Mario Lopez, Emily Osment Kick Off San Diego Mega Star Competition

PRLog (Press Release) - Sep 27, 2007 -
San Diego, CA - Mario Lopez (from ABC's "Dancing with the Stars") and Emily Osment (from Disney's "Hannah Montana") were on hand with El Cajon Council member and Mother Goose Parade President Jillian Hanson-Cox, for the kick off of the 1st Annual San Diego Mega Star competition, Round 1!

"The level of competition was astounding," said Hanson-Cox of the event, "it was a powerful reminder of the extraordinary scope of talent we have here, in our own back yard, selecting only one individual is going to be the most difficult task we have yet to face.  The Mother Goose Parade is having an all-star, celebrity show this year and I am proud to know that whomever we select as the San Diego Mega Star, will fit in perfectly."

The San Diego Mega Star competition was created to discover and promote San Diego county's singing talent.  The competition consists of five rounds of competition, in two categories: youth (5yrs - 17yrs) and adult (18yrs and older).  One Mega Star (winner) will be selected from each category and will perform live on November 18, 2007 on the Main Stage for the El Cajon Mother Goose Parade; one of the largest and oldest televised parades in North America.  The Mega Star will arrive in a limo, walk the red carpet, and do the interviews along with the vast number of celebrities such as:

- Corbin Bleu, Disney's "High School Musical" (Parade Grand Marshall)
- Greg Grunberg, of NBC's hit series "Heroes"
- Drake Bell, Nickelodeon's "Drake & Josh"
- Kyle Massey, Disney's "Cory In The House" & "That's So Raven"
- Emily Osment, Disney's "Hannah Montana"
- Devon Werkheiser, Nickelodeon's "Ned's Declassified"
- Ricky Ullman,Nickelodeon's "Phil of the Future"
- Jesse McCartney, recording artist
- Katharine McPhee, "American Idol", recording artist
- Richie Kotzen, recording artist, former lead guitarist for "Poison"
   (opened solo for the Rolling Stones - single "Go Faster" is top international charts)
- Kimberlin Brown, "Young and Restless", "Bold and Beautiful"  
- Chantelle Paige, recording artist and MySpace.com breakout celebrity
- Monet, recording artist, MySpace.com breakout celebrity
- Dog, A&E's "Dog The Bounty Hunter"
- Erik Estrada (Honorary Parade Grand Marshall)

Having already drawn the attention of Los Angeles talent scouts, Hanson-Cox is excited and hopeful that one of the Mega Star contestants will be discovered by San Diego's northern neighbors, Hollywood.

With throngs of fans lining up for a photo opportunity with their favorite celebrity, the big question on everyone's lips... who will be the next Mega Star celebrity judges this coming Saturday, September 29?    "Let's just say, they are amazing and everyone knows them," said a smiling Hanson-Cox, refusing to let the cat out of the bag too early!  

For more information on the San Diego Mega Star competition and the Mother Goose Parade, please visit http://www.MotherGooseParade.org