Queen Extravaganza: Marc Martel Channels Freddy Mercury; Video Goes Viral

By Justin Sarachik, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, October 13, 2011

Marc Martel of Christian band, Downhere, continues to rack up online votes in the Queen Extravaganza contest for his rendition of "Somebody to Love."

Possessing an almost identical Freddie Mercury type voice, Martel has received four million views for his video cover of the song. As a result of heavy write-in ballots from fans, Martel is now a nominee for the MTV O Awards 2 category, "Best Fan Cover."

The MTV O Awards winners will be announced Oct. 31, and will air live on OMusicAwards.com – with the first four minutes airing on MTV network.

Three million votes have already been cast since its inception just under a week ago.

The Queen Extravaganza contest is being held by the remaining members of Queen – Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon – who wish to retire from performing. They are looking for the best replacement singers and musicians to create a Queen tribute group that can keep playing their music in future years.

“The Queen Extravaganza will not be a traditional tribute show,” said Queen drummer Taylor on the band's website. “It’s a brand-new show specially designed to enable fans to celebrate the music of Queen in a heart-stopping event.”

Martel was on "The Ellen Show” Oct. 3 where he performed "Somebody to Love" to a standing ovation.

Downhere is currently on the Called to Love Tour in promotion of their new CD, On the Altar of Love. Jason Gray and Aaron Shust are also on tour with the band as they prepare for their international leg of the tour starting in Norway.

Downhere has won several awards including the Juno Awards, Covenant Awards, Vibe Awards, Prairie Music Awards and Dove Awards.