JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- The votes are in and Tech. Sgt. Robert Carter, the #Vocal Upload winner, is the 2015 Air Force Entertainer of the Year.
When voting ended at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, Carter clinched the online competition with 1,626 votes..
"There was some amazing talent in the contest this year. The voting was very close and came down to the wire. Thank you to everyone who voted," said Col. Marc Piccolo, Air Force Services Activity commander.
Carter receives a studio recording session and a five-day, four-night trip for three to Los Angeles, Las Vegas or New York City worth $5,000. All contestants get to keep and use the professional video produced for the voting portion of the competition, in addition to the prize each has already received as winners of their individual category.
Carter also will represent the Air Force at special performances throughout the year.
This year’s voting process was different than in previous years. In the past, separate competitions were held for service members and family. This year, one single entertainer was chosen from the winners of three preliminary competitions: Mission Audition, Operation Talent Search and #VocalUpload. Professional music videos were posted online, and the winner was chosen by popular vote.
"We are very pleased with the new process this year to select the 2015 Air Force Entertainer of the Year, which includes videos of each finalist's performance and the ability for individuals to vote for their favorite artist,” said Jonathan Grammer, director of AFSVA’s directorate of programs. “Based on the number of votes received, it's obvious this new format is popular. We congratulate this year's winner and look forward to next year's competition.”
Information on the 2016 Entertainer of the Year contest will be available in January at http://www.myairforcelife.com. Visit www.MyAirForceLife.com for more information about the Air Force Services Activity.