Finalists prove UAE’s got talent

Jojo Francisco, 31, from the Philippines, won the senior instrumental prize in the UAE’s first Got Talent show, for his guitar skills. More than 500 entrants from around the world took part in the entertainment contest. Reem Mohammed / The National

Jojo Francisco, 31, from the Philippines, won the senior instrumental prize in the UAE’s first Got Talent show, for his guitar skills. More than 500 entrants from around the world took part in the entertainment contest. Reem Mohammed / The National

FUJAIRAH // More than 500 participants from around the world showcased their talents in music, dancing and acting during the first UAE’s Got Talent show, in Fujairah.

The month-long contest ended in a celebration on Friday at LuLu Mall Fujairah.

Thirty-five contestants reached the finals after several auditions that dazzled crowds and the judging panel.

Anita Williams, a jazz artist who has lived and performed in Dubai since 2012, judged the singing.

“It’s been absolutely amazing. I have never seen such talent; the talents are beyond what I imagined,” Williams said. “I have been crying since I arrived today, they made me so passionate.

“I really want to work with these kids. Eight of them are world-class and I will do my best to help them by providing them with exclusive workshops.”

Judge Hamoudy Elkadeer, an Emirati director and radio presenter, said he was thrilled to be part of the talent hub and was proud of the results.

“I was really surprised to find such talented kids and teens competing and showcasing their unique talents in front of a huge crowd, entertaining and leaving us stunned,” he said.

Elkadeer said the senior prize winner for acting, Alan Azzopardi, “performed in a really professional way using different acting techniques”. Azzopardi, 32, from Malta, works for Emirates airline. “Winning is a really big morale booster for me and a new starting point,” he said.

The judging panel also included Nisha Shivani, founder of Nisha Dance Centre in Dubai, and Khalil Ghadri, a Syrian composer and musician.

Eight first-prize winners in two categories were announced – junior category for children aged 4 to 14, and the senior category for teenagers above 14 years. The junior singing category winner was Parvathy Nair, an 11-year-old Indian girl, who performed the song I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables.

“It’s amazing. I thank the judges and my family,” said Parvathy. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase my talents.”

First-prize winner in the senior singing category was Majorie Rayas, 20, from the Philippines, who performed I Have Nothing made famous by Whitney Houston. “This is my first time to be on stage,” said Rayas. “I’m excited to win the contest. I thank everyone for supporting me here.”

In dancing, the junior prize went to Lineshya Das, an eight-year-old Indian girl who performed a Bollywood-style dance. Syrian dancer Bryan Abdul Aziz won the senior category.

“I have been practising one whole day for this event and I’m happy to have bagged the first prize,” said Lineysha

“It’s a great encouragement for me and a dream come true.”­­­ The junior instrumental first prize went to 10-year-old keyboardist Shahad Bou Hassoun from Syria.

In the junior acting category, five-year-old Charlotte Jamil Dib from Syria won.

The winners each took home a music system, a Dh1,000 shopping voucher, a trophy and certificate, and the promise of follow-up opportunities.