Rap, singing, poetry and spoken word, dancing, drumming and beat-making – those are just some of the many talents shared by the more than 50 young people from across the country who competed in the 2023 PbS Kids Got Talent Contest. The performances were amazing, moving and reinforced our need to celebrate their talents more.
- The competition was fierce! The creativity was extensive! Without further ado, this year’s finalists:
• Ezekiel S. from Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center for his drumming solo
• Shanteyja L. from the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex for her spoken word
• Siuqram L. from Lincoln Hills School, WI for his original song “Empty Handed”
• Cody L. from Minnesota Correction Facility Red Wing for singing “Til You Can’t” by Cody Johnson
• Four young people from Maricopa County, AZ, Durango Juvenile Detention Center:
o Colby B. for singing “Welcome Home” by Metallica
o Devon R. for singing “Cry Baby” by Melanie Martinez
o Janorion M. for singing “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur
o Dylan H. for his original poem
• Gary R. and Mee’Cour R. from Ferris School, DE, for their original rap duet
• Allan E and Clifton F. from the Honey Rubenstein Center, WV, for their original song and guitar duet
• Bryonetae W. and Siuqram L. from Lincoln Hills School, WI, for their performance of “Gritter”, the lyrics by Bryonetae and Siuqram and the song by Dravin Schmidt
• Julius S. and Elija K. from Stevenson House Detention, DE, for their original rap duet.
Thank you to the many staff, videographers and producers who supported and shared all the Talent Contest videos.
We await word from the judges, which is expected later this week. The winner(s) will perform live on Aug. 11 in Philadelphia as part of the PbS 2023 Awards Night Gala. We can’t wait.