EverTheLess wins overall at LAUNCH talent show
Jessica Russ, left, and Cassandra Mitchell rehearse for LAUNCH in 2013. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – Teens sang, danced and stepped to top spots in LAUNCH – The Talent Show at James Clemens High School on March 20.
“The night was filled with unbelievable talent as our host MoJo from WZYP’s morning show reminded the audience throughout the evening,” volunteer Michele Brashear said. “Judges had a difficult time making some very tough decisions.”
Winners in each category received $100, while the overall winner earned $500.
EverTheLess racked up awards as overall winner, top band and fan favorite. “Judges were impressed by the band’s ability to engage the audience, impressive technical skills on each instrument and their ability to add sound effects,” assistant band director Stuart Tankesley said.
“The band’s ‘screamo’ music genre may be controversial to some, but no doubt they were well supported by numerous fans,” Tankesley said.
Eleven-year-old violinist Sophia Fox won the instrumental category. “In an evening where rock and pop music was prominent, her talent and hard work on violin shined as she performed the classical piece, ‘Premiere Solo,'” Tankesley said.
Alpha Gamma Theta was the top variety group. This step group from James Clemens performed a skit with a positive message syncopated by dancing moves and clapping. Teacher Walter Ruffin choreographed their routine.
Francesca Dempsey won for middle school vocal. “Her performance of Beyonce’s ‘Listen’ was very soulful, and the audience loved it,” Tankesley said. “She owned the stage during her performance.”
Emily McDowell from Bob Jones High School won for high school vocal with Sara Bareilles’ “Gravity.” “It was a very moving performance. Emily is our only back-to-back winner from last year’s show in one of the toughest categories of the night,” Tankesley said.
Judges were Luz Tolentino-Ladrillono with Lyrique Music Productions, WZYP radio personality Riley Vaughn and John Wolfe, Mojo’s sidekick on WZYP.
Last year’s overall winner Daniella Diaz from Sparkman High School delivered an exhibition performance with Adele’s “Chasing Pavements.” “Her positive attitude was very supportive of all the other contestants all night long,” Tankesley said.
