APASA's Got Talent 2021 ✨
APASA’s Annual Got Talent, as told from the perspective of Kiki Liu, our Finance Director, Charley Kim, our Web Development Director, and Minah Yang, our External Community Chair.
“I’m not done yet.”
And we’re not done talking about APASA’s Got Talent ;^)
Spirits were high and nerves were abound as APASA E-Boarders and Interns ran around TCC and Tommy’s Place trying to make everything perfect for the event. Everyone was excited to see how Got Talent would play out in-person after a year over Zoom, and equally thrilled to welcome our student performers and meet our judges.
Speaking of our judges, APASA was honored to have the following talented, trail-blazing individuals join us for our event:
Katherine Ho, an amazing singer known for her beautiful Mandarin rendition of Coldplay’s “Yellow: featured in Crazy Rich Asians and her performance on the tenth season of The Voice.
Kevin Li, a talented magician known for his close-up sleight of hand tricks that have even fooled the likes of world-class magicians Penn & Teller.
Sorah Yang, a dancer, choreographer, and teacher who has taught in over 25 countries all over the world.
Before we knew it, it was show-time! Our emcees for the night, APASA Interns Kenneth Ou and So Jung (Soju) An, lovingly known as Ken-Ju, welcomed the audience and introduced our judges and student performers.
Our first performance was Brittney Quach, who sang an ethereal cover of Jhené Aiko’s “Eternal Sunshine”. Her beautiful tone and smooth runs put the crowd in a trance, and served as the perfect opener to our night. Katherine complimented Brittney’s technique and ability to emote through the music.
Next up, Phillip Huynh and Amy Pang delivered a high-energy Wushu and Shaolin Kung Fu routine that wowed the audience and the judges. From performing intricate tricks, hitting the splits on stage, and even bringing out swords, every moment was as gripping as the last. Sorah applauded their athleticism and the discipline required to pull off such feats.
Micah Yoo, our third contestant, made his on-stage debut and performed his original song “Just”. From the professionally-layered sound production to his personal and well-written lyrics, Micah serenaded and mesmerized the audience. His presence and gestures certainly captured some hearts, and even judge Kevin Li was impressed by Micah’s phenomenal style.
Although the night was coming to a close, our fourth contestant John Hemmer still brought excitement and *pizazz*. Although our emcees accidentally cut him off not once, but twice, John transitioned smoothly between each act and showcased his charisma. With his cautionary tales of consent and well-timed jokes, John’s well-rounded charming magic act got us all SHOOK, laughing in our seats, and wanting more.
To close up our night, South Asian fusion a cappella group Asli Baat performed a mash-up of Britney Spears’s “Toxic” and “Yeh Mera Dil”. Their blend of voices so seamlessly wove the two songs together that it was hard to believe they were in different languages. The group’s energy was infectious and moved the audience and judges alike.
After a brief intermission with drinks from our generous sponsors Northern Cafe and Boiling Point, it was time for the judges’ showcase!
Katherine started off the judges’ performance with her mandarin rendition of “Yellow”. Her clear voice and sweet melodies transported us to the cinematic scenes of Crazy Rich Asians. Then, she performed an unreleased original for the first time. The personal lyrics and smooth melodies resonated with the crowd.
Kevin followed up with an eye-catching and multi-faceted showcase. We were in absolute awe at his ability to make cards change before our eyes and memorize the lines to Sherlock Holmes. Kevin’s engagement with the audience kept us mesmerized and truly, and utterly, mind-blown.
Sorah rounded off the judges’ showcase with some amazing choreography to Stwo’s “Lovin U.” Everyone in the audience was captivated by her super clean dance moves and her dynamic performance. Her interpretation of the music was captured by her rhythms and facial expressions, and she certainly inspired many to pursue non-traditional careers post-grad.
After the judges’ showcase, it was time to announce our winners. Drum roll please…
In third place, we had Brittney Quach!
In second place, we had John Hemmer!
And in first place…. Asli Baat!
What a fun and eventful night! To round things off, we chowed down on modern Vietnamese bowls provided by My Lai Kitchen, took pictures with our guest judges, and left the venue with hearts full and stomachs fuller. Big shoutouts to Emma, our Programming Director, the Got Talent Committee, Brian and Kiki for photographing and videographing, our emcees So Jung and Kenneth, and to Tommy’s Place for hosting our event! We can’t wait for next year’s Got Talent :~)