Contestants from near and far took the stage for their chance to qualify to sing at the 2008 Ponoka Stampede on May 2 and 3 at the Ponoka Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Each person who auditioned had prepared two songs to perform and stood in front of judges and an audience of over 150 people.
Keith Kjenner introduced each auditioning person and kept the energy up between songs with his good humour and jokes.
Alberta talent and creativity was obvious as some contestants incorporated piano, guitar, ukelele, hand jives, polka and other additions to accompany their singing.
Karen Kjenner organizer of the Stampede Talent Night was pleased with the performances and knew that the judges had a difficult decision ahead of them.
“The performances were excellent,” said Karen. “It was two nights of great entertainment. The judges had a very hard time choosing and I am very pleased with how they judged.”
Out of the 34 people to audition, only 10 were chosen to perform during the Stampede.
Judges Dean Hill, Randy Bachinsky and Deb Stevens observed the contestants, reviewed the videotape and made their decision.
Cole Malone, Innisfail, Jessica St. Dennis, Blackfalds, Jennifer O’Neill, Edmonton, Samantha McKinnon, Ponoka, Kaitlyne Hiller, Leduc, Jeanette Carrico, Innisfail, Mariya Soetaert, Stavely, Mark Ferguson, Ponoka, Alex Dion, Hobbema, and Kurt Silk, Red Deer are the 10 winners of the Stampede Talent Night. They can be seen performing on the big stage at the Ponoka Stampede on June 30.
The Stampede Talent Night has seen some of their winners become famous after getting a chance to perform at the Ponoka Stampede. Artists like Shane Yellowbird, Brett Kissel and Adam Gregory got their start from the Stampede Talent Show.
The winners will also receive two tickets to the George Canyon and Shane Yellowbird concert and will be performing two songs of their choice backed by the band Hey Romeo.