Local performers let their talents shine during 4th annual ‘Cedar City Star Search’

Written by Jeff Richards
March 19, 2024

CEDAR CITY — A dancer, a singer, a piano player and a vocal quartet comprised the four grand-prize winners during the fourth annual Cedar City Star Search competition on Friday evening.

Pianist Amy Gifford, winner of the adult division, performs “Beauty and the Beast” during “Cedar City Star Search,” Cedar City, Utah, March 15, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News

The one dozen entrants – three solo performers in each of three age categories plus three groups – showcased their talents before an audience of more than 700 people at the Heritage Center Theater.

Following are short recaps of the winners and runners-up, by category:

Youth

Winning the youth category was 7-year-old Bentley Hulet, who performed a lyrical dance to a song titled “Fly.”

The youth runners-up were 11-year-old vocalist Collin Morris, who sang “Empty Heart Shaped Box,” and 12-year-old pianist Cruise Louthan, who played Chopin’s “Waltz in D-flat Major.” Louthan did a surprise backflip on stage after he’d finished his performance.

Teen

Cedar High School senior Tiana Green won the teen category with a rousing performance of an original song called “Envy,” during which she elicited participation from the audience.

The teen runners-up were Reagyn Reynolds, who danced to a song titled “Praying,” and vocalist Brooklyn Jones, who sang “Wicked Game.” 

Adult

Members of the four-woman quartet known as Sidenote react after being announced as the winners of the group division at “Cedar City Star Search,” Cedar City, Utah, March 15, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News

The winner of the adult division was Amy Gifford, who played on the piano the title song from “Beauty and the Beast” while dressed in yellow as the heroine Belle. The adult runners-up were violinist Kaitlyn Espin, who played “Roundtable Rival,” and vocalist/guitarist Dylan Gavin, who performed an original number titled “Puddle.”

Gavin received the coveted “Audience Choice” award at the conclusion of the evening.

Group

Winning the group category were an all-woman quartet called Sidenote, who sang the Dolly Parton classic “Jolene” A Capella, in four-part harmony. The members of the group are Dee Holt, Shelly Forsman, Stephanie Wood and Suzanne Tegland.

The group runners-up were Jason McConnell and Savannah Eckert, who sang the vocal duet “Turning Page,” and a four-person band known as Bring the Gurney, who performed “Melt Away.”

In addition to receiving trophies and earning bragging rights, each of the four winners took home $250 for their efforts.

The talent show also featured four intermediary numbers that weren’t part of the competition, including two of last year’s winners, namely Brentlee Mineer and the Color Country Cloggers, and a festive cultural dance by the group Herencia Hispana. Additionally, a group of local youth in the IMPAC troupe performed “You Will Be Found,” and honorable mention winner Justin Olsen sang “Good to be King.”

As judges Darin Adams, Carylee Zwang and John DiAntonio look on, event co-host Brandon Burk announces Bentley Hulet as the winner of the youth division at the fourth annual “Cedar City Star Search,” Cedar City, Utah, March 15, 2024 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News

The panel of three judges consisted of John DiAntonio of Utah Shakespeare Festival, Carylee Zwang of Orchestra of Southern Utah and Cedar City Police Chief Darin Adams. As the judges took turns announcing their scores following each performance, they also provided constructive feedback and encouragement to the artists.

“This event keeps getting better and better, and I’m so grateful to get to be a part of it,” said Brandon Burk, who joined co-host Tamera Merkley in serving as emcees for the event. 

Burk also expressed his appreciation for Cedar City Star Search’s new partnership with Canyon Creek Services, a nonprofit organization that provides services and support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Friday’s event raised a total of $1,755 for Canyon Creek Services, organizers said.

Burk also thanked main sponsor Clark and Linford Jewelers and all of the other local entities who supported the event.

“We are excited to continue building relationships with the businesses and organizations in this community,” he said.

Photo Gallery

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff Richards, a native of Salt Lake City with family roots in Panguitch, lived in Moab for 20 years before joining St. George News in 2017. Jeff is a longtime journalist and secondary school teacher. He and his wife Penny are the parents of five daughters. They also have three young grandsons. Jeff and his family enjoy swimming, camping, sightseeing, reading, and taking pictures.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @stgnews@moabjeff@stgnewssports

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!