Sterling Contestant Wins Recording Contract On 'Dance War'

Sterling resident Phillip Bernier has been propelled from anonymity to stardom over the last seven weeks.

As a finalist on ABC's "Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann," Bernier was chosen to compete on choreographer Bruno Tonioli's team. He performed more than 20 times live, showcasing his singing and dancing talent.

On Feb. 18, he learned his team was chosen by viewers as the winning group and would go on to become professional recording artists. Bernier, 24, and his three teammates, Kelsey, Zack, and Lacey, were awarded a contract from Hollywood Records.

Bernier's father, Roger Bernier, said the family was overjoyed when they learned Phillip's team had won.

"We sure yelled and screamed," he said. "I feel real joyful for him and the members of his team. Those kids work hard, and they're talented."

Roger Bernier said he is unsure what's next for his son as the family has been able to communicate with Phillip only through short phone calls over the course of the show.

"At this point we don't know anything," he said. "We're excited for him to get back his cell phone so we can talk to him."

"Dance War" was a roller coaster of emotions for Bernier and his teammates, who lost the first two rounds of voting in January and were two members down compared to their rival team, headed by choreographer Carrie Ann Inaba.

Team Bruno fought back, though, and with strong performances over the last few weeks, won the most votes after the season semi-final show Feb. 11.

Before they were announced as the winning team on Feb. 18, Team Bruno had the chance to record and perform their first original single "Falling in Love."

Upon hearing they had won, Bernier and his teammates shared a group hug.

Tonioli thanked the viewers and said, “I’m so delighted I’m at a loss for words.”

Contact the reporter at ecoe@timespapers.com

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