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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