Entertainment
14 August, 2026
Rising stars emerge on stage
CASSOWARY Coast’s rising stars lit up the stage as 23 incredible acts delivered a spectacular grand finale at the Tully State School Multipurpose Centre, showcasing the region’s best in music, dance, comedy and aerial performance.
Around 40 performers auditioned for the event, now in its second year, with judges Lissy Entwistle, Rosie Menzies, Jaymen Drahm and Cindy Cherie selecting the finalists at the auditions on 25 July, before facing the tough task of choosing the overall winners.
Event organiser Yvette Rose said the talent quest on 2 August was created to fill a gap in opportunities for young creatives aged five to eight.
“Grassroots events like this are vital in regional Queensland, where young performers often lack access to funding and pathways to develop their skills,” she said.
The grand final delivered standout performances across all age groups.
Senior winner Isabelle Roelofs wowed judges with a breathtaking Lyra aerial silks routine, earning her top honours.
Ms Rose said the afternoon was “spectacular” and filled with emotional and unforgettable moments.
“All the performers gave it their all, making the judges’ task extremely difficult,” she said. “The highest-scoring acts were original, authentic, unique and engaging.”
Ms Rose said the audience was swept up in the performances.
“Some acts had the entire crowd singing along,” she said.
“There were tears during Ariana’s performance and Oscar’s stunning routine and gasps of amazement as tap dancers Amity, Laityn and Olivia flew across the stage.”
Ms Rose said several performers showed exceptional potential.
“Lochlan, Matilda and Santana sounded like polished artists ready to be recorded and set to reach the charts.”
Results
Junior
Winner: Artemis – ‘(F)arts-a-lot’ (comedy routine)
2nd: Thomas (singing ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’)
Advertisement3rd: Benjamin and Thomas (brothers duet singing ‘Lion’s Roar’)
Tween
Winner: Sophie and Hannah (self-choreographed dance)
2nd: Penny (musical theatre ‘Popular’)
3rd: Benji (‘Lyra aerial’)
Senior
Winner: Isabelle (aerial silks)
2nd: Santana (singing and guitar original song, ‘This Boy’)
3rd: Matilda (singing and guitar ‘Stick Season’)
People’s Choice award:
Mermaid Party jazz dance group
Judges’ favourites
Jaymen Drahm: Karma (singing ‘JPop’)
Cindy Cherie: Santana (singing and guitar original song ‘This Boy’)
Rosie Menzies: Ariana (singing ‘Stand Up’)
Lissy Entwistle: Isabelle and Benji Roelofs (sibling lyra duo ‘The Other Side’) (Surnames withheld)
Read More: Tully