THE first audition for Dancehall’s Got Talent took place at the Jamaica Performing Arts Centre in Queens, New York, last Friday.

The talent show is geared at providing opportunities for upcoming acts to showcase reggae and dancehall culture in the United States.

The event was hosted by Nicole ‘Nikki Z’ Duhaney, with judges Timberlee, Ed Robinson, DJ Roy and Dougie Platinum.

“A lot of great talent was in attendance, the female talent was a lot more heavy than expected. It was a pleasant surprise. We can’t reveal too much, but I’d like to tell everyone to make sure to tune in when the shows airs,” LA Wright, executive producer, told the Jamaica Observer.

The show is scheduled to begin on September 28 with elimination rounds. It is open to the public. Scheduled to be broadcast on OmniPresent Media and OPM Digital Network, the winner from 18-episode series will receive US$5,000 and a recording contract.

Dougie Platinum, one of the show’s judges, was impressed with the talent displayed at the audition.

“Quite a few contestants came out with their “A” game with the hopes of securing a ‘YES’ from the judges. The diversity in performances only has me on the edge of my seat waiting on what to expect next in the later auditions and rounds,” he said.

He also said he was impressed by the contestants’ passion.

“Many of the contestants displayed a passion and love for dancehall that, at times, it’s like you just didn’t want to say “NO”. They were prepared for the most part, and I was quite impressed that many contestants came out with originality in their song choice, instead of singing already released songs,” he said.

The next round of auditions is scheduled for Sunday, September 21 in Jamaica, Queens, New York, and the last audition is Tuesday, September 23 in Hartford, Connecticut.

— Cecelia Campbell-Livingston