UNIVERSAL CITY, California – August 10, 2010 – Felipe Esparza, a Los Angeles-based comic who has been doing stand-up comedy for ten years, became the “Last Comic Standing” in NBC’s season seven finale last night. “I am so happy that America loved me,” said Esparza. “Now I am America’s new homeboy.”

Esparza was one of five comics left in the competition, along with Mike Destefano (Bronx, NY), Tommy Johnagin (Benton, IL), Myq Kaplan (Boston, MA) and Roy Wood, Jr. (Birmingham, AL). Johnagin was the runner-up, securing the second highest number of Amercia’s votes.

Popular comedians Kathy Griffin and Tom Papa performed in the finale, along with “Last Comic Standing” judges Greg Giraldo, Andy Kindler and Natasha Leggero. And beloved disco diva Gloria Gaynor performed her signature hit “I Will Survive” with “Last Comic Standing” host Craig Robinson and his band “The Nasty Delicious.” Then America’s vote for their favorite comedian was revealed, with Esparza winning the coveted title of “Last Comic Standing” and the $250,000 grand prize.

Esparza was born in Mexico and grew up in East Los Angeles. He got his first taste of major exposure when he appeared in a Showtime “Diamonds in the Rough” segment two years ago. He has also appeared on the television series “Comics Unleashed,” “Premium Blend” and “Comics Without Borders.”

“Last Comic Standing” is produced by Peter Engel Productions and Universal Media Studios. The executive producers are Peter Engel (“Saved by the Bell,” “The Next Best Thing”), Jayson Dinsmore (“I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!”), Barry Katz (“Action,” “Dane Cook’s Tourgasm”), Javier Winnik (“Last Comic Standing 4, 5 and 6”) and Page Hurwitz (“Last Comic Standing 4, 5 & 6”).

Source: NBC Press Release

KATHY GRIFFIN AND TOM PAPA GUEST STAR, ALONG WITH BELOVED DISCO DIVA GLORIA GAYNOR AND HOST CRAIG ROBINSON’S BAND THE NASTY DELICIOUS

PLUS, “LAST COMIC STANDING” JUDGES GREG GIRALDO, NATASHA LEGGERO AND ANDY KINDLER WILL ALSO PERFORM ALONG WITH PREVIOUS SEASON WINNER ILIZA SHLESINGER

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – America’s vote to determine NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” will be revealed on Monday, August 9 (9:00-11:00 p.m. ET) in the show’s lively, must-see season finale that will also feature special guest performances by Kathy Griffin (Bravo’s “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List”), Tom Papa (NBC’s “The Marriage Ref”), beloved disco diva Gloria Gaynor and host Craig Robinson’s band The Nasty Delicious. Adding to the laughs will be entertaining performances by previous “Last Comic Standing” champion Iliza Shlesinger and this season’s judges – Greg Giraldo, Natasha Leggero and Andy Kindler – and a special guest appearance by Fred Willard.

In the most recent episode on August 2, only five comedians were left in the competition: Mike Destefano (Bronx, NY), Felipe Esparza (Los Angeles, CA), Tommy Johnagin (Benton, IL), Myq Kaplan (Boston, MA) and Roy Wood, Jr. (Birmingham, AL). On August 9, three more comics will be eliminated, leaving only two to perform before viewers will learn which of the finalists America chose to be the “Last Comic Standing.”

But first, it’s a night of non-stop laughs with the hilariously outrageous Kathy Griffin performing, as well as famed funnyman Tom Papa. And viewers will get a special treat when disco singing sensation Gloria Gaynor performs a special duet with “Last Comic Standing” host Craig Robinson and his band The Nasty Delicious, which will also perform an additional song.

This season’s judges – comedians Greg Giraldo, Natasha Leggero and Andy Kindler – do comedy sets too, along with Iliza Shlesinger, the most recent “Last Comic Standing” winner. Then it’s the moment viewers have been waiting for, when one comic will win the coveted title of “Last Comic Standing” and the $250,000 grand prize.

The series is produced by Peter Engel Productions and Universal Media Studios. The executive producers are Peter Engel (“Saved by the Bell,” “The Next Best Thing”), Jayson Dinsmore (“I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!”), Barry Katz (“Action,” “Dane Cook’s Tourgasm”), Javier Winnik (“Last Comic Standing 4, 5 and 6”) and Page Hurwitz (“Last Comic Standing 4, 5 & 6”). “Last Comic Standing” is directed by Alan Carter.

