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30 Finalists Chosen to Compete in Second Season of "KIA(R) Presents Gimme the Mike - Philadelphia," Debuting Sunday, May 22 on UPN 57

Winner to Be Awarded a KIA Spectra 5, Range Records Recording Contract

More than 1,000 unsigned, aspiring singers auditioned for their chance to become the next local star on "KIA presents Gimme the Mike - Philadelphia" on UPN 57 (WPSG-TV). For the 30 finalists selected, their big break might be just around the corner.

CBS 3's Paul Deanno and Anne-Marie Green will host season two of the weekly singing contest which debuts Sunday, May 22, 8-9 p.m. on UPN 57.

Six finalists will perform each week from World Cafe Live in University City; the person with the highest score each week advances to the final round. In addition, all runner-up contestants will become eligible for a wild card spot in the finale.

Contestants perform for a panel of music industry judges including Joe Mattis of Range Records, Karl Mullen of World Cafe Live and Dyana Williams of Influence Entertainment. In addition, one celebrity judge will join the panel each week, including: 94WYSP mid-day rock jock Tommy Conwell; Metro Philadelphia entertainment reporter Sara Doran; SportsRadio 610 WIP personality Howard Eskin; Wired 96.5 DJ Janita; 98.1 WOGL The Breakfast Club host Valerie Knight, and KYW Newsradio 1060 community affairs reporter Karin Phillips.

The Grand Prize winner will be awarded a KIA Spectra 5; a recording contract with Range Records; a karaoke machine and library from Karaoke.com; a chance to sing the National Anthem at a Phillies and Eagles home game; a $250 gift certificate from both Balla Clothing and Eternity Stores, and a one-year supply of Rosenberger's Dairies iced tea.

The finalists, ranging in age from 18 to 57, hold a variety of day jobs from student to sanitation worker. Included are a former beauty queen, a social worker and the great-granddaughter of Bill Haley of Bill Haley and the Comets.

For a sneak peek at the contestants, come on down to CBS 3/UPN 57 Broadcast Plaza at 5th and Market Streets where they will be performing every Friday at lunchtime between May 20 and June 24.

The contestants in order of on-air performance appear below:

Sunday, May 22, 8 p.m. (featuring guest judge Howard Eskin):J-Red Andrews, Youngstown, OH; David Clement, Philadelphia, PA; Arielle Fahrner, Hockessin, DE; John B. Fair, Collegeville, PA; Laura Fiocco, and Sharee Scott-Farrare, Philadelphia, PA.

Sunday, May 29, 9 p.m. (featuring guest judge Sara Doran):Seth Aaron, North Hills, PA; Jeromisha Atkins, Philadelphia, PA; Terrence O'Brien, Cape May, NJ; Glenda Pifer, Royersford, PA; Ketty Roman, Glassboro, NJ, and Damon Small, Philadelphia, PA.

Sunday, June 5, 9 p.m. (featuring guest judge Valerie Knight): Christopher Aikens, Reading, PA; Larella Brewington, Philadelphia, PA; Angel Carey, Philadelphia, PA; Miguel Cintron, Coatesville, PA; Joe Gallagher, Broomall, PA, and Jackie Haydamacha, Upper Darby, PA.

Sunday, June 12, 9 p.m. (featuring guest judge Janita): Nicole Donatone, Great Meadows, NJ; Rene Ginett, Camden, NJ; Tangueray Hayward, Philadelphia, PA; Lorence Robinson, Philadelphia, PA; Kim Sharp, Wallingford, PA, and Matt Walp, Bensalem, PA.

Sunday, June 19, 9 p.m. (featuring guest judge Karin Phillips): Kimberly Cruz, Hammonton, NJ; Khalil, Millville, NJ; Terrance Lyles, Philadelphia, PA; Jenae Paden, Philadelphia, PA; Teresa Pipito, Philadelphia, PA, and Jason Thomas, Clifton Heights, PA.

In addition, two alternates were chosen -- Eileen Ashley of Glassboro, NJ and DeRon Boyce of Haddonfield, NJ.

KIA, Rosenberger's Dairies, Metro Philadelphia, Eternity Stores, Balla Clothing and World Cafe Live also sponsor "KIA presents Gimme the Mike - Philadelphia." UPN 57 (WPSG-TV) is owned and operated by the Viacom Television Stations Group.

Distributed by Market Wire