brady went on to
host his own syndicated talk/variety show, "The Wayne Brady Show," for two
years. He picked up two Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Talk Show Host, and the
program also won an Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show. In 2008, Brady earned a
Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for his single,
"A Change is Gonna Come," off his debut musical album "A Long Time Coming." His
2011 children's album "Radio Wayne" reached the number one position on iTunes
and Amazon Kids' charts. He is now working on his third album to be released
next year.


Brady currently stars in an all-new version of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" on the
CW Network and hosts the CBS daytime TV classic "Let's Make A Deal," for which
he's been nominated three years in a row for a Daytime Emmy for Best Game Show
Host. Audiences recognize him as Neil Patrick Harris' brother on "How I Met Your
Mother." He is also touring in his improv comedy live show, "It's My Line."
Brady is a friend and active supporter of the Ronald McDonald House Charities.




FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: 
CONTACT INFORMATION
Becca Hary
McDonald's
630-623-7293
becca.hary@us.mcd.com


Adam Scholder
Olson Engage
312-577-1762
ascholder@olson.com


DAUGHTRY CONTACT INFORMATION
Tom Muzquiz
Subterranean Media
323-337-6563
tom@subterraneanmedia.com


BRADY CONTACT INFORMATION
Jamie Primak Sullivan
Bridge and Tunnel Entertainment
JP@BridgeAndTunnelEnertainment.com
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