Wantage musician wins Skylands Got Talent

NEWTON — The Newton Theatre’s third annual Skylands’ Got Talent, the regions’ premier talent show, took place on Sunday, April 17.
Thirteen up-and-coming acts performed in front of a live audience and a panel of judges for a chance to win some impressive prizes.
The audience was treated to performances by bands and solo artists of different genres, and a mentalist. There were so many outstanding acts that the judges — musician Geof Doubleday, professional actor Sam Kichin, award-winning WNTI broadcaster Melanie Thiel and artist manager Sean Gilday — had a tough job deciding who the finalists should be.
The top spot went to vocalist and keyboard player Kelly Wask of Wantage, for her dazzling performance of Second Chance by Shinedown. She won an opening spot for a show at The Newton Theatre. Second place went to original band Elmwood, who received studio time at Steinwand Sound Studio. The youngest contestant, 9-year-old Natalie Sophia Torres wowed the crowd with her version of the Meghan Trainer / John Legend hit Like I’m Gonna Lose You which garnered her a third place finish and music lessons from the Bill Wright School of Music. Fourth place finalists Mike Daly & the Planets took home a merchandise package from Blue Raven Entertainment. Mentalist Alexander Morgan won a promotional package from Minisink Press for his astonishing act. Folk singer Wayne Muller, in sixth place, received a gift card from Sussex County Music. All of the prizes were donated by the respectful organizations.
Skylands Got Talent is more than just a talent show; proceeds from the event will benefit Autism related organizations, such as Autism Speaks, Autism N.J. and Reed Academy.
With the wealth of talent and the variety of acts, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The audience was fortunate to have the opportunity to watch these promising artists shine in the spotlight.