TRAVERSE CITY - Ashlee Hilson was crowned the winner of the “Cherries Got Talent” competition today at the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. The event featured 10 finalists who competed after nearly 30 people auditioned to participate.
The competition showcased talented performers, including singers, dancers and musicians, who entertained the Cherry Festival crowd. A panel of three judges faced the task of evaluating a broad spectrum of performances.
Marissa Hutchinson, a “Cherries Got Talent” contestant and one of the 10 finalists, discovered she made the finals while traveling to Northern Michigan. “We were already on our way up here. I assumed I wasn’t picked at the time, so when we got up, we wanted to stay the whole week. And so, when we found out, driving up here, I thought, what are all the things I have to do? You know, we’ll get an outfit, get a curling iron, all the things,” Hutchinson said.
Craig Jones, a “Cherries Got Talent” judge, highlighted the difficulty of evaluating diverse acts. “It’s very hard because it’s a broad spectrum of performances,” Jones said. He explained that judges use a tally sheet to make notes and score technical skills, accuracy and stage presence, utilizing a scale to judge dance, singing or musical performances accurately.
Judges also sought performers who could command the stage and engage the audience. Hutchinson hoped her song’s range would be noticed and aimed to appear confident. “I think the song has a pretty decent range. I hope that they noticed that I’m really out there to have fun. So, if I can, fool them into thinking I’m not nervous, that would be great,” Hutchinson said.
Win or lose, for all 10 finalists, reaching this stage meant an opportunity to share their talents with the National Cherry Festival crowd.