The top 10 performers are polishing their acts to rock the Cook Islands Has Talent stage in the finale this coming Saturday at the Staircase Bar.

This fundraising event for Fale Niue offers an opportunity for local talent to shine and win cash prizes of $3000 for the winner, $2000 for runner up and $1500 for third place.

Sisi Short, organiser of the event, said: “It’s really great seeing all this local talent on stage, it’s fantastic.”

Short said the top three performers would also receive sponsorship by Heimana Music to record their songs.

The talent will be judged by Sisi Short, Tupa Tupa, Mona Taio and Paul Lynch, joined together with the community’s favourite vote by text. Tim Arnold will be the scrutineer.

Short encourages the community to come along and watch the show as all proceeds will go towards the building of the Niue community hostel.

Popular singer/entertainer Kutia Tutere is humbled and thrilled to see two of the acts he coaches, Up Down Kutia’s Ukarere Team and Tarita Thompson, in the final.

“I’m very proud to see them in the final,” said Tutere.

He individually taught all four ukarere players Derek Doherty, Ariki Enoka, Maria Grace and Kalani Pearman how to play the popular musical instrument.

Tutere said he simply selected the players who were willing to commit to the practice sessions.

“Before the practices they didn’t know each other, so it’s good too that they have made new friends.”

Tutere said the “talented” Thompson was taught how to play the guitar by her uncle.

Tutere noticed her talent when she picked up his guitar one night at the OTB restaurant and began playing.

She is also a Cook Islands cultural dancer and a fire dancer.

“I knew she had talent so I convinced her to join this talent quest,” Tutere added.

Tickets are $20 per person and the show is expected to start at 7.30pm.

The Cook Islands Has Talent grand finalists are: 1 Terā-'itirere-ki-Avaiki “Mama Rā” Rongo, 2 Hewett Napa, 3 Solomone Taukei, 4 Lurlin Tekoronga, 5 Ma Lourdes Bode, 6 Ake Frederick, 7 Up Down Kutia’s Ukarere Team - Derek Doherty, Ariki Enoka, Maria Grace and Kalani Pearman, 8 Reeana Aviu, 9 Zorayoa “Haydee” Dato and 10 Tarita Thompson.

Text your favourite contestant’s number (e.g. 1, 2, 3) to 947. Voting closes tonight, September 26, 2024, at midnight. Multiple votes per number are allowed. Voting is exclusive to Vodafone Cook Island mobile users. Each vote costs $1 (Postpaid charged to account, Prepay deducted from credit).

“Support the Niue community in building their Fale, as well as the amazing local talent on Rarotonga and text. Your vote matters and will be used to help crown the winner.”

Call Sisi Short on phone 52881 to purchase tickets during the week.