The Singing for Success competition that went off on Sunday night was simply an off the hook professional showcase of young Bermudian talent.

From the moment you entered the Poinciana Ball Room at the Fairmont Southampton, you knew that you had arrived, arrived at a place where the standards had in no way been relaxed.

The glittering starboard was the backdrop to the nine-piece band that chimed out the tunes for each and every contestant.

There were also two back up singers and the host George Huff, an American Idol finalist.

The lighting was brilliant and only added to the ambiance. On each side of the stage, there were two huge screens, which aided the person sitting in the rear.

On these screens Kevin Bean of KDB Entertainment had each contestant introduce themselves in a pre-recorded interview.

And unlike many productions, this one started not on "Bermuda time'', but on time.

After an introduction of the international judges – Dedra N. Tate, of Unlimited Contacts Inc., Jake McKim, who is the senior director of artist development at Music World Entertainment, Deborah McDuffie of Arts4Jax Inc., and Armsted Christian, of Berklee College – by Mr. Huff, the evening was opened by the contestants Canjelae Taylor, Aimee Bento, Ronald Gordon, Twanée Butterfield, Makeila Astwood and Adrian Jones, with 'Ain't No Stoppin' Me Now', an anthem for the night.

The competition had three rounds, which took the contestants and audience alike through three different time zones. They began with hits that would be sung in a smoke filled jazz bar, the next was 70s and 80s hits, while in the third and final round they were able to choose the song of their choice.

The first round saw Mr. Gordon hit the stage with his rendition of 'Summer Time', he crooned out the notes with precision, while donning a little bow tie, which was common attire during that period.

As Miss Bento entered there were squeals from her fans, and then the 16-year-old sang an excellent rendition of 'Chances Are'. She was followed by Miss Butterfield with 'Funny Valentine', Mr. Jones who sang 'At Last', and Miss Astwood rendition of Billie Holiday's 'God Bless the Child'.

The final contestant was Miss Taylor, who gave me goose bumps as she performed 'A Song For You'.

During the break, the back up singers, Tauria Raynor and Shiela Smith performed 'Ain't Nobody', while keyboardist Robert Edwards rocked and rolled like the late, great, Ray Charles.

Round two saw Mr. Gordon come out dressed in a tilted hat and fitted jeans, as he bopped across the floor singing the 80s hit 'Give it to Me'.

He was followed again by Miss Bento, who was sorted out in a pair of straight legged red jeans, fitted top and tie, as she performed Michael Jackson's song 'Beat It', Miss Butterfield sang 'I Get So Emotional Babe', while Mr. Jones performed 'Rock With You'.

Miss Taylor, in a Tina Turnerish outfit, hit the right chords with 'Simply the Best'. Sia Spence and The Success Singers, which were led by Davian Tuzo rang out 'Anytime You Need a Friend'.

Round three began again with Mr. Gordon who performed 'Lost Without You', he danced across the stage reaching out to all the women as he sang. Following him was Miss Taylor, whose awesome rendition of Whitney Houston's popular hit 'I Will Always Love You', brought the entire audience to their feet with her rich intonations. Miss Bento followed with 'Hurt', by Christina Aguilera, while Mr. Jones had his best performance in the show, and Miss Butterfield sang Kelly Clarkson's 'Just Listen'.

Miss Astwood, who had been ill for the majority of the week, gave her all during her performance of 'I Don't Feel No Ways Tired'. After the intermission the winners were announced and Miss Taylor, who already has a full scholarship at Berklee College, won a summer intensive programme worth $5,000. Miss Butterfield was awarded a $10,000 scholarship at the same school and Mr. Gordon won a $10,000 scholarship to attend the LA Music School.

The night was filled with glitz and glamour. The sound, provided by Ambimbola Bademosi was flawless, the band was top notch, and the filmography provided by Tempo, the Caribbean music station was perfect.

All in all, these six are to be watched, and Kevin Bean and his Success Series is to be supported! More in June, with Dancing for Success, September will feature youngsters in Acting for Success, while all the contestants will go on the road to Las Vegas and New York November for the Success Series Road Show.