Six contestants will enter the final round of Chautauqua’s Got Talent next week and, if Monday’s showcase was any indication, it could be anybody’s competition.

Two more contestants were eliminated after the fourth week of competition Monday: Alexis Hughan and Jubal Samuelson. Both contestants delivered inspired performances in their respective fourth appearances at the Spire Theater. Alexis, 9, of Jamestown performed an original skit that included a simulated ride to the zoo and an a capella rendition of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin, and Jubal, 12, of Ashville sang Jamie Grace’s “You Lead.”

The penultimate installation of the annual talent competition took on an unusually somber tone, with a large number of ballads and emotionally-charged songs performed by contestants. The night began with Alexis’ and Jubal’s aforementioned performances before Jillian VanHouten turned up the tempo with a lively performance of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” – which would ultimately prove to be one of the only exceptions to the prevailing atmosphere of the evening. Rounding out the first half of performances was Holly Graham with a haunting rendition of Beyonce’s “Ave Maria.”

Following a brief intermission, Jessica Hochstine, Maria Sena, Dylan Carlson and Joshua Carlson – known collectively as “Live” – took the stage to perform an original by Dylan, who said the performance marked the first time one of his original works was performed in public. Maia Davis then performed “Walkin’ After Midnight” by Patsy Cline, and was succeeded by Brooklyn Bucklin, who sang “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons. The evening was concluded with the performance of Justin Bieber’s “Pray” by Ayrianna Brady.

According to Jamie Lee, a member of the judge panel, the contestants who performed in week four have undoubtedly shown their progression as performers, and the final results following next week’s performances are anybody’s guess.

“I love this part of the competition, right before the end, because you see the progression from the shy, timid performances we witnessed in week one to the mentality of ‘I have to win it,'” Lee said. “Some of these contestants have really just grown dramatically, and when you watch them onstage you can’t help but feel excited for them because their potential is starting to shine through.

“I think a lot of the contestants came in with solid vocals, but it’s really been in the area of stage presence that we’ve seen the most development,” she added. “Having a good stage presence and engaging with the audience helps the audience to feel comfortable, and I think that’s what is happening right now. I’m just glad I don’t have to vote because it would be very challenging.”

This year’s show is co-sponsored by The Post-Journal, Big Time Productions and 106.9 KISS FM. It is being hosted by Joshua “Beefy” Anderson, a stand-up comedian and actor from Warren, Pennsylvania, who also previously participated in Chautauqua’s Got Talent for three consecutive years – though he never won, he said. In addition to Lee, the primary judges also include Steve Davis and Ylsa Giuffre. Heather Skuggen also served as guest judge for the third week. The winner of this year’s competition will receive a $500 cash prize, and will also be awarded a designed website that bears the winner’s name as the website address.

Presale tickets to individual shows are $6, and are available for purchase through Brazil Craft Beer and Wine Lounge, located at 10 E. Fourth St. in Jamestown, or online at www.spiretheater.org. Presale tickets must be purchased in advance of the competition date, and will not be available on the day of the show. Individual tickets on performance nights are available at the door for $8.

The Spire Theater is located at 317 E. Third St. For more information on this year’s “Chautauqua’s Got Talent” competition, contact Angelo Giuffre at 450-7357, or by email at jamestownspire@gmail.com.