Bud Boyz Finalz showcases Chicago’s hottest guys

Chicago, IL - Over 800 people packed Sidetrack on Wednesday night to watch 12 hot finalists compete for the four coveted spots as 2009 Bud Boyz as an exciting two-month search for Chicago's hottest guys drew to a close.

"We were overwhelmed by the success of the preliminary events and the finals here at Sidetrack," said Chuck Hyde, Sidetrack General Manager.

Bud Boyz Executive Producer Gehrig Peterson of Media Consultants concurred, "It was over the top and beyond anyone's expectations, we knew it would be big but this was crazy big and a lot of fun. It was an incredibly tight competition on the voting and until the final ballots were counted, we didn't know who was going to win!"

The four winners were Christopher Negron, 26; Nate Gonzalez, 28; Zach Zulkowsky, 22; and Mikey Koran, 24. Two alternatives were also chosen from the 8 remaining finalists selected during competitions at Mary's Attic, Hydrate and Minibar Ultra Lounge and Cafe.

The audience selected two winners while a panel of three judges that included Peterson, Bill Pritchard from ChicagoPride.com and Craig Gernhardt from Gay Chicago Magazine then selected two winners. The night was hosted by Brad Balof from Sidetrack.

"I was amazed at the amount of times that Bill yelled, ‘marry me' to the contestants while they were on stage," joked Peterson.

"It's true, the guys were really hot," laughed Pritchard. "I was also impressed with their individual answers to the questions and their overall energy on the stage. Brains with beauty get my vote any time!"

Each of the four winners received a trip for two to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, compliments of Apple Vacations plus $250 spending money, in addition a $1500 per person guaranteed appearance fees, concert tickets, cubs tickets, a custom photo shoot. The two alternates each received $500 in guaranteed appearance fees as well.

The Bud Boyz will begin their appearances at Market Days, including the ChicagoPride.com booth, and at bars throughout Chicago in 2009.

Bud Boyz sponsors were: Bud Light, Apple Vacations, ChicagoPride.com, The Menz Room Barber Saloon, the Men's Grooming Parlor, Chicago Theatre (with tickets for Kathy Griffin and the Pet Shop Boys) and The Venue at Horseshoe Casino (with tickets for Donna Summer & Natalie Cole).