Although the Singing for Success auditions did not draw as many singers as organiser Kevin Bean had originally hoped, he is certainly glad for the talented individuals he did encounter.

The competition has now been narrowed down to six finalists and the winner of the final of the series will earn a full scholarship to one of the United States top performance arts universities, Berklee School of Music.

The six finalists will perform next Saturday, April 19, at the Fairmont Southampton and whether they win or not, they will also be included in the Showtime Bermuda Tour and will perform in Las Vegas and at New York's Apollo Theatre.

Founder of Singing for Success, Mr. Bean of KDB Entertainment, said he was very impressed with the 41 singers that came out for the auditions, which were held on March 9.

"I was extremely excited to hear so many quality vocalists," Mr. Bean said. "I had only planned to have five finalists, but having heard the quality of voices, I just had to add one more! They were all ecstatic to have been selected. All the winners have been informed and are currently working very hard learning their music for the show."

With just nine days left till the finals, he hopes contestants are honing their talents but do not lose sight of what they have already accomplished. "They are already winners in that they all have made it on the tour in November," he said. "This will be a big night for them and they should aim to enjoy the night and do their best for the producers and schools listening."

Mr. Bean said he also has a few surprises in store for the finalists — but they will have to wait until the competition to find out more.

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