SECOND LIFE’s GOT TALENT: WINNERS IN BOTH WORLDS – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the world’s most successful reality TV format EVER is the “Got Talent” series.  Originally a British Talent Show, it has spawned spin offs in over 69 Countries. And for several years, this modern-day classic has been making a splash in Second Life as well.  

SL’s Got Talent (SLGT) contest was created and first produced in 2013 by Jackie Lefko. She is the CEO of the Speakeasy Entertainment Group. The idea of SLGT came to Jackie after debuting several new SL performers at her venue, The Speakeasy.  She felt a contest would be a great opportunity for those looking for a unique opportunity to not only showcase their talent but to also engage in a personal challenge.

The Contest starts with open mic auditions that are open to the public.  A panel of seven judges tell those auditioning if they are in or out of the contest.  From those auditioning, the judges select ten contestants to proceed to Round One

All contestants perform in Round One.  Eliminations occur after Round 1 and 2, typically leaving 4 contestants left to receive sizable prizes of 35K for 1st Place, 25K for 2nd Place, 17K for 3rd Place, and 5K for 4th Place.

This year’s SLGT Winners were 

1ST PLACE - MAC317 PFEFFER
2ND PLACE - JUSTINELIAS ANATRA
3RD PLACE - AMBROSIA KAMALA
STONE VAYANDAR AWARD WINNER - MAHOGANY SOULSTAR

Recently, SL Enquirer caught up with this year’s First Place winner, Mac Pfeffer, and asked him about the SLGT Experience.

 Josh Bellic:  How long have you been playing piano in SL? 

Mac Pfeffer:  About 6 to 7 years here in SL and more then 30 years in RL. Originally I didn’t want to play in SL because of Conflicts with my RL profession.  Later, though, I found it to be a great way to communicate with people here in SL 

    

JB:  How did you first get interested in The Piano?

MP:  I started to play the piano when I was 10.  I went to music school when I was 19 and I studied music 9 years until I graduated from the Conservatory. Piano was an important factor in studying music and music theory.  I found that with the piano I was able to compose pieces that were more complicated harmonically.  

  

JB:  What did you think about the SecondLife’s Got Talent process?  

MP:  About the actual competition itself, I had very little time to think.  All I know is I went fast and before I knew it, it was over. Since I’m relatively new to the SGLT concept, it’s hard for me to have any thoughts about it at this point. 

JB:  Describe your practice schedule on the Piano.

MP:  I play professionally in RL and I practice a minimum of 10 hours a week on guitar.  I also practice solfege to keep up my hearing abilities. I listen to a song I like, then I play along with the instrument I play at that time. Other times I just play and practice scales or chord progressions. The same goes for all the instruments I play. There is a lot of time involved within the process. 

JB:  What is your preferred style of music? 

MP:  I would have to say Fusion / Jazz because of my background. However, in RL I play many other styles that I don’t play in SL. 

  

JB:  Who inspires you in your playing?

MP:  I had a very complicated childhood and by playing music it was a very natural way to express my self in life.  Even today I still use music as a tool to express myself. My love for people can be heard in my music. Music gave me Grace in every way you can imagine.  

JB:  What advice would you give to aspiring Virtual World pianists? 

MP:  Practice!  Practice! Practice!   That, and always LOVE what you do.  You need to be disciplined and never give up. Make a goal for yourself and commit to the promise that you make to yourself. Another important factor is communication. Always try to communicate with other musicians SL and RL.  It is VERY important to do this. Without this there is no synergy when you play in a band or combo setting.  

JB:  How did you first learn about SL’s Got Talent?

MP:  It was never my intention to participate in SLGT.  A friend of mine told me about it and asked me if I wanted to audition.  I went ahead and auditioned and was told I had made it through the first round and I thought “What did I get myself into?” From there I continued to appear and progressed swiftly over the next couple of days.   

JB:  Describe the judges. Was there a “Simon Cowell” character?  

MP:  I don’t know anything about the Judges all I know is that that nothing was given away. I had the feeling that the Jury was very tight and strict and I found it rather hard to participate from round to round.

