Call It Talent: Hanoi was a tremendous event showcasing many different talents.

This reporter went in and saw part of the warm ups and last minute rehearsals and was impressed.  I felt it in my bones that these acts were going to be amazing. At first Charlie and Kelly surprised the crowd by a mash up of “Bum like You” and “Call Your Girlfriend” by Robyn. This performance was the best (and only) cup rhythm song that I have ever seen. Nevertheless, it was a great performance. I loved the singing, and the rhythm. After all, it was made with cups!

Grade 11 student Chi’s performance was surprising. From the song she sang at the assembly, I would never have expected such an energetic performance from her. She set the stage on fire by singing “Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir?” by Lady Marmalade. Her vocal range was amazing. And to this day I do not understand how she walked around the stage in those heels! Truly was the greatest performance and she definitely deserved the first prize award that she eventually won at the end of the event.

Though they may have come to the talent show as favorites. Pixelated was not here to win. They did win third place, but they nobly donated the money they would have won to Sidney’s cause. To my ears they got a lot of cheer when they came onto the stage, and the dance moves were improved from their last performance. It was very energetic, precise and required their team to work extremely hard to get timings right. Everybody had their own solo, and they impressed the judges with their individual moves.

Along these acts we had Khanh An, Masatoki, and Bum Soo perform “In This Song” by Charice to win the second place of the talent show. As we could expect, Khanh An’s overwhelming voice threw the judges out of their seats. Though most were focused on the singer of this little group, credit has to be given where credit is due. Masatoki showed his skills on the guitar, and with Bum Soo, they created the melody and atmosphere to the song.

What follows is an interview with Sidney Hong, Grade 10 student and organizer of Call It Talent: Hanoi.

How did you come up with the idea of hosting a talent show?

“I combined my passion of music as well as my passion that I had to give back to the amazing organization of the Academy of Business Leadership.”

How did you get all the prizes together?

“I got an individual sponsor that had relations to the Academy of Business Leadership to sponsor the funds used to get the trophy and the prize money.”

How did you feel about the acts?

“Overjoyed! It worked and I was both happy and sad that this part of the project is finally over.”

How much money were you able to raise, and how much is there still to go?

“From the actual ticket sales of the talent show, I was able to raise around $2,000. Adding on sponsorships, food, and other organizations the total came to about $6,000 – $7,000. The funds that are raised are enough to send a single student over but if time is given, or perhaps over the course of next summer and year, I would like to send another.”

After this little interview with Sidney, I will agree with her that the acts and the talent show were a big success. I hope she will be able to send the two lucky local children to study in the United States.