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Vancouver Island talent show Who’s Got Talent comes to a close

Nanaimo’s Gracie Hooper took home the $500 grand prize
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Singers and musicians from across Vancouver Island took to the stage at the Sid Williams Theatre April 15 for the final round of the 2018 Comox Valley’s Who’s Got Talent? competition.

Ten contestants of a variety of ages competed in the final round on Sunday. More than 30 had auditioned in prior rounds.

Read More: New talent show competition comes to the Comox Valley

“It’s just so fun to celebrate local talent,” said contest organizer Susie McGregor. “There’s so much talent in this competition. It’s wonderful to see everyone get up, have their nerves, but get on top of it and have a great performance.”

The contestants came from across Vancouver Island, including the Comox Valley, Campbell River, and Nanaimo.

“It’s always my favourite part to hear and see and meet all the new singers, and work with them through the process,” said McGregor, who has put on events like Valley Idol in the past. “It’s a lot of fun and it’s heartwarming.”

Nanaimo resident Gracie Hooper ultimately won the competition, as voted by the audience. Her grand prize was a $500 cheque.

Heather Hawirko took first prize in the judges’ choice and won recording time with Jacob Gregory at Aurora Music Studios.

Gerry Bullen won the judges’ second prize and will be recording with Richard Spencer at Gung Ho Records.

Hooper earned the judges’ third choice and won an hour of singing lessons with McGregor.

Additional prizes included gift certificates to Games and Grounds, Spaces VR, Silhouette Dance Wear, and the Comox Community Centre.

The show also included performances from McGregor, who covered a handful of Adele songs, and a series of David Bowie covers from Rich Spencer and Dwaine Kim Andrucko.

Correction: A previous version of this story identified Jasmin Rossner as the $500 winner.

Photos and video by Scott Strasser

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