JB:  Do you know how many competitors you had to face?  

MP:  I’m not really sure.  I think it was a minimum of 12 of us.

JB:  What is the best thing about participating in SLGT?

MP:  That was an easy question.  The best part about SLGT is WINNING! (just kidding).  The best part is that the way I personally express myself through my music has finally come to light through the competition.  Additionally, we all developed a real camaraderie between and among the competitors. We were all very concerned for one another and interested in each others circumstances and performance. 

JB:  Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

MP:  Other than that I am honored to have participated.  It was a great journey to experience. The SLGT concept is inspiring, especially for the newer generation of performers. Hopefully they will even get more inspired as SL continues to evolve in the years ahead. 

Soooooo..There you have it, Folks.  The Best in Televised Entertainment. Brought to the Residents of SecondLife.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Windy%20Enclave/116/178/22

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SPOTLIGHT ON SL’S GOT TALENT 2016 WINNER Scarlett LaRoux

SL’s GOT TALENT (SLGT) Contest was created and first produced in 2013 by Jackie Lefko. She is the CEO of BlueByrd Entertainment (formerly Lefko Entertainment). The idea of SLGT came to Jackie after debuting several new SL performers at her venue, The Speakeasy.  She felt a contest would be a great opportunity for those looking to showcase their talent but to also engage in a personal challenge.

Jakie Lefko

Each round features a variety of genres and the judges have the difficult task of deciding who moves on to the next round.  Artists who make it to through have a significant chance to be the last competitor standing to receive this prestigious award. 

Scarlett LaRoux

Sound the trumpet… This year’s SL’s Got Talent Winner is Scarlett LaRoux  (scarlettla.roux), a musical gem in Second Life as well as the owner of Scarlett’s Place; a venue built on love and mutual admiration for soul, good music and good company. Scarlett’s sound is smooth and soulful. She truly has a fabulous gift that she readily shares with others. If you were to close your eyes and listen closely, you would almost feel as if you have been transported back in time to a smoky Jazz club.

In RL she sings Jazz, R&B, and Soft Rock. She has sung in a cappella groups that covered genres from gospel to rock, and has done solo performances that cover many genres. Her voice is her instrument and she loves use it to speak to and influence audiences.

The SL Enquirer caught up with Scarlett to give you a behind the scenes look at the woman behind the voice.

Meet Scarlett LaRoux

Hi Scarlett first and foremost, congratulations on winning SL’s Got Talent 2016. Can you tell your fans what it felt like to hear the announcement?

Scarlett:  I was hoping for that outcome, but mostly I was surprised.  It was amazing to know that the judges felt that I deserved to win the contest.  It was a privilege to be considered the top performer from this great group of performers in the contest.  I heard that the scores in the final round were really close.  That fact makes me more grateful for the opportunity to sing for this group.  I met some really dynamic performers during the contest, and hope to remain friends with them for a long time.  The first couple of days after the event were a bit overwhelming with lots of places to be and a lot of people to talk to.

Where are you from and when did you begin singing?

Scarlett:  I’m from North Carolina, near the Southern Part of Heaven.  J  I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember.  My first performances were in church.  I remember the first time I realized that people applauded a performance of mine.  It was when I was about four years old, and my dad was singing in church.  Somehow I made my way from the pews to where he was singing, and I started singing with him.  I also did a little dance.  Evidently the singing was okay, but the dancing put my mother over the edge.  After that I sang with the youth choir and in school. 

My first solo performance was for a celebration for the small town I lived in.  I was about eleven years old at the time.  The ceremony was held in the town square, and I sang “The Wings of a Dove.”  I remember everyone had gone quiet.  I thought they’d hated it.   But people were crying, and afterwards I was overwhelmed by hugs.  That’s when I realized music had an emotional impact and I decided I’d sing “to” people not “at” them or “for” them.

Who inspired you the most throughout your singing career? (both in SL and RL)

Scarlett:  Hmmm.  Inspiration comes in many forms.  So I’d say in RL one of my biggest inspirations was my 8^th grade choral instructor, who at the time told me that my vocal range was “impractical.”  Even with that assessment, he worked with me to increase my range and develop vocal control.

