FELIPE ESPARZA FROM LOS ANGELES BECOMES THE "LAST COMIC STANDING" AND WINS A $250,000 GRAND PRIZE AT LAST NIGHT'S SEASON SEVEN FINALE ON NBC

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. � August 10, 2010 � Felipe Esparza, a Los Angeles-based comic who has been doing stand-up comedy for ten years, became the "Last Comic Standing" in NBC's season seven finale last night. "I am so happy that America loved me," said Esparza. "Now I am America's new homeboy."

Esparza was one of five comics left in the competition, along with Mike Destefano (Bronx, NY), Tommy Johnagin (Benton, IL), Myq Kaplan (Boston, MA) and Roy Wood, Jr. (Birmingham, AL). Johnagin was the runner-up, securing the second highest number of Amercia's votes.

Popular comedians Kathy Griffin and Tom Papa performed in the finale, along with "Last Comic Standing" judges Greg Giraldo, Andy Kindler and Natasha Leggero. And beloved disco diva Gloria Gaynor performed her signature hit "I Will Survive" with "Last Comic Standing" host Craig Robinson and his band "The Nasty Delicious." Then America's vote for their favorite comedian was revealed, with Esparza winning the coveted title of "Last Comic Standing" and the $250,000 grand prize.

Esparza was born in Mexico and grew up in East Los Angeles. He got his first taste of major exposure when he appeared in a Showtime "Diamonds in the Rough" segment two years ago. He has also appeared on the television series "Comics Unleashed," "Premium Blend" and "Comics Without Borders."

"Last Comic Standing" is produced by Peter Engel Productions and Universal Media Studios. The executive producers are Peter Engel ("Saved by the Bell," "The Next Best Thing"), Jayson Dinsmore ("I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!"), Barry Katz ("Action," "Dane Cook's Tourgasm"), Javier Winnik ("Last Comic Standing 4, 5 and 6") and Page Hurwitz ("Last Comic Standing 4, 5 & 6").