The seventh and final preliminary of the 36th annual Richard Stoute Teen Talent show was held last Sunday evening before a sizeable and supportive crowd, despite the bad weather. In the 13 to 21 category, a record number of 17 people were vying for a place in the upcoming semi-finals.
At the end of it, a well deserved Anita Charles came out on top of her rivals with a total of 674 points. After scoring 343 points in the first half with the song Help, she returned in the second half with a religious number titled Mercy Said No which was well done.
This young woman used her experience to command the audience’s attention, as she truly did justice to this powerful song of God’s grace and mercy.
Although Kayla Griffith had to settle for second place, she too did her best as she sang two familiar pieces, Walk On By and Heaven; the latter performed in the first half earned her 343 points but her total was 672 points, two less than that of the winner for the evening.
If You Are Not The One and I Believe earned Nickyl Blades 651 points and third place. Blades in his presentation showed that he has what it takes to be a performer in the music industry as he was clear in diction and used the stage well during his performance, much to the delight of the crowd.
These up and coming stars must be commended for their effort and preparation.
The Teen Talent show has for many years provided an opportunity for gifted singers to gain exposure to the music industry, and one must give credit its founder and producer Richard Stoute, who has been consistent throughout the years in believing young people deserve a chance to display their talents.
Three competitors performed in the 6-12 category with Jessica Green doing fairly well, impressing the judges with her presentations of What We Do and Waka Waka but she could do with some more training and encouragement.
Seven other contestants were given a chance by the judges, headed by Sheldon Hope, to be in the semi-finals – Amoura Boyce, Crystal Hope, Moesha Daniel, Shantha Bowin, Mikaila Collymore, Sade Lampitt and Ronelle King.
