Sizzling show expected at ‘Kuching Got Talent’

 TALENTED YOUTH: Kuching South mayor James Chan (centre, second row from back) with the finalists. 

KUCHING: The ‘Kuching Got Talent’ (KGT) competition finale tomorrow looks set to be a sizzling show with a diverse group of 16 finalists comprising experienced performers and first-timers.

Break-dance and street dance group Feasible Crew, who placed in the top 10 of a nationally televised dance competition a few years ago, will not be taking the competition lightly.

“Our strategy to prepare for the competition is to practise day and night,” said a spokesman for the group after a finalists’ meeting recently. “We are treating everyone as our competitor.”

ACOUSTIC MEDLEY: Thian Eik Cher and Lee Chun Haw make up the duo Reader.

The St Joseph’s School Marching Band Colourguard are also no strangers to the limelight as they, together with the rest of the marching band, have represented Sarawak 10 times at the annual Malaysian Secondary School Marching Band Competition.

Colourguard requires a high level of coordination, strength and agility as members toss, juggle and balance flags and rifles in a tightly choreographed and synchronised routine set to music.

“We joined this competition for fun, but we are also making this part of our long-term preparation, to increase the exposure and experience for our members,” said drills and colourguard instructor Jason Yeo, who added that they will perform to a selection of music from the James Bond movie franchise for the finals.

Good friends 10-year-olds Jojo Ting and Chang Lee Shian, as well as 11-year-old Irene Bong are the youngest finalists.

They took up dancing seven years ago and met each other at dance school.

“We have a lot of fun dancing together as we share a lot in common even though we study at different schools,” said Chang. “We feel very happy to go to class as we can see each other there.”

It could easily be a case of sibling rivalry for singers Celine Bong, 17, and Belle, 14, who will be competing against each other.

The supportive sisters are likely to perform sentimental Chinese ballads during the finals.

Although both sisters were inspired to take up singing by their father, he isn’t their strongest supporter.

“Our mother is our biggest fan,” said Belle.

Ricashielyn Ho, 17, and Alexandria Kucha Ganeng, 18, praised organisers for putting together the event in support of local talents.

“I’ve learnt a lot of things and I’ve also made new friends along the way,” said Ricashielyn, who has been singing since she was three.

“I feel blessed to be in this competition with so many people who are really talented. This competition confirms what I’ve known all along that Kuching is full of talented people,” added Alexandria, who started singing in church when she was seven.

 DYNAMIC DANCERS: DreamZ demonstrate their gymnastic abilities.

“However, they don’t have the opportunity to show their talents and no avenue to perform. We need more people to organise these type of events so that local talent can grow. I think the KGT organisers are doing a great job.”

Also in the finals are Just My Style (dance and hip-hop group), Noorfiza Sani (singer), Tan Boon Keong (b-boy and dance), DreamZ (acrobatic and modern dance), Summer Rhythm (medley singers), Chai Koh Khai (dance and artiste impressions), Reader (medley singing with guitar), The Redeemed (band), and Daryl Lai (singer).

The finals will begin at 7pm at the outdoor Kuching Festival Nightly Entertainment Stage.

The champion will receive RM2,500 and trophy, first runner-up RM2,000 and trophy and second runner-up RM1,500 and trophy. 

There are also two consolation prizes of RM200 and a trophy.

RM500 and a trophy await the winner of the special Star Quality Award, where up to 20 additional marks will be given based on the applause received.

Judging will be conducted by a panel of entertainment industry judges from Kuching and Kuala Lumpur.

Contestants will be judged on ability, skill, talent, entertainment value, uniqueness, creativity, overall presentation and stage presence.

During the event organised by MBKS, event sponsor Astro will entertain the crowd with its artistes and DJs.

Source: Borneo Post

By: Joanna Yap 

Pictures of St. Joseph School Marching Band Colorguard during Semifinals