Professionally, I’m in love with Ella Fitzgerald and her vocal acrobatics, and ease of improvisation.  I also derive some of my vocal stylings from artists like Luther Vandross and Natalie Cole.  

In SL, I think my inspiration comes from my closest SL friends.  They have believed in me since day one.  I still have friends in SL that I met when I logged in about nine years ago.  Some I have met in person, and we’ve become great friends in RL and in SL. There are some special people that I have connected with deeply and their opinion and suggestions matter a lot to me.  I use their input to continue to develop my craft.  I rely on their ears to tell me whether or not a song is suited to me. 

Believe me, there are times I want to sing certain songs, but I cannot connect to them emotionally. When I practice, or try out new music, these friends can tell immediately whether I am connecting, just by the tone of my voice when I sing.

When did you discover you could perform in Second Life? What were your thoughts?

Scarlett:  I’d gone around listening to various performers with a friend of mine, and heard MidKnight Auer. He’s a great jazz performer.  For some time after hearing that performance I thought how cool was that? I too could actually sing music that I liked in a place like this, and to people who liked the same kind of music I do.

A few weeks later, I scheduled my first performance at a venue called Catch a Falling Star.  Silverwind Tzedek was the owner. That first performance was rough.  I nearly hyperventilated, and the stream was too slow, so it was a little choppy.  I still can’t believe the people who were there sat through it.

As a singer, what do you find the most challenging and rewarding?

Scarlett:  The most challenging thing for me is to keep my fingers on the audience’s pulse, and to find music that I can share with them that they’ll like.

Describe what it feels like to perform. Is it something that comes naturally or do you feel nervous before a performance? 

Scarlett: Before most performances I am a little nervous. I talk through an intro to make a connection with the audience, and sing the first few notes of a song, after which things start to come more easily.  As long as I feel like I have two-way communication with the audience I’m fine.  My dad has always said that I put the ham in ham, so if I know someone likes what I’m doing that’s like adding wood to the fire, and makes me go a little bigger. 

Can you share one of your most memorable moments in your singing career?

Scarlett:  One of the most memorable moments has been winning the SLGT contest.  It blew my mind right outta my head.  Who knew!  I had taken some time away and was a little bit out of practice. 

Someone hadn’t shown up for a performance at Café Musique, and I asked Laya Sugarplum if I could sing until the next scheduled performer showed up.  She said, “yes,” even though she didn’t know me from Adam.  Shortly after that she told me about the SLGT contest.  She knew I was trying to ease back into performing in SL and thought that it would be good for me. 

Not only do you perform in Second Life but you also manage your own venue; Scarlett’s Place. Can you tell our readers about this venue and people who visit and talent that graces your stage?

Scarlett:  Scarlett’s place came about because I had benefactors in SL for a while, Atticus Falconer and Arwyn Lavendel.  They actually built Scarlett’s place because they wanted me to have somewhere to sing that had my name on it. Sadly, Atticus died RL and we had to move Scarlett’s place, so I moved the physical club to the first plot of land I ever “lived” on in SL. 

As you can probably tell, I’m a little sentimental, holding on to that parcel for so long.  Scarlett’s place is pretty much a hangout for anyone who wants to go there, and for anyone who wants to sing there.  When I run into people who are learning to perform in SL, I bring them to Scarlett’s Place and help them with the technical aspects of it.  If they need or want vocal coaching, I provide that too.  I’m just paying forward the kindnesses that people have shown me through the years. 

Before we wrap up this interview, is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Scarlett:  I love singing as much as some people love chocolate.  RL my coworkers know whether I’m having a good day or a bad day by the songs I sing, or by the phrases I set to music coming out of just general conversation. 

Thank you so much for taking the time for this interview and again congratulations!

