Written by Julian Salinas / Staff Writer
As the lights dimmed in the Carroll Center and the crowd hushed as the spotlight focused on Ms. Jennifer Srisamai because she was getting ready start the show, Amat’s Got Talent. The stage was lit and the performers were back stage calming their nerves as the master of ceremonies, junior Madison Garcia and freshman Nicolas Cruz, took the stage on Feb 7.
Sophomore Pauline Avellaneda took home first place and cashed in the $100 prize by winning the judges over with her rendition of “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley in the 3rd annual competition of Amat’s Got Talent.
“I knew more or less what song I wanted to do,” said Avellaneda. “I found the right one and I practiced it for three or four months.”
Junior Angelica Gallegos pocketed $50 for placing second for her dance solo to the song “Barracuda” by Heart and freshman Kathleen Vidanes placed third for her rendition of Beyoncé’s “Listen.”
The competition was judged by three anonymous off-campus judges.
As many of the performers agreed, the best part of the show for them was the
audience and their energy.
“I feel ecstatic. It was awesome having my friends cheer me on, and being there, and hearing them cheer,” said Gallegos.
One of the most surprising voices of the night was, freshman, Kathleen Vidanes , with her petite stature, the crowd was shocked and memorized at her deep and strong voice.
The judges shocked audience members when freshman Rosie Sahagun did not place for her powerful and broadway-like vocal cover of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” by Barbra Streisand.
The show offered many different performances ranging from original spoken word to instrumental musical performances and dance choreography.
“It went very smoothly, it was very fun and I think that everyone had a good time,” said freshman Estelle Ocegueda, an audience member at the show.
This year’s competition held a different atmosphere not only within the audience but also within the performers.
“My favorite part was that everyone was so supportive,” said Ms. Jennifer Srisamai, the coordinator of this event. “For me, that was the biggest win because everyone’s talent was so great,”
During the final deliberations, the chamber singers held a performance of “Kiss the Girl” from the Disney classic, The Little Mermaid. They took a female volunteer from the crowd to fill the role of the Ariel as senior Eduardo Gonzalez nervously wooed for a kiss on the hand.
The chamber singers organized the competition as a fundraiser for their upcoming trip to Boston for a statewide competition during spring break.