North Las Vegas, NV, Wednesday May 13, 2009
Marti Goucher has been waiting for a break. Not only was she laid off from her job as a technical operator at a wafer manufacturing plant in January, but she�s been battling cancer � for the second time around � over the last several months. Life hasn�t been easy for Goucher, but then came word this week that she was named the grand prize winner in Upper Deck�s American Idol Live Sweepstakes! Excited only begins to describe her reaction to the news.

�I was actually at Providence Hospital,� said the 56-year-old Goucher, �when my daughter called to ask if I had registered online for some contest with Upper Deck. I said, �Yes, why?� And she said, �because you won the grand prize � an all-expense-paid trip to the American Idol Finale!�

�I didn�t think it was possible. My adrenalin shot up. My heart rate shot up. I couldn�t believe it. I just kept asking her, �Are you sure? Are you sure?��

Goucher is indeed the winner and will bring along her 36-year-old daughter and caretaker, Kristina, for the trip to Hollywood. By registering foil-wrapper codes printed on the inside of packs of Upper Deck�s recently released American Idol Collectible Card set, Goucher secured her entry into Upper Deck�s �2009 Trip to American Idol Live Sweepstakes.� Her name was then randomly selected as the grand prize recipient. Her prize package includes two tickets to the American Idol Live Grand Finale Show and red-carpet event on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, along with round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations for two provided by FOX for three nights and four days in Hollywood, California.

�I�ve never been to Hollywood, so just seeing the stars on the �Walk of Fame� will be cool,� said Goucher. �But mostly, just to be a part of the exciting American Idol Finale will be the best part.�

An avid American Idol viewer since Season 2, Goucher said she just enjoys watching regular, talented people �given the opportunity to do their best to further their musical careers. I also love seeing the transformations of the contestants take place as they make their way through the competition.�

A huge fan of Season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken, Goucher mentioned that her current favorite performer is Danny Gokey. �Nobody compares to Clay Aiken, but Danny Gokey is my favorite from this season,� she said.

What�s her favorite Idol moment from this season? �When Danny Gokey sang �Hero,�� she said.

Despite her current setback with cancer, Goucher is looking forward to next week�s trip. �I�m going to fight this thing for as long as God gives me the strength. But for now, I�m ready to go to Hollywood. Sleep is way overrated.�



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