Long before the X Factor, Australian Idol and the Voice were a thing, the Rotary Club of Highton were helping to uncover talented individuals in the Geelong region.
Now in its 40th year, the competition is in the final stages of the competition with the finals held on June 3. Past years have seen the likes of Tim McCallum in 1988, Missy Higgins in 2000, Jackson Thomas in 2007 (who later entered The Voice) and
“Star Search was one of the first things that made me feel like, perhaps I had the potential to make a successful career out of music. It was a small but significant part of the musical and personal journey for me,” says Missy Higgins.
The finalists will take to the stage for the last time (at least for the competition) on June 3 at the McAuley Hall in Newtown. This year’s finalists are as follows: in the vocal section; Josh Skuza, Megan Simpson, Tori Lea Stones, Lewis Nicholson, Zoe Marshall, India Ney, Since Tuesday Vontunk (Group) and in the instrumental section; Neel Malhotra (violin), Lisbeth Radtke (clarinet), Harrison Steele (trombone), Ben Farrell (alto sax), Callum Edwards (trombone), Eric Dickson (tenor sax), Natalie Lam (piano) and Josh Farrell (tuba).
Given the talent that has come through over the 40-year history of the event, with each new finalist comes the chance of another national star to meet the likes of Missy Higgins. Though, there is so much talent in the entrants alone that locals should be proud of giving their support on June 3.
When & Where: 7.30pm @ McAuley Hall (Sacred Heart College), Newtown – June 3
