Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound
Competition Concludes in Washington, D.C.; Voices of Destiny from Los
Angeles Brings Home National Title

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Nov. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Los Angeles‘ Voices of Destiny church choir from Greater Zion Church Family in Compton, Calif.,
took home the grand prize at Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound™ grand
finale – the title of “The Best Church Choir in America.”  During the
finale, held on Nov. 13 at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., Voices of Destiny walked away with not only the title, but a cash prize of $25,000
and the unique opportunity to perform at the Stellar Awards and the
Super Bowl Gospel Celebration in 2011.  The GFC Chorale of Greater First
Church in East Chicago, Ind., was named runner-up and received a cash prize of $15,000.

The
2010 Verizon How Sweet The Sound finale brought together the best church
choirs from 14 cities across the nation who all shared their testimony
in front of a sold-out house of 10,773 people.  In addition to the
choirs, award-winning gospel artists and co-hosts CeCe Winans and Donald Lawrence along with judges Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond and Karen Clark Sheard added performances to the night’s entertainment.  The evening also featured a special performance by legendary artist Bebe Winans.

“During
the past three years, Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound has brought
families and communities together for an uplifting singing competition.
 We congratulate Voices of Destiny choir and recognize the amazing
talent of all the choirs in the competition,” said Elva Lima,
executive director of community relations and multicultural
communications, Verizon Wireless.   “Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound is an
opportunity to celebrate the unique ways that music connects people,
and we are proud to share it with customers and fans.”

Voices of Destiny church choir plans to put the prize money – totaling over $42,000 – towards building a youth center in 2011.

“Verizon’s
How Sweet the Sound was an amazing experience for the entire choir, and
we feel blessed to have been given a platform that allowed us to share
our passion and hard work with other talented choirs and people from
across the country,” said Reverend Michael J. Fisher.
“We are honored to have been named Verizon’s ‘Best Church Choir in
America,’ an opportunity that will allow us to continue to expand on our
impact in the community.”

Greater Mount Calvary Men of Valor of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church in Washington, D.C., won the V CAST People’s Choice Award and a $5,000
cash prize.  During the grand finale, audience members were asked to
text their votes for their favorite choir to help decide the Verizon
Wireless V CAST People’s Choice Award.

Verizon
Wireless customers can download and watch video clips from the grand
finale performances in the Music category on their V CAST-capable
phones.  For more information about the competition, visit www.howsweetthesound.com.

Verizon Wireless