Marcus “Elder Mac” McFarlin of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has been announced as the Grand Prize Winner of the Most Powerful Voices online gospel singing competition sponsored by The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and UP TV.

McFarlin as the winner of the Most Powerful Voices competition, has the opportunity to perform at a 2015 Stellar Awards weekend showcase, receive keyboard and vocal performance equipment from Roland Corporation, a personal coaching session with RCA Inspiration Artist Deon Kipping, registration in Immerse 2014, a conference for indie artist, songwriters and worship leaders, from the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and a cash prize among other prizes.

McFarlin is a contemporary gospel artist who released his first album, Addicted To Praise in 2011. He along with 9 other finalist was judged by Gospel artist Latice Crawford-Spain, A&R executives and a Roland Corporation musicality expert. In the end they selected McFarlin, said Crawford-Spain in a recent press release, “I loved the control he had. Marcus stood out to me because he had a very striking voice.”

Debbie Gann from Mounds, Oklahoma won Fan Favorite. The online competition is open to independent artists, groups and choirs who sing gospel, praise, worship and holy hip-hop.

“The greatest prize of all is that every person who registered to participate as either a competitor or voter receives monthly stroke awareness and prevention information,” said Crawford-Spain. “Anyone who is walking and breathing can have a stroke, but it's especially important for African-Americans to be aware, because we have higher risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes that often cause strokes. It is important for everyone to know the causes, signs and methods to hopefully prevent stroke. Sometimes it can be as simple as changing your diet or exercising more.”

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and the No. 1 cause of preventable disability. “The contest is important because it helps people reduce their risks and learn what do to in a stroke emergency,” said Rani Whitfield, M.D. a family practitioner in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and an American Stroke Association spokesperson.

For more information about the contest and stroke prevention, visit mostpowerfulvoices.org or download the Most Powerful Voices free mobile app available via iTunes and Android.