Fifteen singers will be advancing to the semi-finals in the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports’ Gen-Y Factor Talent Showcase and Competition.

The department through its partnership with JTV Live and with sponsorship from telecommunication provider Digicel, held auditions for over 30 singers on Monday, February 29 and Tuesday, March 1 on the Ballroom floor of UP’s Cineplex.

Acting Director for the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye said the competition is a part of the events planned for Youth Month.

Mrs. Lettsome-Tye said, “We have a wide range of talent. We have an equal number of males and females possessing varying vocal abilities. We are excited to see what will happen in the semi-final round and I can assure you that this competition promises to be competitive and entertaining.”

Qualifiers will undergo a Master Class Training on Friday, April 1 where facilitators including Mrs. Alicia Green and Mrs. Lettsome-Tye will conduct sessions on stage presentation and vocal training.

Mrs. Lettsome-Tye said the training will prepare the singers for the semi-final competition on Saturday, April 9 at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College campus. Family, friends and well-wishers are encouraged to attend the free event.

The 15 semi-finalists will be assigned vocal coaches who will provide mentorship through the semi-final round. The vocal coaches will continue to work with the eight finalists in preparation for the final competition in June.

The 15 semi-finalists, all between the ages of 15 to 29 are Calden James, Jamila Stevens, Kenrico Wheatley, Kyla Dawson, Murtland Gordon Jr., Brianna Dawson, Dia Noel, Durnel Sanderson, Jomo Rochester, Kaywanna Pope, Kie-anna Williams, Kirwan Maduro, Leigha Burke, Malcolm Day, and Nakeira Penn.

The official Gen-Y Factor Talent Showcase and Competition provides local performers with the opportunity to share their talent and will be held on Saturday, June 25 at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

  The winner of the competition will receive monetary awards, a free recording session with HomeGrown Studio, ambassadorial duties for telecommunication provider and event sponsor, Digicel, and many other prizes.

For more information, persons should contact the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports at 468-4949.