Sweet songs, strumming ukelele strings, lip-syncing and guitar playing were showcased on stage during the first round of the Cook Islands’ Has Talent competition, celebrating local talent.

Six contestants hit the stage on Saturday night at the Staircase in Avarua showcasing their skills and talents.

Sisi Short, organiser of the event, said the talent on stage was excellent and there was a good variety of skills including ukelele and guitar playing and singing.

The six contestants, Ake Frederick, Up & Down Kutia’s Ukarere team, Lurlin Tekoronga, Hewett Napa, Tanga Morris and Solomone Taukei have all progressed to the semi-finals.

Hewett Napa was last on stage in 2008 at the sweet age of 14.

“Singing is a part of our everyday life,” Napa said.

Now 30, married and a father, he felt motivated to take up the talent competition challenge simply to show his children that there was nothing to fear about performing on stage.

“I want to encourage my kids to get on stage and perform – if they want to,” he said.

Napa sang the reggae cover version of “What’s Up” by Kuki with Canaan Ene. The song was originally sung by the 4 Non Blondes.

Working in the construction business, Napa says they are always surrounded by music.

“You know we always have music playing,” he said.

Thirteen-year-old Lurlin Tekoronga lip synched to the song “Hot N Cold” by Katy Perry, Ake Frederick sang while playing her guitar and Solomone Taukei sang a gospel song “Lord I need a Miracle” by the Heritage Singers. The Up & Down Ukarere band performed brilliantly playing “Hotel California” by the Eagles and “Pahoho” by Teava Piti. Tanga Morris launched the audience into Disney world with her song from “Ariel the Mermaid”.

Emcee on the night was Tony Fe’ao and the judges for the event are Sisi Short, Paul Napa (Lynch), Mona Taio and Tupa Tupa.

Napa said he was honoured to be asked to judge.

“I was very impressed with the quality and range of performances on the First Heat and I’m looking forward to the Second Heat – and it’s all for a good community cause,” he said.

The Cook Islands Has Talent is a fundraising event for the construction of the Niue Fale (hostel) in Tupapa. It has a total prize pool of $10,000 with the winner receiving $3000, the runner up $2000 and third placed gets $1500.

The second and final heat will be held this Saturday night at Staircase.

Spots are still available. Contact Sisi Short at 52881 to register for your chance to shine in the spotlight and potentially win fantastic cash prizes.