Bridge Capital’s CNMI Got Talent set for tomorrow

Tomorrow night marks the return of the one of the community’s favorite holiday events, Bridge Capital’s Annual CNMI’s Got Talent show, which is set to take place this year at the Kensington Hotel Saipan in San Roque.

The invitation-only event will feature a range of performances from special guests to the chosen contestants, culminating in the announcement of the winners. Contestants will check into the event between 4:30pm and 5:45pm for the show, which begins at 6pm.

In the kids and adult categories, the grand prize winners will receive $2,000; first runners up winners will get $1,500; and second runners up will get $1,000 each. The “Most Christmas” award and the “Governor’s Choice” award will also be given; that comes with a $1,500 cash award each. Awards will also be presented for the “Best in Tinian” and the “Best in Rota” performances.

Bridge Capital vice president Bart Jackson said they are quite excited for the event. He said they initially had over 20 audition tapes that were submitted by the original deadline, but due to more individuals calling in and saying that they were nearly done with their auditions, Bridge Capital decided to extend the deadline to Nov. 22.

Jackson looks forward to a great show, adding that, with the bigger venue at Kensington, the stage space will really give performers the opportunity to showcase their talents.

He acknowledged that they had done the CNMI’s Got Talent show at Pacific Islands Club Saipan for many years and that they have a very good relationship with the resort as well as many other hotels, but the primary consideration was a big performing stage.

With the new venue at Kensington, he said, the stage area gives more space for performers to show off their talent.

“It’s something we’re really looking forward to,” he said.

He noted the variety of performances he’s watched throughout the years and when he sees performers and contestants continue to develop and perform inside and outside the show, it brings him fulfilment. “It’s really fulfilling. You get a really warm feeling, knowing you played a part in that,” he added.

He said this is what Bridge Capital wants to do—being involved in the creative arts here in the Marianas to provide opportunities for all types of performers to showcase their talent.

“We believe in supporting the arts and in a small place that’s always looking for funding, artists are not always at the top of the list, and so we think it’s important to try and do our part to monetarily support and give people an opportunity and spaces to show their art, whatever it may be. That’s one of the things that Bridge Capital really likes to do,” Jackson said.

They also wanted to extend that opportunity to Tinian and Rota this year. “We like be supportive and we love to do whatever we can to help those folks [on] Tinian and Rota who don’t have the same opportunities as the folks here [on] Saipan,” he said, adding that there is so much talent in the CNMI and Bridge Capital wants to showcase that.

His favorite part of the show is seeing new performers. “I love it when I see someone who hasn’t come in before come in and do well.” Also, “I really enjoy seeing a performer who competed before and didn’t win but now they’ve been practicing and honing their craft on their instrument or their voice and getting more skilled at their craft. I really enjoy seeing that.”