Competitors battled it out at the San Diego County Fair's Musicpalooza talent contest finals on Friday, with The Erick Macek Band of Ladera Ranch and soloist Tiffany Jane of Coronado each walking away with the top prize of $25,000.
Five bands and an equal number of solo vocal acts competed in the event, held on the Heineken Grandstand Stage at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
"Words can't describe how I feel right now," Erick Macek told the North County Times. He's the lead singer and guitarist of the band that bears his name. "You get a major act and you get a chance to perform ---- there's nothing better," he said.
Solo winner Tiffany Jane was equally excited.
"It could have been absolutely anyone up there, I feel very blessed to be the one they chose," she said. "We all were very supportive of each other, which was a very beautiful experience."
The American Idol-style Musicpalooza competition began in April and was open to performers throughout the United States. More than 240 entries were received for what was the largest cash prize ever offered by the fair.
