“WOW! What a show, what a night!” This sentiment echoed through the Town Hall Auditorium on Sunday night as the curtains closed on the Teen Talent On-Point Finals 2024. From the very first note sung by Molique Noel to the final stanza by Kayla Cadogan, the audience was treated to a captivating display of young talent, energy, and passion. Creamed in between were unforgettable performances: the touching dance narrative by Dayna Sankar, the powerful cultural presentation by Angalie Aaron, and the pulsating rhythms of Chazon’s drums. Every contestant delivered with excellence, leaving no doubt that the future of the performing arts is bright.
However, the night undeniably belonged to San Fernando’s own Darion St. Clair a student at Presentation College. Armed with nothing but his steel pan and raw talent, Darion mesmerized both the audience and the judges with his masterful rendition of “Pan in A Minor,” a classic calypso composed by the legendary Lord Kitchener. His flawless execution, brimming with emotion and technique, earned him the coveted first-place trophy. His performance was a testament to the timeless power of the steel pan and the depth of musical skill the youth of Trinidad and Tobago possess.
But Darion’s victory was far from an easy one. Close on his heels was the remarkable Nissi Henry from Princess Town, who delivered a heart-stirring performance of “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman, securing her second place. Her voice soared through the auditorium, drawing tears from the audience and keeping the competition tight. Following closely behind in third place was Point Fortin resident, Molique Noel, whose performance was equally captivating, though details of his selection were overshadowed by the anticipation building around the top two.
The competition was fierce, with the judges’ scorecards reflecting just how close the contest truly was. The points separating the top performers were minimal, underscoring the exceptional talent present at this year’s event.
As the final contestant left the stage, the audience buzzed with anticipation, waiting for the results. But before the winner could be announced, the evening took an unexpected turn. Dr. Tehilla Jeffrey, the event’s charismatic host, was prompted by none other than singer extraordinaire Lois Lewis to treat the audience to an impromptu performance. Dr. Jeffrey’s stunning rendition of “Stand Up” by Cynthia Erivo electrified the room, bringing the audience to their feet in admiration. As if by some force of destiny, the crowd clamored for Lois herself to perform, and she did not disappoint. Delivering an emotional and powerful rendition of “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman, Lois left the audience roaring with approval, their appreciation a testament to the high caliber of the evening.
The Teen Talent On-Point 2024 final was more than just a competition—they were a celebration of the future of the performing arts in Trinidad and Tobago. With such immense talent on display, the event presented a promising glimpse into what’s to come. Congratulations to Darion St. Clair, and all the finalists who made this night one to remember.
The future is bright, and the stage is set for even greater things.