Valley’s Got Talent returns to area Nov. 24
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STEUBENVILLE -- The Valley's Got Talent competition is back. And this year's event promises to be better than ever before, according to Ohio Valley Youth Network President Bobbyjon Bauman.
Community residents are asked to spread the word to any talented youths who are interested in participating in this year's contest.
Bauman explained there will be a total of $1,250 awarded in prize money to the top finishers. The event will take place at 5 p.m. Nov. 24 in the auditorium of Steubenville High School.
"We had more than 850 people in attendance last year," Bauman stated. "And we expect a large crowd again this year."
The ages of participants must range from 13 to 23, rather than 10 to 23, officials stated, adding there is a separate competition, "Valley's Got Talent, Kid's Edition."
Former Valley's Got Talent winner Ashley Marina, who was on "America's Got Talent," will perform a song at the event, as well as a few former contest winners, Bauman said.
WTOV-TV will sponsor the event.
"I can not wait to see our talented area performers shine again," Bauman said. Locations for the live open tryouts will be held at the following: Steubenville High School, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 4; Edison High School, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 5; Catholic Central High School, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 6.; and Sycamore Youth Center, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 16. Those 13-23 are permitted to have a band, choir or soloist who is older than 23 either accompanying or backing the vocalists and musicians. However, only the vocalists and musicians who are 13-23 will be judged in the competition, Bauman noted.
All contestants must live within 35 miles of Steubenville. Categories include bands, vocal groups or choirs; dance; vocal soloists; dance groups; or a miscellaneous talent -- non-vocal talent, such as poets or instrumentalists.
Songs must have a Christian or inspirational content.
"Since this is a competition sponsored by the Ohio Valley Youth Network, which has the goal of uplifting the hearts and minds of our youth as they use their gifts to reflect God's creative gifts in their lives, we ask that you please submit the lyrics to your song along with your entry." Bauman stated. "The screening committee is composed of Ohio Valley Youth Network members who will have the final say on what is appropriate for the competition."
Those who are unable to make it to the live, in-person tryouts, are free to submit an online audition. Officials stress the importance of being at the live tryouts, though, Bauman said. Songs must be submitted either through YouTube, an e-mail link or a video link that can be accessed on the internet. Submissions must be in by 11:59 p.m. Nov. 16. The song or performance must be five minutes or less. Contestants and acts chosen to perform, will be informed on or before noon on Nov. 17 by text or e-mail. Typically, only 20 acts will be chosen to perform at the Valley's Got Talent night event. There are usually five acts per category. The event will be carried on Facebook Live, as well as Comcast Cable TV on the Steubenville City Schools Channel 15, on delay.
"This promises to be one of the most-watched Valley's Got Talent competitions ever," Bauman concluded. Online entries should be submitted by e-mail to bobbyjonbauman@gmail.com.
Judging criteria will include, spiritual or inspirational effectiveness, vocal or instrumental excellence, presentation and the ability to engage and connect with the audience. The grand prize winner will be the best overall, regardless of the category. The winner will receive $500. First place in each category will receive $100. Second place earns $25 in each category.
Those interested in registering to try out can visit the website sycamorecenter.com/vgt. A You Tube link which highlights last year's competition can be viewed by going online to youtu.be/faG1piP9DJE?si=EA8TmPFCceJlJg6h.
For information, contact Bauman at (740) 409-2986.