You Bring "da" Talent!

Just this past spring semester, I got the great opportunity to perform at the historic Hawaii Theatre for HPU's 8th Annual "Da Freakshow" talent contest. Throughout the auditions and the waiting, I was one of about 16 acts selected to be in this year's show.

It all started off with auditoning back in February. Literally, I was the first person to audition. Although a little nervous, I sang and played my heart to show the judges that I would have the potential to be in the talent show. The song that I played on guitar as well as sang to was "Live High" by Jason Mraz. It was something that I felt comfortable singing but yet adding my own originality to the song. After my audition, I felt confident about how I shared my passion. Then, the anxious wait began.

I believe after 2 weeks of patiently waiting, I finally got the email saying that I was gonna be in this year's talent show in March (which was a month away). I believe that good things come to those who wait, but alongside that, you have to catch these types of opportunities. With excitement in the air, rehearsing started right after...I take that back. Choosing a song was what I did afterwards. It took me a couple of hours to decide that creating a musical medley would be something interesting to do. Though it was out of my comfort zone, sometimes, taking these types of risks helps me learn and also broaden my musical abilities.

To keep my performance piece a surprise, I named my act "Acoustic Jukebox". Sooner or later, all the practice to polish my performance was put to the test on talent show night. With numerous acts such as dance, a capella, and bands all performing that night, I knew already it was gonna be a great show.

With constantly practicing over and over again that evening of the show, I told myself to take a break and just play for the passion and the great opportunity. As the theatre started to get packed, I was all dressed up with my guitar ready to go and the audience waiting for me to perform. It was my time to perform and once the curtain opened, lights, camera, action, it SHOWTIME!!

The songs that I put together in my medley ranged from "I want you back" by Jackson 5 to my rendition of Bruno Mars' "It Will Rain." I have to agree again that this was out of my comfort zone but I don't regret making this choice. I really enjoyed this piece that I put together and though I didn't win the top prize, I felt very lucky to have the chance to perform on a stage that featured many talented performers (you can't forget Lina Girl, the host of the show that night). I also felt great about sharing the stage with so many other HPU students. We all have a passion for something and that night, we put on a great show by sharing what we love to do.

As they say in showbusiness, the show must go on. I'm definitely trying out next year. I hope that many of you come out and audition so we can all put on another great show for next year.

And the journey continues.....