Additional Information

Scarlett’s Place SLURL:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Duzzclown/239/80/702

Facebook:  ScarlettLaroux

Twitter: ScarlettLaRoux

Other: 

Manager:  Jerry Stringer

Preferred Contact:  Jerry Stringer

Booking information:  bookscarlett@gmail.com

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CONGRATS! TO SCARLETT LaROUX - WINNER OF 2016 SL's GOT TALENT!

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:  Jackie Lefko (jackielefko@gmail.com)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Scarlett LaRoux claims the 2016 SL's Got Talent Contest crown in front of over 90 SL residents on the Detroit City sim yesterday evening. Her journey to the winner’s spotlight started with open mic auditions held Nov 3 & 5, 2016.  Then, she gathered with 13 other contestants to participate in round one of the contest on Thursday, Nov 10th.  Ten contestants moved on to round two held on Saturday, November 12th and then the six finalists, including Scarlett, gave amazing performances during the final round held on Sunday, November 13th at which time the winner was announced. Second place winner was Reallymad Morpork (Mick); Third place went to Evely Lane and Honorable Mention was JLively.

Contest winners received the following Prizes:

1ST PLACE WINNER:  Scarlett LaRoux

$25,000L + $5,000L = $30,000L CASH

La Radio de Patio sponsors $5,000L extra in cash

Customized SLGT Winner Trophy (picture shown)

Spotlight Feature article in SL ENQUIRER Newspaper ( www.slenquirer.com )

v91.8 Virtual Radio Guest Appearance and Interview

Guest Appearance on Pam Live Talk Show

Showcase performance at Classique Lounge

Virtual Clubbing Life:

1 Month HIGH QUALITY VIDEO Stream

2 Months BOT is your best manager (automatic promotion tool)

3 Months HIGH QUALITY AUDIO Stream

2ND PLACE WINNER:  Reallymad Morpork (Mick)

$15,000L + $5,000L = $20,000L CASH

La Radio de Patio sponsors $5,000L extra in cash

Guest Appearance on Pam Live Talk Show

Showcase performance at Classique Lounge

3RD PLACE WINNER:  Evely Lane

$10,000L + $5,000L = $15,000L CASH

La Radio de Patio sponsors $5,000L extra in cash

Showcase performance at Classique Lounge

HONORABLE MENTION:  JLively

$5,000L CASH

SL’s GOT TALENT (SLGT) Contest was created and organized by Jackie Lefko 4 years ago. After debuting several new SL performers at her venue, the Speakeasy, Jackie’s brain started churning and Voila – the birth of SLGT in 2013.  She felt a contest would be a great opportunity for those looking for a unique opportunity to not only showcase their talent but to also engage in a personal challenge.  Other business owners agreed as they lined up to participate as Sponsors, Judges and Prize Contributors as follows:

SPONSORS:

Classique Lounge

Designer Showcase

D1 Radio

Finale Couture

Greased Ligtning

La Radio de Patio

Live Musician’s and Singer’s Organization

Nat's Jazz Club

~O~ Karaoke Lounge

PAM's Live Talk Show

PYRO AVATARS (Skins & Shapes)

Rare Image

Spit Spoken Word Lounge

Sweet Sins

The SL Enquirer

V91.8 Radio

Virtual Clubbing Life

JUDGES:

BlueAngel Winterwolf-Pyro
Gazpachita (Maritz)

Hbomb Woodford

Linda Sautereau

Scorpio Aeon

Veronica Weksler

SLGT contest has proved over the past four years to be a great platform for seasoned SL performers to expand his or her reach and for a new comer to jump start an SL music career.  And, most importantly, some may need some Lindens to pay your tiers.  

It was another great year! SEE YOU IN 2017!

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PRESS RELEASE
Contact:  Jackie Lefko jackielefko@gmail.com

OPEN MIC AUDITIONS KICK-OFF SL’S GOT TALENT CONTEST 2016 
The SL's GOT Talent Contest grooves into its fourth consecutive year on the Grid. 

On Thursday, November 3, 2016, starting at 5 PM SLT, the SL's GOT TALENT CONTEST officially kicks off with the OPEN MIC Auditions. 

