Danielle wades past the competition to win the lead role in The Wizard of Oz in Toronto

Yes, it’s true. It was an uphill battle all the way but after eight long weeks of hard work and bucket-fulls of determination, the emotional rollercoaster that was CBC’s Over The Rainbow has come to an end. This Monday we saw your three favourite Dorothy hopefuls Danielle Wade, Stephanie LaRochelle and AJ Bridel sweat it out in an epic final episode.

AJ, Danielle and Stephanie

It was a close call, but the public (that’s you!) had the final vote which resulted in 20 year old Danielle Wade from Ontario being presented with the coveted ruby slippers, jumping into a hot air balloon and riding over the rainbow and all the way to Oz.

Winner Danielle Wade

Sadly for the talented AJ and Stephanie, this is where their journey must end, but don’t be fooled for this it not by any means the last we have heard from them. Watch out world!

For Danielle however, the journey has barely even begun. She will enjoy a well earned week off to relax (although I imagine most of that will be spent talking to the press!) before joining the Tin Man, Lion and Scarecrow (and not forgetting the talented ensemble!) in rehearsals where we are really looking forward to working with her!

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Wizard of Oz will open at the Mirvish Theatre in Toronto, Canada on December 20, 2012.

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