Daybreak’s Got Talent on Feb. 28 was an over-all positive group event. City residents, families and performers crowded into the Herriman High School auditorium with big smiles. There were no side-eyed glances between the entertainers nor the general supporters. The feeling of support and appreciation for those sharing their talents felt good.

The evening’s Master of Ceremonies was Tyrone Foster who started by hyping up the crowd to increase the anticipation. He introduced the competition’s three judges. These judges were needed to critique the various talents coming their way.

John Sweeney has been a performing arts performer and director veteran for over 50 years. The other two judges are Daybreak residents. Heather Jackman is an acclaimed vocalist having sung the national anthem for major Utah sports teams and at the 2023 Stadium of Fire. Thad Weiland is an active LiveDaybreak volunteer who is passionate about performing and entertaining audiences.

DANCE

The first beautiful dance performance was given by Daybreak’s Got Talent’s youngest talent, Sasha Turteltaub. The choreographed grace continued with Katie McEntire’s dynamic piece. They both showed a combination of grace, flexibility, acrobatics and strength. 

GROUP PERFORMANCES

The BeBops kicked off those performing vocally and instrumentally as a group with their history together. The Kensington Klassics showed their well-polished skills labeled as Strings and Singing. A beautiful duet musical number was then performed by Sierra Johnson and Carson Ferris.

SOLO INSTRUMENTAL

The first entry in this category, performing with an energetic combination of guitar, harmonica, self-made ankle tambourine and a bass drum, was Austin Tyler. A beautiful piano piece was then played by Elizabeth Flores. Also on the piano with his expertly crafted melodies was Steve Buhler. Jieun (Cassie) Reed changed instrument choices when she expertly played “You Lift me Up” on her flute.

When asked by a judge if she was a ‘flutist’ or a ‘flautist,’ she said she didn’t know because she is from South Korea and wasn’t sure. However you say it, her playing was wonderful.

 SINGING

Meira Taylor was the first vocalist which was a success with her rich and practiced voice. The next solo artist to sing beautifully was Elijah Bendock. Playing her uniquely beautiful guitar, Sage Mercedes sang along with a well-done, self-written song. Then, Galo Lastra broke the mold when he sang a strong and soaring opera number.

UNIQUE

Sierra Champion did not fit with any of the other categories with her energetic Hula Hoop Juggling and Acrobatics performance. The next unique performance was the event’s encore performance played by the 2024 Daybreak’s Got Talent winner Elliott Mitchell. He enjoyed enthusiastically playing his guitar while the judges carefully decided on this year’s winners. 

EVENT SUMMARY

 Daybreak’s Got Talent is made possible with the generous support of the Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks Grant, which helps bring arts and cultural experiences to the community. The Grand Prize was $500 and the winner could donate the evening’s proceeds to the nonprofit organization of their choice.

Daybreak’s Got Talent winners were Sierra Champion coming in third, Galo Lastra was the second-place winner and Austin Tyler and his one-man band won the competition. Due to the recent suicide of his dear friend, Austin chose the proceeds be given to ‘i love you, bro’ which is a suicide prevention group. λ