Youngest Finalist Wins Gospel Dream

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College student Carli Marino won this year's "American Idol" style "Gospel Dream" talent contest with her debut album slated for 2007.

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  (Photo: DeMoss Group)

  Carli Marino wins Gospel Dream 2006. The 19-year-old is slated to release her debut album in 2007.

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Youngest of 10 finalists, 19-year-old Marino launched her new gospel music recording career with millions of viewers watching her sing "I Surrender All" in the final sing-off Wednesday night.

"I'm so excited about winning Gospel Dream!" Marino exclaimed, according to a news release. "I can't believe this has happened ... I'm just overwhelmed!"

Marino will record her first album under Sony/BMG's Zomba Gospel Label - home to Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns and other top Christian artists.

The music label's head says the new music artist has everything needed to become a hit.

"We believe she embodies the total package needed to be a star," said Max Siegel, who served as a judge for Gospel Dream 2006. "Carli is a gifted performer with great style. We are very excited about her future as a recording artist.”

Marino, who currently attends a Christian college, Southeastern University, in Lakeland, Fla., was one of thousands of people from six U.S. regions who auditioned in June.

The final sing-off was held in Nashville, Tenn. on Dec. 1 where she competed with one of last year's Gospel Dream finalists, Dr. Gary Greenlee. Voters in an online poll chose to bring the 26-year-old chiropractor back to the stage for a second chance at becoming the next Gospel Dream winner.

But blue-eyed Marino grabbed the attention of the audience and took home the trophy.

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