Finalists audition for talent show top 20

THURSDAY, MAY 3: The top 36 finalists in Bermuda’s Youth Got Talent will have one more chance to impress the judges on Wednesday night.

After auditioning more than 150 acts in February, a decision was made to hold another round to see how the finalists perform in front of a crowd.

The performances will take place at Ruth Seaton James and the judges are Thaao Dill, Patrina Paynter (Power Girl) and Nadanja Bailey.

Organiser Kelly Hunt said: “The general public is invited to come out and support these young people as they bring their best in an effort to make the final ‘top twenty’.

“Contestants were given scores based on execution, presentation, ‘it’ factor and preparation.  

“As you can imagine, deliberation was a lengthy and difficult process.

“With so much talent and potential in so many of the young performers, the judges had a challenging task to decide on who made the grade.”

She continued: “The decision to hold another round of auditions was unanimous.

“It is important for the judges to see all those who tied during the first round again.

“It will be helpful to see how contestants perform in front of a larger audience as a way of determining real stage presence.”

After Wednesday’s show, the top 20 acts will be announced during a three hour telethon on May 21 starting at 8pm where people will be encouraged to vote for their favourite performer(s) via text, online or by phoning in.

Ms Hunt said each vote will consist of a donation for the Coalition for the Protection of Children.

The age range of performers runs from four to 17 years and categories of talents include singing, dancing, instrumental soloists, bands and spoken word performers.

Next week’s event will be from 6 to 8pm at Ruth Seaton James.

Tickets are on sale for $20 for general admission and  $50 for patrons and are available at www.ptix.bm or at the iClick store on Reid St. in Hamilton.

For more information or to see clips of some of the contestants, visit www.bygt.bm.