HERTFORD, NC -- Donnie Denny, a plumber from Hertford, North Carolina, sang his heart out in the Oprah Winfrey Karaoke Challenge.
When the counting of 2.5 million votes was over, Donnie came in second to Abraham McDonald of Los Angeles, California.
McDonald got $250,000; Donnie walked away with $100,000.
Back at home, he flashed back to his audition and his two-week stay in Chicago while competing and advancing to the final three.
It was all about a lifelong dream and going for it.
"Sometimes, if you just keep trying and you hold out a little bit of hope, God comes through and he can give you your dreams if you are not willing to give up on them," he said.
His wife Tracey couldn't be prouder.
"We want to thank everyone for all their support and well wishes and votes. It really meant a lot to us," she added.
Donnie says he'll use the money to pay business-related bills, as times are tough in northeast North Carolina.
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