San Diego native Arianna Afsar has just been crowned Miss California 2010. Most people are aware that she was a top competitor on last year’s American Idol.  But few may remember that she also has a connection to the Inland Empire.

In 2008, Arianna was a top-ten finalist for Inland Idol (now called Inland ICON  http://InlandIcon.com) , a Southern CA solo vocal competition for youth ages 7-18. The event is produced by IE-based arts organization, WBZB Entertainment.

At the age of 16, Arianna competed in the Inland Idol final concert event held in Corona in front of an audience of over 700 and for celebrity judging panel which included Olympic gymnast and Tony award nominee Cathy Rigby, and “Desperate Housewives” creator and executive producer, Marc Cherry.

The following season she made it onto American Idol.

“Arianna’s mom, Karin Schumacher, contacted me almost immediately,” according to Bruce Sampson, president of WBZB Entertainment(producers of the Inland ICON). “She has kept in touch over the past couple of years and keeps us updated on Arianna.  Karin has also credited our competition with giving Arianna added confidence and experience. That means a lot to us and we couldn’t be more proud of her.  Not only is she beautiful and talented; she’s also a wonderful human being.”

“We tell all the kids who participate in our events that they should continue to strive to succeed, win or lose.  Hollywood and Broadway are full of stars who have stories about losing contests or being told “no.” said Rick Henninger, vice president of WBZB. “If they believe in themselves and have a good support system around them, they will succeed!”

Arianna will go on to represent California in The Miss America Pageant. “Arianna is living proof of our philosophy and we are very proud of her! She deserves every good thing that happens to her!” said Sampson.

Contact: Bruce Sampson, WBZB Entertainment – 951-371-5239 – bruce@wbzb.net