Ten for Teen Talent Final

Ten talented performers will face off in the final of the Richard Stoute Teen Talent competition slated for November 6 at the Barbados Museum.

Following the semifinals at the Museum on Sunday, those making the grade were: Weslon Samuels, Shaneka George, Skyy Dowridge, Joshua Osbourne, Daianna Price, Kymani Devonish, Beyonce Clarke, Shantae Alleyne-Clarke, Kereesa Chase and Tavon Boyce.

On Sunday night, without a doubt, 10-year-old finalist Dowridge, a first-timer to this competition, threw down the gauntlet and appeared points and octaves ahead of her competitors. She is surely going into the finals as a favourite. Dowridge was in top form in both songs, Loren Allred’s “Never Enough” and “This is My Life”, made famous by the incomparable Shirley Bassey. At such a tender age, she displayed very good vocal dynamics, technique and stage presence. 

Beyoncé Clarke was outstanding in her Jazz-influenced renditions of “Back to Black” made popular by the late Amy Winehouse and “Bust your Windows” by Jazmine Sullivan. Her vocal competency was a breath of fresh air, made even more so since she was recovering from illness. Clarke handled her compositions with spirited delivery and excellent control.

Daianna Price, did not disappoint. She was in exceptional voice and now that she is a finalist, she will also be one to watch.

Among the boys, Tavon Boyce and Joshua Osbourne stood out. However, Osbourne was better in the first preliminary and therefore needs to stay focused if he wants to be in winner’s row on finals night. Showtime is 7 p.m. (CW)