Eight finalists advance to the Gen-Y Factor Talent Showcase after performing in a semi-final competition held at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium on Saturday, April 9.

The Gen-Y Factor Talent Showcase is presented by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports through partnership with JTV Live and sponsored by Digicel.

Acting Director for the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye said that she is proud of the singers as they continue to impress her with their talent.

Mrs. Lettsome-Tye said, “The talent in the Virgin Islands is impressive. Our judges continue to have a hard time having to choose among the singers because they’re that good.”

Mrs. Lettsome-Tye added, “I want to take this time to congratulate all of our singers on a job well done and encourage them, especially the ones who were unable to advance, to keep pushing and keep working on their talent. It can only get better from here.”

Singers underwent a Master Class Training on Friday, April 1 where facilitators Mrs. Alicia Green and Mrs. Lettsome-Tye conducted training sessions on stage presentation and vocal training.

Mrs. Lettsome-Tye said that the training was a success as it prepared the singers for the semi-final competition on Saturday, April 9.

She said, “There has been a significant transformation in our competitors since the training with Mrs. Green and myself. They’re evolving and I am proud of them all.”

The eight finalists were assigned vocal coaches to provide mentorship and to continue working with the singers in preparation for the final competition in June.

The finalists, all between the ages of 15 and 29, are Calden James, Kenrico Wheatley, Dia Noel, Durnel Sanderson, Kaywanna Pope, Kitwan Maduro, Leigha Burke, and Nakeira Penn.

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

  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 468-3701 ext. 4949.