There will be a number of known and unknown Second Life performers gathering to show off their stuff.  You do not want to miss the first opportunity to hear the amazing variety of talent from SL residents.  Additional auditions will be held on Saturday, November 5th, 8-10 AM SLT and 2-4 PM SLT.

SL’s GOT TALENT (SLGT) Contest was created and organized by Jackie Lefko, an SL singer and the owner of the SPEAKEASY. After debuting several new SL performers at her venue, Jackie’s brain started churning and Voila – the birth of SLGT in 2013.  

She felt a contest would be a great opportunity for those looking for a unique opportunity to not only showcase their talent but to also engage in a personal challenge.  

Other business owners agreed as they lined up to participate as Sponsors, Judges and 
Prize Contributors as follows: 

Bluebyrd Entertainment
Classique Lounge
D1 Radio
Finale Couture
Greased Lightning 
La Radio del Patio
Music Soulmates
Nat's Jazz Club
PAM's Talk Show
V 91.8 Radio
SLGT contest is a great platform for seasoned SL performers to expand his or her reach and for a new comer to jump start an SL music career.  And, most importantly, some may need some Lindens to pay your tiers.  Speaking of Lindens, what is the REAL incentive here - PRIZES.  

Contest winners can expect the following Cash prizes:
1ST PLACE WINNER: 
$30,000L CASH
Customized SLGT Winner Trophy (picture shown)

2ND PLACE WINNER: 
$20,000L CASH
3RD PLACE WINNER: 
$15,000L CASH
In addition to the Cash Prizes, all winners will get a showcase at sponsor venue such as the Classique Lounge, Music Soulmates, Greased Lightning, La Radio del Patio and Nat’s Jazz Club.  First prize winner will also be featured in the SL Enquirer and on V 91.8 Radio.

To learn more about how the contest will be judged and to remain current with SLGT happenings, visit the official contest web site: 
http://www.slgottalent.com and/or  https://www.facebook.com/slgottalent

Here is your taxi to attend SL’s GOT TALENT contest auditions: 
  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Detroit%20City/50/162/22

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JEFFAH WINS 2015 SL’S GOT TALENT CONTEST!

Join us in congratulating Jeffah (Jeffah24 Resident) on winning the 2015 SL's GOT Talent Contest. The contest started this year with 17 performers from all over the world embarking on a quest to be recognized as the best.  Each round intensified as contestants pulled out all the stops. The six finalists did not disappoint a full sim of supporters and patrons of live music.  Hedy Patrucci goes home with the 2nd place prize and Ladyrok is the 3rd place winner. And, keeping in tradition of the 3-year old SLGT Contest, honorable mention was awarded to Miss Cast (misscast resident).

Contest winners received following prizes:

1ST PLACE WINNER:  $30,000L CASH

• Customized SLGT Winner Trophy
• Spotlight Feature article in SL ENQUIRER Newspaper (www.SLENQUIRER.com)
• 1-Year Subscription - Personalized stream from XTREAMLYU Stream Rentals.
• Showcase performance at a sponsor venue.

2ND PLACE WINNER: $20,000L CASH

Showcase performance at a sponsor venue.

3RD PLACE WINNER: $15,000L CASH

Showcase performance at a sponsor venue.

HONORABLE MENTION: $5,000L CASH

FINALISTS: $2,000L CASH (2 prizes)

To remain current with SLGT happenings, visit the official contest web site: http://www.slgottalent.com and/or https://www.facebook.com/slgottalent

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6 LIVE PERFORMERS IN SLGT CONTEST FINAL ROUND!

It was an amazing night of live music at Round 2 of 2015 SL’s Got Talent!  The contestants listed below will move to the final round to be held on Friday, 23 October 2015 starting at 5PM SLT at the Bluebyrd Entertainment Resort:

Angela McKeenan

Hedy Patrucci

Jeffah

Khiron Ametza

Ladyrok Resident

Miss Cast

Official Contest Website:  www.slgottalent.com

Official Facebook Page:   https://www.facebook.com/slgottalent

Your Limo to FINAL ROUND: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Agua%20Del%20Alma/200/23/25

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