Air Time: 09:00PM 10:00PM

THE FINAL FIVE PERFORM – The viewers have chosen their favorites and will now determine who will be the “Last Comic Standing.” The final five comedians perform, each hoping to win America’s vote for the coveted title and the $250,000 grand prize, plus an exclusive talent deal with the network. Host Craig Robinson and judges Andy Kindler, Natasha Leggero and Greg Giraldo star.

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – America has voted and their choice for the five funniest comics in America will be revealed on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” on Monday, August 2 (9-10 p.m. ET) in a laugh-packed episode also featuring a hilarious guest star performance by popular comedian and two-time Grammy nominee Ron White.

In last week’s episode, only six comedians were left in the competition: Mike Destefano (Bronx, NY), Felipe Esparza (Los Angeles, CA), Tommy Johnagin (Benton, IL), Myq Kaplan (Boston, MA), Jonathan Thymius (Bronx, NY) and Roy Wood, Jr. (Birmingham, AL).

On August 2, “Last Comic Standing” host Craig Robinson (“The Office”) will reveal which five comics America chose to stay in the competition – and which comedian will be going home. The final five will perform and America will get one last chance to vote as the finalists compete for the coveted title of “Last Comic Standing” and the $250,000 grand prize. The final five comics will also be featured in the “Last Comic Standing” live tour this fall.

In addition to the top five comics performing, quick-witted Texas comedian Ron White will also perform. The Blue Collar Comedy Tour funnyman has received two Grammy nominations and wrote the New York Times bestselling book “I Had the Right to Remain Silent…But I Didn’t Have the Ability.” He had two of the top-rated one-hour specials in Comedy Central history, and has CD and DVD sales of over ten million units.

The finale of “Last Comic Standing” will air on Monday, August 9 (9-11 p.m. ET). The series is produced by Peter Engel Productions and Universal Media Studios. The executive producers are Peter Engel (“Saved by the Bell,” “The Next Best Thing”), Jayson Dinsmore (“I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!”), Barry Katz (“Action,” “Dane Cook’s Tourgasm”), Javier Winnik (“Last Comic Standing 4, 5 and 6”) and Page Hurwitz (“Last Comic Standing 4, 5 & 6”). “Last Comic Standing” is directed by Alan Carter.

07/26/2010 (09:00PM – 10:00PM) (Monday)

THE TOP FIVE COMEDIANS TAKE THE STAGE – Five comedians survived the second live show, now the final five will perform, allowing the viewers to decide who will move on to next week. Host Craig Robinson and judges Andy Kindler, Natasha Leggero and Greg Giraldo continue season seven’s search for America’s funniest comedian.

THE TOP SEVEN COMEDIANS TAKE THE STAGE – America has voted to decide who will continue on to the second week of the finals. Seven comedians survived the first live show, now the final seven will perform for the American public, allowing the viewers to decide who will make it to the final five. Host Craig Robinson and judges Andy Kindler, Natasha Leggero and Greg Giraldo continue season seven’s search for America’s funniest comedian.

07/12/2010 (09:00PM – 10:00PM) (Monday)

THE FINALS BEGIN AS THE TOP TEN COMEDIANS PERFORM – The field has finally been narrowed to only the funniest comedians in America. Ten comedians survived the semi-finals, now “Last Comic Standing” opens up the competition to the American public, letting the viewers vote on who will make it to next week. Host Craig Robinson and judges Andy Kindler, Natasha Leggero and Greg Giraldo continue season seven’s search for America’s funniest comedian.

07/05/2010 (09:00PM – 11:00PM) (Monday)

THE COMPETITION HEATS UP AS THE SECOND SEMI-FINAL ROUND BEGINS – Host Craig Robinson and judges Andy Kindler, Natasha Leggero and Greg Giraldo continue season seven’s search for America’s funniest comedian. This week another group of comedians funny enough to make it past the first round get a second shot to impress the judges and take another step towards the ultimate prize.

06/28/2010 (09:00PM – 11:00PM) (Monday) THE COMPETITION HEATS UP AS THE FIRST SEMI-FINAL ROUND BEGINS – Host Craig Robinson and judges Andy Kindler, Natasha Leggero and Greg Giraldo continue season seven’s search for America’s funniest comedian. This week the comedians funny enough to make it past the first round get a second shot to impress the judges and take another step towards the ultimate prize.