The fourth Parkes HighSchool’s Starmaker Grand final was an event that displayed a flourish of formal wear, dancing, songs and prizes. 

A spectacular crowd of 150 people turned out in the Starlight Lounge at the Parkes Services and Citizens Club to encourage the young singers in their final quest to be crowned ‘Starmaker 2013’.

The final 11 entries entertained the crowd with a vast array of songs from Lonestar, Adele, Paramore, One Direction, Melissa Etheridge and many more. 

A celebrity appearance of Dolly Parton (aka Terry Hill) and Kenny Rogers (aka Patsy Hill) began the night’s proceedings. 

Penny Sense wowed the audience as the guest artist from FLABBA, with her version of ‘Somebody Bring Me Some Water’. 

The finalists followed and they are a truly diverse group of talented young entertainers comprising Gordon Richter, Joanne Paliipsis, Ria Alcedo, Felicity Clarke, Merlin Casey, Jolie Cox, Bek Tanswell, Mel Barnard, Kaitlin Finn, Brieanna Finn, Julia Keogh, Nikita Horwood and Maddi Blockley Ireland.

The growth in confidence and stage presence of these creative arts students has been amazing throughout the competition. 

They were always sophisticated and mature ambassadors for Parkes High School. 

Throughout the night, the monster raffle prizes were drawn and we thank the generous sponsors of the town for their donations: Parkes Champion Post, TTT Signs, Col Fletcher Ford, Nangar Gems, Reflection Jewellers, Byrnes Menswear, The Coffee Pot, Parkes Optical Services, Absolutely Hair, Soul Mystique, 141 On Main, Charisma Hair Design, Express Body Piercing and Tattoo, La Bella Medispa,  Parkes Hotel, Colouby Creations, Kaz Cox Photography and Livewire Entertainment.

Throughout the competition, the audience was asked to vote for their favourite Starmaker by depositing spare change into buckets for each contestant. Their votes determined the Charity Starmaker 2013. 

The winner was Nikita Horwood whose friends and family donated $431.75 over the six weeks of heats. 

Nikita was over the moon to receive her award.

The judges this year were past contestants of Starmaker - Kadin Hill, Ashlee McGrath and Taleigha Everingham Potts. 

They gave constructive advice each week so the contestants could improve their stage presence, song choice, and movement on stage. 

The Judge’s Choice was exceptionally close for most of the competition. 

Merlin Casey’s version of the Sarah McLachlan song, ‘Angel’ won her this category. 

Merlin was very pleased with her win.

Each of the winners received a recording of one of their songs with Livewire Entertainment, an Ipod dock/CD player, and the coveted microphone trophy. 

Each of the contestants received a finalist’s medallion and certificate as memorabilia of the event.

The talent of this group was so well received by the community that these ‘stars in the making’ will definitely be seen at other events throughout the year. 

This event raised $2300 over six weeks to go towards finishing the curtains in the L P Johnston Hall and purchasing storage facilities for the CAPA faculty. 

Starmaker is a biannual event and some of the students from the competition are sure to be seen on bigger and better stages in the future.