RECAP: 2016 Big Joe Jersey Talent Show Semi-Finals

The second round of the Big Joe Jersey Talent Show semi-finals went down on Sunday night, and it was by far the most crowded and energetic show I’ve seen this summer. The weather was perfect, the audience was excited and the talent was jaw-dropping. The night was filled with smiles, cheers and laughter. It’s so great to see so many people come out to support Jersey’s very own talented artists.

Six celebrity judges determined which contestants would advance to Finals on September 4^th. Many admitted the choice was incredibly difficult because each one brought something new and wonderful to the competition. I hope to see all the contestants continue on to practice their love of performing. Congratulations to Karen Hardy, Michele Roman, Sophie & Echo Piccone, Mackenna McLaughlin and Kaleigh Brendle, who will be moving onto Finals next week!

Also, I’d like to say thank you to our sponsors, who we wouldn’t be able to do the talent show without. Portrait Recording Studios, who is giving out a priceless grand prize of a recording package, which includes full audio recording and mixing for a single song, a recorded and edited video for that song, and much more! World Wide Piano of Edison, who is giving away an acoustic Hallet Davis & Co. 45″ studio piano. And BuyDig.com, who gets to spend every Sunday night with the Jersey Prize Team, giving out beach goodies and coupons for their website, which sells almost every electronic imaginable and offers free shipping! And the gorgeous trophies that will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place performers are donated by Ironbound Trophies of Lacey.

Next week, we’ll get to see who will go home with these wonderful prizes at the FINALS on September 4^th. I hope everyone can come out to Jenkinson’s in Point Pleasant to watch a night filled with Jersey’s very own talent!

This was written by the Talent Coordinator Intern Lauren Raposa. While being a reliable and energetic intern with NJ 101.5, she is also a passionate undergraduate student at Rutgers University who dreams of working in the entertainment business.