Bayou Star Search, statewide talent competition in its second year that features a first-place prize of $10,000, will hold its main event in Howard Auditorium on Louisiana Tech University’s campus on August 22. Singers, dancers, musicians, and other performers from across Louisiana will compete live on stage starting at 7 p.m.
Sponsors, including Louisiana Tech, have partnered with nonprofit event producers Louisiana Delta Ballet to put a spotlight on the competition and its competitors. Aspiring acts were part of a thorough application process, and the wide range of talent was narrowed down to 20 finalists.
Among those 20 finalists are multiple acts with ties to Louisiana Tech:
Jackson Culp (Class of 2022) and Rex Bolls (Class of 2026), Tech graduates and members of the band Jackson Culp and the Company.
Preston Parker, part of a dueling pianos act, is a Ruston High senior and Louisiana Tech student.
Mason Moody’s (vocals/guitar) father and sisters are Tech graduates, and Robby Compton (drums) attended Tech and has two daughters who are both alumni; Moody and Compton are part of the band Spare Parts.
Country music star Lainey Wilson has been a part of the promotional efforts for the event, taking to social media to encourage Louisianans to apply to showcase their talents and attend the grand finale.
Over 700 people attended last year’s inaugural edition of Bayou Star Search. Ruston resident Malcolm Thomas won with a vocal performance of “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman. Singers Dani LaCour and Clara Rae placed second and third, respectively.
More information about the competition is available at bayoustarsearch.com, and contestant photos and bios are available on the Bayou Star Search Facebook page. General admission tickets for the event are still available.