The Voice, America’s Got Talent, American Idol and other nationally broadcast talent competitions have been popular for years as a way to look and see what the country can produce in terms of future stars. But what about in Miami-Dade? Beside getting an occasional participant in those shows from Miami, how do get a glimpse of upcoming talent from our own community?
That’s where Young Talent Big Dreams (YTBD) takes center stage!
For 10 years, Miami-Dade County’s largest, countywide free competition has given a sneak peak of the brightest singers, dancers, musicians and more that our community offers. In the past, watching them compete for a chance at the grand prize meant you had to go to Actor’s Playhouse at Miracle Theatre for those willing and able to do it. But among of the few bright spots of the coronavirus pandemic is that the finals on Saturday, September 26, are now accessible for anyone to see online, from the comfort and safety of their own home. Everyone will now be able to stream the Finals at actorsplayhouse.org starting at 7 p.m.
That means that the virtual audience will be able to see all 26 acts and 47 contestants in 9 different categories that made it to the finals compete for the grand price of a free trip – airfare, hotel and passes for two – to attend the live Teen Choice Awards, courtesy of WSVN 7News, along with $500 in cash. In total there are 3 finalist per category and 1 winner per category, as well as the grand prize winner.
While staying safe at home and practicing social distancing, kids between the ages of 8-17 were invited to submit preliminary round audition videos that showcase their talents earlier this year. A group of venerated judges whittled down the almost 250 auditions for the semifinals held in August. From that group, the best made it to the final round this Saturday.
“For a decade, this competition has given the most talented youth in our community a chance to shine,” said The Children’s Trust President and CEO James R. Haj. “This year, due to the pandemic, the competition transitioned to virtual performances and we’ve seen an incredible 21% increase in the number of auditions. I can’t wait to see the semifinals and finals.”
The talent competition features a total of six individual categories including pop/rock/rap vocals, musical theatre/jazz standards/classical vocals, dance, musical instrument, original spoken word, and original vocal and/or instrumental composition. Categories for groups of six or fewer members include dance, musical instrument/bands, and vocal groups. Each act is allotted two minutes for final-round performance.
Young Talent Big Dreams is modeled after reality TV talent shows that offer similar opportunities to contestants through a series of auditions, performances and professional mentoring. Judges include a host of local celebrities and professionals from Miami’s performing arts community.
Past winners of the competition include Joana Martinez who just achieved a Top 10 placement as part of “Team Gwen (Stefani)” on Season 17 of NBC’s “The Voice,” Angelina Green who went on to earn the coveted golden buzzer from judge Heidi Klum on Season 12 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” and Gino Cosculluela who most recently brought home the third place title on Season 16 of FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Who knows what doors will open for winners of this year’s Young Talent Big Dreams competition!