Five very talented singers took to the Let R’ Buck stage Thursday evening for the Stampede Karaoke talent finals.
The initial stages of the contest leading up to the finals took place at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 139 over several previous Friday evenings, hosted by Robin Randall.
According to the judges the finals were extremely close with Oren Barter, an up-and- coming lakecity singer/songwriter, who has already cut his first CD, emerging the winner.
The other contestants who all made big impressions with their talent were Chelsea Cardinal, Erin Korthus, Dwayne Chaffee, and Linda Doucette.
The contestants were judged according to Canadian National Karaoke Championship rules — 10 points each for categories of voice and sound quality; rhythm and tempo; vocal expression; stage presence/charisma; and entertainment value.
The judges say that what pushed Barter into the winner’s circle was his stage presence. Barter demonstrated that he could not only sing but dance to the beat as well.