7:00pm Monday 17th November 2008
By Louise Dunderdale
A SUCCESSFUL new search for a star has proved that Bournemouth really has got talent.
More than 1,000 people packed Boscombe’s Opera House last Sunday to be wowed by 20 acts who made it to the grand final of Talentcall 2008.
And 15-year-old Ringwood schoolgirl Bethany Lowen walked away with the winner’s trophy and a £1,000 cheque after impressing a spellbound audience and five judges, including Daily Echo editor Neal Butterworth and top local comedian Scott Charlton.
Hosted by co-organiser John Lory and sponsored by United Taxis, the standard of the 20 acts rarely wavered below excellent, from talented vocalist Samantha Laurilla’s opening version of Fallin’ to 26-year-old singer-songwriter and eventual runner-up Hans Slack’s highly popular take on Valerie.
Along the way, local dance troupe Pure Funk’s superb choreography and athletic moves earned them the audience vote and the show revealed some real stars of the future in 13-year-old singer Ellie Akaidere and 10-year-old self-taught hip-hop dancer Zeke.
Fourteen-year-old pianist Adam Tuffrey and vocalist Jamie-Louise teamed up to perform the classic Summertime, young singer-songwriters Shelly Barnett and Hannah Ward impressed with their own material, while dance duo captivated with a stunning display of theatre-style ballet.
Neal Butterworth said: “The standard was incredibly high and it was made even more impressive by the ages of the performers, the vast majority of whom were local.
“The judges were really impressed by the singing and dancing talent on show, but there’s no doubt that Bethany earned her first place.
“If Talentcall continues to attract this kind of talent in the future, we could be seeing a number of local stars on our stages and screens very soon.”
There was also a welcome boost for charity Childline, which was presented with a £2,500 cheque, raised over the course of the event. The organisers would also like to thank CFK Promotions for their support and United Taxis for their sponsorship.
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