By Alexander Gilbert
It’s that time of year again! The fall semester is officially coming to a close, so it is time for the annual G-Bears Got Talent show hosted by GBTV and WNEK! This spectacular talent show brings together a variety of stellar performances from our own Golden Bears at Western New England University.
This past Saturday, December 2, the talented students performed in front of fellow students, friends, and family at G-Bears Got Talent. This year’s show, with a total of ten acts, featured numerous singers, guitarists, a dancer, and a rhythm game player.
To entertain audiences during breaks and give fun introductions to the contestants, comedian Derrick Knopsnyder took the stage as the host of G-Bears Got Talent. Knopsnyder warmly welcomed each performer and added to the upbeat atmosphere with his charisma and comedy.
The first contestant to take the stage was Maahi Shah, a sophomore psychology major who stunned the audience with her amazing singing and guitar skills. She performed “Star” by the Korean artist Colde, a personal favorite song of hers. Shah told The Westerner she was “thrilled to pour my heart into this performance, expressing the joy that music brings to my life.” She has been singing since the fourth grade and is a self-taught, amateur guitarist who both covers songs and composes her own songs. Shah explained that “balancing music with my academic load isn’t easy, but it serves as a getaway in my schedule .”G-Bears Got Talent was the perfect stage to showcase her musical skills and perform in front of students, family, and friends.
In one of the following acts, Gwendolyn Scorpa, a sophomore neuroscience major, wowed the audience with her fantastic rendition of “From the Start” by Laufey. Scorpa has been singing since the eighth grade and has continued with her passion during college. While explaining her love for singing, she said she “could be drowning in homework and still be writing music and singing.” This is her second year performing at G-Bear’s Got Talent, so it wasn’t as nerve-wracking as before. She said, “WNEK and GBTV made the environment very fun and relaxing,” and she “loves being in a room full of talented and dedicated people.” Scorpa performed incredibly at both this year’s and last year’s talent show, showing her talent to the University.
The show continued with a fascinating dance performance by junior biomedical engineering student Gianna Arace. Arace stunned audiences with a lyrical and modern dance to the song “Bored” by Billie Eilish. The moves hit the beat, and she drove home the emotion in the song with her dancing ability. Arace has been dancing since she was four years old but hasn’t been able to dance as much since she came to college. She said that she “loves doing G-Bears Got Talent because I get to do what I love for a few months with practicing and the show .”The only dancer in the show, she brought additional excitement to the show while showcasing her amazing talent.
In the following act, Caitlin Marvin, a senior chemistry major, stunned the audience with a musical performance of “The Wizard and I” from the hit musical Wicked. Marvin’s stellar voice captivated everyone in the room while also telling an intriguing story. She has been singing since she was only eight years old and took voice lessons for ten years prior to attending college. Marvin said that she has really “enjoyed the past three years singing in G-Bears Got Talent.” Since coming to college, she “hasn’t sung for people much, except during this show every year.” Combining both acting and singing, Marvin made her mark on this year’s G-Bears Got Talent.
Grace Ryan showcased her extreme talent for singing when she performed “Dancing on My Own” by Robyn at this year’s show. Ryan’s powerful and captivating voice amazed everyone while also conveying an emotional story to the audience. She captured the strength and heartbreak in the song during her incredible performance. While not singing, Ryan studies hard, working towards an integrated liberal studies major with a minor in social work. She explained that “balancing my coursework and passion for singing isn’t always the easiest thing,” but she’s happy she can still find time to sing with the Golden Voices club on campus.
Finishing the show with a bang, Evan Cady, a freshman criminal justice major, gave an incredible performance on the guitar. Cady amazed audiences with his guitar rendition of “Pride and Joy” by Stevie Ray Vaughn. The guitar boomed through River’s Hall as Cady owned the stage. Cady has been playing guitar for seven years and is very excited to bring his musical talent to college. He explained that “it’s challenging to balance coursework, friends, and guitar, but sometimes guitar is just a really great way to destress.” While impressing everyone with his guitar soloing ability, Cady also enjoyed the opportunity to hang out with some friends and make some new ones during rehearsals.
Also performing was singer Alana Tores, rhythm gamer Bao Do, guitarist and singer Garren Nordquist, and singer Jordan Tomczak. G-Bears Got Talent showcased ten talented students and entertained their friends, family, and fellow Western New England University students. It truly was a spectacular time for everyone involved.
The talent show was judged by President D. Robert. E Johnson, First Lady Michelle Jones-Johnson, Associate Director of New Student Orientation & Connections Amanda Burrage, Police Sergeant Alexandria Capen-Parizo, and Bear the Comfort Dog! They scored each individual act and decided on which act best earned first place, second place, and third place. The audience was also given the opportunity to vote on their favorite act.
