All Star Cast of Celebrity Judges Join
Operation Rising Star Finals

Country music star Michael Peterson returns for his 3rd season with Operation Rising Star.

When the twelve Operation Rising Star finalists take to the stage for the first time on Saturday, November 14th, at Wallace Theater, their performances will be critiqued by a star-studded panel of celebrity judges. 

This year’s panel includes retired 12th Sergeant major of the Army Jack Tilley, who is appearing as a judge for his 5th season

“I have been fortunate enough to judge this competition for four years, and every year it gets better and better,” Tilley said. “With the deployment and stress on the military, I think it’s important to get family members involved in the contest and showcase their talents.  I’m always amazed at the quality of the performances we see.”

Also on the judging panel for the 2009 competition are Debra Byrd, vocal coach and arranger for American Idol, and country music star Michael Peterson, both back for their third season with Operation Rising Star. 

Byrd has worked with artists ranging from Lyle Lovett to Barry Manilow, has been in five Broadway shows, was tapped to be the vocal coach for the 2006 tour of High School Musical—The Concert, and has developed music products such as vocal coaching DVDs, pitch pipes, and seminars. 

Peterson is known world-wide for million-selling country music chart toppers, and is co-producing a CD for the Military Child Education Coalition to be released in February.  His new CD, featuring “You Could Hear a Pin Drop,” benefits the American Legion Legacy Scholarship.  Peterson received the Bob Hope “Spirit of Hope” award from the USO and the U.S. Army for his outstanding service to the nation.

The judges will meet with audience members an hour before each live performance. The performances are open to the public and there is no admission charge, though paid VIP seating is available, and special block seating can be arranged for large groups.

The Wallace Theater doors will open at 7 p.m. Nov. 14, 16, 18 and 20, and the performances will be broadcast by the Pentagon Channel Nov. 15, 17, 19 and 21 at 8 p.m. in the United States, Korea and Europe, and 10 p.m. in the Middle East.

The judges scores count for 50% of each competitor’s total, the remainder of each competitor’s score will be determined by an online vote. Audience members may cast their votes by logging on to www.OpRisingStar.com in the two hour window immediately following each Pentagon Channel broadcast.

This year’s Operation Rising Star competition is sponsored by General Motors Military Discount program. 

SMA Jack L. Tilley (retired), former Sergeant Major of the Army, returns for his 5th season as a judge.

Debra Byrd, American Idol vocal coach, is back for her 3rd season as a judge for Operation Rising Star.