A photo of the competition in 2019. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Events

The search returns for Prince Albert’s next big stars

Jan 15, 2022 | 8:00 AM

The 14th annual Canadian Tire Search for the Stars event makes its triumphant return to the E.A. Rawlinson Centre on Sunday.

People can go cheer for their favourite performers in person or from the comfort of their living room through a live stream option. Events Coordinator Cara Stelmaschuk told paNOW the demand for tickets has been great.

“It’s a really popular event and we love hosting it,” she said.

The event features performers aged 8 to 18 from across northern Saskatchewan, and Stelmaschuk explained they do have a good mix this year of first timers, and participants who have been doing it since they were young and are now in their last year of eligibility.

“For a lot of them it’s the first they will be performing that song for the audience with a whole band and all the arrangements done,” she said.

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In addition to 15 solo artists, this year’s competition will also include one duet and two bands. There’s also three performers entered in the singer-songwriter category.

Auditions were held in November, and those same judges (Jordy Balicki, LJ Tyson and Allyson Reigh) will return on Sunday. Ballicki, who has a wealth of experience in his own right performing on stage, told paNOW he feels as if he has the toughest job in Prince Albert this weekend.

“Like just from what I saw during the auditions, I do not look forward to having to pick a winner,” he said.

LJ Tyson was a former Search For The Stars participant and knows first hand what the performers are feeling.

“The nerves, the excitement, and all the practice that goes into one performance. This is a big deal for them because for those 4-5 minutes on stage. They get to show off their passion, hard work, and bring their dreams on stage,” he said.

Tyson explained not all the young performers become artists, but the experience of just being on stage shows them they can be anything they want.

Tickets for the show can still be purchased through the E.A Rawlinson website. For those able to attend the show in person, proof of double vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result must be received within 72 hours of showtime to attend.

And of course masks are required to be worn in the building.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell