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Star Talent Competition 2018
Exciting news, a number of talented teens from Oakville are preparing for the spotlight in the CNE’s annual Rising Star Talent Competition 2018. They include: Isabella Lecomte, Emma West, Vanessa Richardson, and Paige Kapinski. These talented individuals compete at the CNE from August 17 to September 2.
These young performers compete on the stage that has showcased and promoted undiscovered talent for over three decades. As one of the longest standing youth talent competitions, Rising Star receives hundreds of video applications from across Ontario, but only the top candidates earn the chance to compete.
Rising Star Talent Competition 2018 local contestants
Isabella Lecomte
Isabella (Bella) Lecomte competes on August 21, 2018 in the vocal division.
She attends The Taylor Academy of The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto with a scholarship to complete her 4th year of classical voice training with Jennifer Tung.
Bella regularly performs at CNE’s Rising Stars Competition. In 2010 at the age of 9, she won Junior Grand Champion as a singer/dancer. At 13-years-old she returned as a youth competitor and each year made it to finals.
Also Bella Grace competes nationally and internationally including as a member of Team Canada at The World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood. She advanced to the world finals winning 7 medals along along with an industry award.
Emma West
Emma West competes on August 21, 2018 in the dance division.
Ms. West, a 15-year-old dances with the Live to Dance Academy, and for the past four-year she has danced competitively. Emma’s favourite dance styles are contemporary and jazz. They showcase Emma’s personality.
As a grade 11 student at Thomas A. Blakelock High school, Emma plans to continue her dance education. It will hopefully lead to a career in dance.
This year Emma performs a contemporary routine titled “Until the End”. It invokes a sense of strength and power. Her choreographer taps into Emma’s dramatic ability which touches everyone. Over the past year's competitions, Emma has won accolades and awards.
Vanessa Richardson
Vanessa Richardson competes on August 24, 2018 in the vocal division.
Vanessa, a 16-year-old singer enters grade 12 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School. At school Richardson is a member of the Rock Club and sings in two bands A variety of bands form the club who perform at school assemblies, events, and showcases. Vanessa performs both in and outside of school. In December 2017, she competed at Revival Bar's Talent Nation, and last performed with Electric Children at Q.E. Park Community Centre’s Talent Show.
"I love it because it allows me to feel a song while at the same time have those feelings transferred to the audience," revealed Vanessa.
Paige Kapinski
Paige Kapinski competes on August 26, 2018 in the vocalist category
Colin McMurray & Associates Inc represents Paige Kapinski, a 15-year-old singer, songwriter, actor and dancer.
Ms. Kapinski aspires to use her artistry to positively impact people not only locally but ultimately internationally. She regularly performs at fundraisers. Recently, Kapiski opened to a sold out crowd for Halton Women’s Place 40th anniversary Ruby Gala at the Oakville Conference Centre, where she sung Kesha's “Praying”.
About Rising Star Talent Competition 2018
Age divisions:
- Junior Rising Star - 6 to 12 years
- Youth Rising Star - 13 to 21 years
Judging criteria and weighting:
- Natural Ability - 20%
- Stage Presence/Showmanship - 20%
- Audience Appeal - 20%
- Quality of Performance - 40%