AFTER sorting through hundreds of virtual performances to come up with the best ones, the judges of the Guyana Talent Search have been able to wrap up the first round of the competition and have all expressed how anxious they are to move ahead with the exciting show.
Talent Search Guyana, one of the latest initiatives by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, features stirring performances of participants from all across Guyana, and is not just confined to singing.

Persons with an array of talents were encouraged to participate, including those who are dancers, poets, artists; whatever skill they thought they had. And the competition features persons of all ages and from all walks of life.
After the end of the first audition, one of the judges, Poonam Singh, reflected on her own experiences participating in competitions, especially one at 16 years old where she was before Joel Ghansham, one of the very judges she is now working along with.
Her experiences have made her more empathetic towards new participants so that she can understand their feelings of having to perform before others and be judged. “What I really look for in a star performance is the energy and how they act on stage and how they look. You have to come well dressed, with that energy, with that vibe that we all can feel and connect with you,” Poonam expressed.

Fellow judge Timeka Marshall said what makes this competition different is that it is not just looking for singers but talent that comes in any form. She said she is looking forward to seeing those who have made it through the virtual auditions in person.
Marshall also expressed that she is looking for persons with raw talent who may need help to better their skills.
Ghansham commented following the first audition that he thought it’s fantastic that despite the pandemic, the team could’ve still been creative enough to continue to contribute to culture and entertainment.

“Being a star can be pretty simple,” Ghansham noted, as she encouraged participants to be true to themselves and remain humble in everything they do. “But it’s also important to walk like a star, act like a star, dress like a star, talk like a star.”
The fourth judge, Akelo ‘DJ Akelo’ Elliott, said it is the first time he’s judging in such a big competition. “I’m looking for presence. When I see you, if I’m on my phone Whatsapping, I must stop and focus on you. I’m not looking for someone who will tell me they’ll do better next year; I want a star now,” he expressed.
He further mentioned his intentions to be honest and real in the competition as the judges seek to explore the many talents that are hidden all across Guyana.

While the show was pre-recorded at this stage, the semi-finals and finals will be done live. It is being shown on Hits and Jams Television (HJTV), National Communications Network (NCN), Multi-Technology Vision (MTV), National Television Network (NTN), E-Networks and the Ministry’s Facebook page.
The winning prize is not yet known, however, the names of the top talents are said to be the first that will be hired by the Ministry for shows and other events. The judges will also be mentoring the talents who made it through the audition rounds.
The competition will continue this Sunday at 19:00 hours and will continue every Sunday until the grand finale on May 26, 2021.