Forty contestants showcased last Sunday evening at the George Street Auditorium, some of what they will be offering in the 35th staging of the Richard Stoute Teen Talent Contest slated for August 14.
Apart from some minor issues with remaining in key and remembering the lyrics to their songs, most contestants made a relatively good showing.
Tristan Alexander competing in the Over 21 category performed a stirring rendition of You Raise Me Up. He exuded confidence throughout and displayed his musicianship by also playing the violin.
Other standout performances of the first half came from ten year-old Ricardo Jarvis Jr. who sang Justin Bieber’s Baby, 11-year-old Aleah Searles who did, I Don’t Know Him and twelve year-old Shecham Bourne who sang Ben.
The first half came to an end with a fresh approach by Kristina Carter who not only sang, but also communicated the lyrics of Footprints In The Sand through sign language.
The second half undoubtedly belonged to Everdene Smart whose flawless delivery of Lord You’re Holy had the audience hanging on her every word.
Her spiritual rendition, receiving arguably the loudest applause of the night, brought the curtain down on the showcase. Other notable contributions came from Dario Carrington, Ramon Harris, Maria Husbands and Chantel Jemmott.
The proceeds from the bar were in aid of Niamh Stoute, an eight year old Barbadian who is fighting Neuroblastoma, a rare cancer in children.
The tickets for the show were sold by the contestants and all proceeds will assist with their preparation for the upcoming contest.
The 2011 Richard Stoute season will start with the Opening Ceremony on August 14 and the first preliminary on August 21 at the Plantation Garden Theatre.
As an added incentive this year, the seniors will be competing for a grand prize of a Kia Picanto, compliments MQI. (RP)