MUMBAI: XYLO Time of Your Life - Radio One Karaoke Contest recently reached its grand finale at Puro Bar & Kitchen in Bandra, Mumbai with 10 finalists representing 10 corporates competing for the Grand Prize.

Damien Fernandes of Infrasoft Technologies was the Grand Prize winner of this unique and fun-filled quest to crown Mumbai's �Corporate Idol'. He won an all-expenses paid trip to Italy. The runner up, Vinay Apte from Mahindra and Mahindra and the second runner-up, Natraj Sharma, from Starcom Mediavest Group won a holiday package to Goa, courtesy Club Mahindra Holidays.

The Mahindra XYLO brand is associated with enabling a cool and trendy lifestyle for young achievers who want to have a good time with their friends. The XYLO Time of Your Life - Radio One Karaoke Contest extended this value proposition to the corporate arena in a very unique, innovative and fun way. The contest saw fierce competition as aspiring singers across several corporates in Mumbai fought it out in the ultimate battle of the vocal chords.

My congratulations to our new 'Corporate Idol', Damien Fernandes and the rest of the winners and candidates who made it through to the final round,... said Mr. Vivek Nayer, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

I'm absolutely thrilled to win this contest as I wasn't really expecting to come this far. I had a great time along with my friends and office colleagues in being a part of the XYLO Time of Your Life - Radio One and am really looking forward to my holiday in Italy!... said Grand Prize winner, Mr. Damien Fernandes of Infrasoft Technologies

Said Ms. Mansi Scott, the judge for the finals,... It was a very exciting experience for me and extremely heart warming to see the huge response and turn out considering Mumbai has a hectic life style. It's really nice that corporates these days actually give their employees a chance to participate in activities like these and provide an opportunity to let their hair down....

There are times when you see someone and you know instantly that he must be the guy who must be bullied in school. Then you see the same guy hold a mic and sing brilliantly giving you instant goose bumps. That's the beauty of Karaoke, it surprises you.

I have been honoured to be the judge of the XYLO Time of Your Life - Radio One Contest.... said Mr. Vehrnon Ibrahim, VP Programming, Radio One.

The XYLO Time of Your Life - Radio One Karaoke Contest spanned over 35 days and covered 21 top corporate houses in Mumbai, including Airtel, Marico, Shoppers Stop, Ceat, Aditya Birla Group, Reliance Capital, Mid Day, Ambit, Kalpataru, Syntel, Birla Sunlife, CEAT and Xoriant.

A series of preliminary rounds was held in each of these corporate houses, followed by semi-finals and finals. Participants had the time of their lives as they grooved to their favourite English and Hindi numbers and were cheered on by their office colleagues.

The judges on the panel included leading lights of the music industry such as singers, Vasudha Sharma of Aasma fame and Mansi Scott who is one of India's most accomplished vocal artistes and composers. Mr. Vivek Nayer of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Mr. Verhnon Ibrahim, Programming Head of Radio One were also a part of the panel.

Perhaps the most complete car with luxury comforts to enter the Indian market, the XYLO has been a runaway success since its launch in January 2009, with billings reaching the 20,000 mark. The XYLO boasts a wide array of unique features including Flat Bed front seats, Digital Drive Assist System (DDAS), foldable flight trays, Reverse park assist, 2 DIN music system and surround cool dual ACs. It is available in four variants and a range of eight elegant shades just right for the discerning customer. This has led customers to perceive it as an ideal alternative to premium sedans.