By Marcos Pena, Staff Writer
Rivers Memorial never looked so good. After a long year, the awaited Golden Voice singing competition – held annually here at Western New England University – was back last week. From start to finish the audience was treated with nothing but the best talent from the participating students.
This year, however, the Golden Voice competition was back as G-Bears Got Talent. In addition to singing, students were also able to perform acts from across the entire spectrum of the performing arts. The competition meticulously showcased the great hidden talents of our students on campus.
The rebranded contest opened the door for many other artistic performers whose talent was something other than singing. Nonetheless, from singing to magic, the show was one of a kind. Meredith Viens, Leah Cunha, Caitlin Marvin, Marcos Peña, and Grace Ryan all wowed the audience with their vocal abilities, while Caylen Hunt mesmerized everyone with his impressions; last but certainly not least, Spencer Laframboise hypnotized the audience with his fascinating magic act.
It’s safe to say that each competitor brought the house down with their incredible acts. To make the event even more special, the host for the evening was comedian Alex Babbit. Even faculty and staff got in on the fun, with our very own President Johnson joining the judges alongside his wife, First Lady Johnson.
Also in the judges panel were officer Capin-Prizo, and Ryan Begin. To add to the excitement, there was also a raffle going on simultaneously, and food and drinks were being offered as well. To add to the professionalism and buzz of the night, the event was live streamed on YouTube for anyone who could not be on campus to experience it as well.
At the end of the night only three of the seven contestants were chosen for first, second, and third place. The prizes were $500 for first place, $250 for second, and $100 for third place. This year the Audience Favorite part of the show was back. For this part of the show the audience voted on their favorite act of the night and this contestant also received a special prize. Each participant gave their all on the stage, but at last the competition came down to three.
THE WINNERS WERE: In third place was Leah Cunha, who performed a Pitch Perfect act in which she herself recorded the background vocals. In second place was Spencer Laframboise, whose magic act left not only the audience bamboozled, but the judges were notably taken away as well. In first place was Caitlin Marvin (also people’s choice winner), whose theatrical song act led her right to the top.
Congratulations to all the performers and the finalists for such a fun filled night. This year’s show was made possible by Golden Bear Television and WNEK. The contestants and everyone in attendance would like to express their deepest gratitude to the GBTV and WNEK staff who worked tirelessly to put the show together and make it such a special night for both the performers and the audience.
Thank you to everyone who worked behind the cameras before and during the livestream. Thank you also to all the organizers who crafted the program and delivered such tremendous presentation. Lastly, special thanks to the judges and comedian Alex Babbitt for being in attendance and adding to the superb atmosphere that it was.
This year’s event took place near the conclusion of the 2021-22 fall semester, and what a way to end the semester it was. G-Bears Got Talent will undoubtedly become a tradition here at Western New England University for many years to come.
If you missed this year’s event, do not worry, G-Bears Got Talent will be back bigger and better. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for next year’s competition, and perhaps showcase your talent on stage or go watch and cheer on your peers as they bravely showcase theirs.
