Stars are born: Star Search winners Evan Xia, of Hawthorn, Inverleigh’s Emily Jacker and Highton’s Adam Di Martino.
By John Van Klaveren
GEELONG’S longest running talent quest unearthed more than just the voice at this years final.
Powercor Star Search also discovered an instrumentalist and a vocal group among winners in the three categories.
Event chair Bill Rush said the 37th annual Star Search featured a “huge array of talent”.
“We had an enthuisiastic crowd of more than 500 on the night, hosted by past winner Amy Lehpamer,” Mr Rush said.
“Star Search gives artists the confidence to go on with a musical career. There really are a lot of talented people around Geelong.”
The grand final at Costa Hall last Friday features prizes of $1000 for each category winner, $500 for second and $300 for third.
Overall winner Evan Xia collected an extra $300.
Rotary Club of Highton runs Star Search to give the region’s young amateur musicians an opportunity to perform before a large audience in a premier venue.
Recent winners who have gone on to fame include pop star Missy Higgins, opera diva Cheryl Barker and jazz musician Paul Rettke.
The Independent is a sponsor of Star Search.
Results: Instrumental: first, Evan Xia; second, Lilian Liu; third Jamie Parker; encouragement award, Constantine Kara-tenislis.
Vocal: first, Adam Di Martino; second, Carly Ellis; third, Libby Host; encouragement award, Rhiannon Irving.
Group: first, Emily Jacker and Adam Di Martino; second, The Civilized; third, Christian Colleg Senior Strings.
