Teen Talent King Reeco Butcher.

by ANDREA KING

REECO BUTCHER has a future as an entertainer.

And his achieving this goal became much easier since he won the 31st Richard Stoute Teen Talent Contest last Sunday at the Plantation Garden Theatre.

He thrilled the audience in both appearances singing So High and Number One Fan, and gave a virtual flawless performance each time.

Second place went to Akerre Alleyne whose rendition of And I Am Telling You was assertive and passionate and far better than her version of Alabaster Box. She too was a crowd favourite, and they leapt to their feet in full appreciation as she sang her last line.

Crowd favourites are known by the response of the audience, and, as such, third-placed Jana Price topped the list. She seemed to know this and appeared to have put so much into her performance of And I Am Telling You, that it came across more aggressive than assertive. Her rendition of Time To Say Goodbye – Italian verses included – was an achievement of which she could be proud.

Fourth-placed Shaquille Fergusson is definitely one to watch, and could easily become a Teen Talent king if he continues singing, and maintain his already near-perfect vocal form with training. He was impressive bothin dress and sound with One Day In Your Life and Hurt.

Also in good vocal form was Toneika Thompson, who has the making of a good singer and performer, but did not give enough for a finals night. A good performance came from Lynette Lynch singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow and I Believe.

Sheldon Miller has a powerful voice, and is a good performer, evidenced particularly in his rendition of Lord You Are Holy, during which he left the stage and brought his message directly into the audience, bringing many people to their feet with his verve. He too will benefit from vocal training.

Cherise Lewis seemed to have been saving her best performance for her second appearance, and gave a commendable rendition of Listen. Hers is a voice that would not be criticised if it were wrapped around songs written exclusively for her vocal range.

Karina Goodridge singing Believe and Reach, displayed limited vocal range and had problems reaching high notes; while Matthew Williams' and Leah Austin were in great vocal form, but their low-key performances were not enough to propel them to the top three places.

David Comissiong's call for Richard Stoute to be made a cultural ambassador and given the highest national honour would be remembered by those who can appreciate the contribution the Teen Talent competition has made to local entertainment.

Stoute was the MC, splendiferously attired in an aquamarine suit and trademark white shoes. He welcomed the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation back after a two-year absence from recording the finals.

The judges were Colleen Brewster, Hallam Gill, Sheldon Hope, Ricky Jordan, and Jeff Shepherd.

Shakera Hunte was also in the winner's row. She copped the New Orleans Police Outpost Award for the Most Disciplined Contestant.

Guest performances includedsingers Dwayne Husbands, Young D Cherish Breedy, Tanya Clarke, Lisa Hackett, Kimberley Grimes, Rabiah Clarke, last year's winner Melissa Byer, and the Mystical Touch Models.