Emporia has talent!
Patterned after the nationwide show, “America’s Got Talent,” Emporia held its own talent show Wednesday afternoon at the Emporia Public Library. The library was filled with a large audience — the only thing missing were the famous buzzers and the celebrity judges. At the Emporia competition, the audience members were the judges and voted on their favorite acts at the end of the performances. Prizes were awarded for first, second and third place.
Wednesday’s talent competition ranged from singers to a hoe-down. Each act was a crowd-pleaser as the crowd cheered and had a good time. The event was sponsored by the Emporia Public Library, Friends of the Library, Emporia Main Street, Emporia Arts Council and the Lyon County Historical Museum.
Cory Anderson, 15, of rural Americus took first place in the competition. Anderson sang and played the guitar. He said he’s been playing for two and a half years.
“My whole family is pretty musical,” he said.
Anderson said he enjoys writing his own material and wants to pursue a professional musical career.
“This early in life, I don’t know where I’m headed,” he said.
For placing first, Anderson received a $50 Emporia Main Street gift certificate and the prestige of being named Emporia’s top talent.
“It’s pretty exciting,” he said. “I just love to play for people.”
Coming in second place was Olin Karr, 16, who played the fiddle. Karr received a $30 gift certificate. Karr said he’s been playing for eight years. He said taking second place surprised him.
“I just love fiddlin’,” he said. “I enjoy it.”
Karr said he doesn’t anticipate pursuing a professional career.
“I just like to get out and play a little bit,” he said.
The third place winner was Chris Klinger. Klinger sang for the crowd and played the maracas.
“I’m very, very happy,” Klinger said. “I didn’t really expect it.”
Klinger, who has competed in Special Olympics, said her other awards for her singing include an award with the Kansas Association of Retarded Citizens for singing “You Light up My Life” and she received another award for singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” She also won a trophy for her singing.
“Last November, I got to sing ‘Amazing Grace’ as a special piece (in church),” Klinger said.
Klinger received a $20 Emporia Main Street gift certificate.