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Chautauqua’s Got Talent Has Diversity Of Contestants

By Michael Zabrodsky 3 min read

Opening night of the 2023 version of Chautauqua's Got Talent didn't disappoint as several people enjoyed the diversity of contestants.

The event got underway Monday at the Spire Theater in Jamestown.

"It's definitely nice to get back to the normal routine in the theater and the excitement and energy of a live performance," said Ylsa Maj, one of the judges.

Maj said the age range is very big this year.

"I love when young people get that platform to come and start out their performing career. It's a nice safe environment for them because the audience is so supportive," Maj said,

Maj said she particularly likes to see the youth of the community get to shine and a chance in the spotlight.

This year the show used a new electronic voting system, said Angelo Valentino, an event coordinator.

"Being the first year with the new voting, we had a least 20 voters that didn't vote. They were audience members who did not get their vote cast," Valentino said.

He said the top three contestants were in five votes of each other while the bottom three contestants were one vote apart.

"If one of those people who could not have voted, was able to vote, it could have changed everything," Valentino said.

So, Valentino said that because of the glitch all contestants will move on to the next round.

"It's better to be safe than sorry, and keep everyone in the contest who came on opening night," Valentino said.

He added that in doing that the audience will have a chance to get more familiar with the new voting system. He said it would have been two contestants that didn't make the cut, but now it will be three who will not make the cut, next week. There are 18 contestants.

Here is a list who will be coming back on Monday.

¯ Annabelle and Adalyn Martin - vocalists

¯ Johnnie Siggins - vocalist/horn player

¯ Marcus Leeper - electric guitar/singer-songwriter

¯ Aly Dalton - vocalist, musical theater

¯ Cathy Ruch – vocalist

¯ Isaac Sinatra - vocalist, musical theater

¯ Angel Busch - vocalist, ukulele, singer-songwriter

¯ Jackie Bielata - vocalist, instrumentalist, singer-songwriter

¯ Mike Shanks - Comedian

¯ Brett Turnquist – vocalist, guitar, singer-songwriter

¯ Mike Johnson - tribute artist, costume design

¯ Derek Davis - vocalist, instrumentalist, singer-songwriter

¯ Jolee Schultz - vocalist, musical theater

¯ Dewayne Moore - vocalist

¯ Larsen Family Band - family band

¯ Gracelyn Kohler - vocalist

¯ Miranda Wilcox, singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist

¯ Cheryl Kozma – dancer, baton twirling

The next Idol session is Monday.

Pre-sale tickets for Chautauqua's Got Talent are available at InSpirejamestown.com. Tickets will also be available on the day of the show at the Spire Theater box office. These are family-friendly events, and all ages are welcome to attend.

The competition, sponsored by The Post-Journal, Kiss FM 106.9, Blue Moon Management, The Fish and J. Edwards Insurance

Starting at /week.