. Company’s first-ever Global Online Singing Talent Search & Songwriting Competition
South African Contender: Lynn Brooks has made it through to the Avon Voices semi-finalist round!   Lynne Brooks from Cape Town was recently announced as one of 23 Semi-Finalists from 17 countries in Avon Voices, Avon's first-ever global singing talent search. She has already advanced through three selection rounds, including two public voting rounds which drew over 2.2 million worldwide votes.
Lynne Brooks recently joined her fellow Semi-Finalists for a once-in-lifetime trip to Hollywood, California to record their final performance videos for the last rounds of voting for Avon Voices. The Semi-Finalists received voice and performance coaching from music industry veterans and celebrity judges Maia, a Colombian singing star, and David Pack, a Grammy award-winning singer/composer and music producer. The contender group also participated in professional photo shoots and exclusive Avon makeovers.   “We’re proud of the talents of all our Avon Voices Semi-Finalists,” said Joe Billone, Vice President of Global Representative Branding and Communications. “Their spirit and camaraderie are truly remarkable and they are supporting each other’s performances every step of the way. These women came to Avon Voices looking for a platform to showcase their singing talent, and through this experience, they have formed friendships and are inspiring one another to reach for their dreams.” “Hollywood is an experience I will never forget. One of the amazing moments during the trip was performing with a live band in front of Shiela E who used to be a drummer for Prince. I would like to say thank you to Avonvoices for making this dream come true,“ said Lynne Brookes who is an Avon Representative.   The panel of music luminaries making up the celebrity judging panel include: Fergie, six-time Grammy award winner; Diane Warren, legendary songwriter; Natasha Bedingfield, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter; Lea Salonga, Filipina singer and actress; Valeriya, Russian singing sensation; Delta Goodrem, Australian Artist of the Decade; Sheila E., breakthrough, Grammy-nominated female percussionist; David Pack, Grammy award-winning singer/composer and music producer; Ivete Sangalo, Brazil’s biggest pop star; and Maia, Colombian singing star.   South Africans can participate in Avon Voices and help Lynne and any of the other Semi-Finalists advance to the finals by logging onto AvonVoices.com. Semi-Finals voting began on Friday, July 22nd and will close on August 26, 2011.   Lynne was originally named as one of the 178 Avon Voices contenders from over 6,000 applicants in March. Ultimately, up to 10 Global Finalists will travel from around the world to New York City to attend the Avon Foundation for Women Annual Gala in New York City on November 2nd – the setting for the much anticipated announcement of the Avon Voices two winners – one an Avon Representative. These Finalists will meet with the acclaimed celebrity judges and record an Avon Voices anthem written by Diane Warren, which will debut live at the Gala and will be available for purchase online in certain countries.