The stage is set and the students are ready! After receiving hundreds of submissions, 32 talented singers, dancers and musical groups from high schools across the tri-state area will get their chance to impress the viewing audience — and secure their votes — when “MSG Varsity’s Talent Show” premieres Sunday, April 17 at 6 p.m. ET on MSG Varsity, Cablevision’s iO TV (Channel 14).
Each week, the series, hosted by former “American Idol” semifinalist Jared Cotter, will feature two performances per category — male vocalists, female vocalists, vocal ensemble and dance ensemble. In what will be an MSG Varsity original programming first, the audience will have the opportunity to cast their votes for their favorite talent in each category with the top performers advancing to the next round. Viewers vote online at msgvarsitytalentshow.com, and the “Talent Show Champion” in each category will be announced on MSG Varsity on Sunday, June 12.
“We wanted to provide high school entertainers with a new and creative way to share their exceptional talents with their family, friends, schools and communities,” said Theresa Chillianis, General Manager, MSG Varsity. “By providing our audience with the opportunity to vote for their favorite performer, we hope to build excitement among the communities for these students. We encourage everyone to tune in and vote for their favorite performances, and look forward to seeing who will be chosen as “MSG Varsity Talent Show Champions.”
In addition to being crowned “Talent Show Champion,” each winner will receive a once-in-a-lifetime, two-day professional studio session to work with award-winning producers to record a demo CD or video and create custom-designed cover art. The Champions will also be treated like a star with a professional photo shoot that includes hair and make-up styling.
The 32 “MSG Varsity’s Talent Show” contestants are:
MALE VOCALISTS
1. Dan Berk (Oceanside HS, LI)
2. Ahmad Buie (Piscataway HS, NJ)
3. Al Calderon (Sachem East HS, LI)
4. Christopher Dunlap (St. Dominic HS, LI)
5. Dany Milano (Union City HS, NJ)
6. Peter Richardson (Oceanside HS, LI)
7. Danny Ward (King School HS, CT)
8. Elya Vasilev (Colts Neck HS, NJ)
DANCE ENSEMBLE
1. Academy of Mt. St. Ursula Umoja Dare Step Team (NY)
2. Clarkstown HS North Dance Team (NY)
3. Deer Park HS Falconettes (LI)
4. Elmont HS Dance Team (LI)
5. Neptune HS Scarlet Dancers (NJ)
6. Piscataway HS Dance Ensemble (NJ
7. The Senior Fives, Freehold HS (NJ)
For more information on the contestants, the match-up schedule and to view photos, visit www.msgvarsitytalentshow.com.
About MSG Varsity
MSG Varsity is a multi-platform suite of services comprised of: a 24/7 HD television network, a comprehensive online destination, and a groundbreaking interactive service, all dedicated to high school sports, academics and activities happening throughout the tri-state area. Content for these services includes MSG Varsity’s professionally produced programming as well as content created by the high schools themselves. Working in partnership with MSG Varsity, students and faculty are given extraordinary access to curriculum and training in multimedia creation and distribution, empowering them to become active participants in telling their school’s stories. MSG Varsity is a Cablevision exclusive service not available to satellite or phone company TV subscribers and reaches three million households throughout the New York market. For more information, visit www.msgvarsity.com.
