Shaw TV's Jeff Bromley -- who hosts a show often called the Winnipeg version of Wayne's World -- rocked the city's Media Idol contest with an arms-flailing, lip-quivering version of Iron Maiden's "Run to the Hills" on Friday.

With a tattoo covering his bicep that depicts the Sheriff of Nottingham being stabbed in the back by Robin Hood, Bromley seemed to dazzle judges Zack Werner and Cher Maendel (a Top 32 contestant in 2005) more with his stage presence than his singing ability.

"I'm a classically trained metal singer," said the long-haired Bromley, who began sucking up to Maendel as soon as he strutted onto the stage. "I grew up learning from my brother, who is a metal God."

It was the first time the event's champion has not been a radio host.

After his debut Idol appearance, which followed 93.5 FM host Holly Bausman's version of Janice Joplin's "Mercedes Benz," Bromley was let in on a singing tip that could bring his performance up to the level he needs to win at the national Media Idol finals in Toronto in July.

"You'll probably get those high notes if you wear tighter underwear next time," said Werner, a Winnipeg native who was not meeting the notorious Bromley for the first time. "Thanks very much for singing like a girl."

But Werner didn't save up all his wise words for the winner.

The event saw Q-94 FM media director Troy Scott serenade the crowd with Chip and Dale's Rescue Rangers and Darkwing Duck theme songs -- "let's get dangerous!"

"I really want to thank you for being so annoying," was Werner's caustic appraisal.

When CTV Winnipeg sports reporter Leah Hextall, who is related to hockey goalie Ron, had her turn in front of the judges, Zack told her that he, too, was hired for his job because of his family.

"Really?" asked Hextall.

"No, just kidding," Werner quipped, coming up with a trademark snarky remark for each of the contestants, who also included BOB FM's Kerry Lockhart, CFRW AM's promotions director Tannis Scott (also Troy's wife), Winnipeg Free Press TV critic Brad Oswald, Winnipeg Sun reporter Adam Clayton, 100.7 FM host Lindsey Anderson and Uptown Magazine's Marlo Campbell.

The overwhelming interest in participating made the Winnipeg contest the largest Media Idol to take place so far. And as in other cities, contestants drove up to two hours to give it a shot.

"We turned people away, there was so much interest," said Diane Kashton, the promotions director at CTV Winnipeg, where the competition was held.

After pulling her weight to secure the win for Bromley, who designated the Winnipeg Humane Society as the recipient of his $1,000 winnings, Maendel said she hopes her choice can cut it against the rest of the country's Media Idols.

"It wasn't hard to sway Zack because clearly he was the most entertaining," she said, adding her choice was also affected by his choice of charity. "If he stays with the rock thing and he can actually pull off a song, I think he has a chance."