Siska gave an impressive performance of powerful ballad Who You Are by British artist Jessie J, winning B5,000 for her efforts as well as the opportunity to record one of her songs. (View the video of the competition here).
Already a highly accomplished singer, Siska has been studying privately with music teacher Siobhan McGovern for more than three years, and has performed all over the island as a soloist and in bands.
Last year, Siska achieved a high distinction with honours in her Grade 7 Rockschool Exam. Siska will be performing next as the lead role of Nala in the BIS production of The Lion King.
In second place, winning B3,000, was BIS student Sammy Thacker, age 10. Third place and B2,000 went to BIS student Victoria Margo.
The Sunday afternoon’s festivities kicked off with a blistering performance by Legends of Siam, last year’s winners.
This year’s talent competition, jointly hosted by Siobhan’s Music Studio and Legend Music Recording Studio, attracted 27 entries, and selecting the top three proved to be a difficult task for the judges.
Competition judges were Live 89.5’s Jason Wilder, locally-based American performer Pjae Stanley, BIS Grade School teacher Yolaine Johanson, and author and musician Dr Jason Stanley.
Entries came from all over the island, from both the international and local Thai schools. For the majority of the competitiors, it was their first time performing in front of a large crowd.
As well as the main prizes for the top three place-getters, additional prizes of music lessons and Adventure Mini Golf vouchers were awarded to promising young artists.
Sponsored prizes included cash prizes by Thai Sarco, recording sessions by Legend Music Recording Studio, media exposure from Class Act Media (the parent company of The Phuket News), music lessons by Siobhan’s Music Studio, and mini golf vouchers from Phuket Adventure Mini Golf.
The Phuket News and Live 89.5 were media sponsors of the event.