There was a sea of talent Saturday afternoon at the Parksville Bay boardwalk.
The semifinalists of Parksville Idol sang their hearts out on the gazebo stage in front of a large crowd who turned out to Parksville Community Park August 9 for the talent contest.
There were 19 incredible performances and judges Guy Massey, Jacqui Kaese and Gerry Barnum who critiqued each performer had a difficult time selecting two performers from each category to move onto the finals and perform at 8:30 p.m.
After much deliberation the judges made their decision and the top two gave one more amazing performance.
The winner in the Kids Division (age 6-12) was 11 year old MacKenna Jardine of Parksville who performed the song Ho Hey on her ukelele. During her critique Errington singer/songwriter and recording artist Barnum said he appreciated that she could play an instrument and sing, adding she had great rhythm. The runner up was 10 year old Zoe Chow from Nanaimo who sang The Rainbow Connection.
In the Youth Division (age 13-18) the winner was 18 year old Melissa Kahan from Nanaimo who sang What's Up. Kaese who has over 30 years experience in the entertainment industry said Kahan’s performance was amazing and the singer was sprinkled with pixy dust and she should go and fly with her talent. The runner up was 15 year old Hayley Williams of Qualicum Beach who sang Beneathe Your Beautiful.
In the Adult Division (age 19+) the winner was Brianne Carson of Qualicum Beach who sang Independence Day. Carson who is one of the owners of Bosley's Pet Store in Parksville impressed Massey so much he said he now will be buying his pet food from her.
The runner up Nickole Ritchie from Nanaimo who sang But I Will also made an impression on the judges who said she not only sang well, but looked like a rock star and had all the right moves.
The event was organized by the Parksville Beach Festival Society to tie into this year's musical sand sculpting theme and was sponsored by the City of Parksville, the Quality Foods' Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition and The Parksville Qualicum Beach News.