Founded in 1987, the CNE's Rising Star Talent Competition is an exciting tradition for this end of summer event just east of Mississauga.
Eight talented Mississauga youth ranging from 10 to 19 years old will be preparing for the spotlight in the CNE’s annual Rising Star Talent Competition.

Young vocalists and dancers from Mississauga are set to compete on the stage that has showcased and promoted undiscovered talent for over three decades. As one of the longest standing youth talent competitions, Rising Star receives hundreds of video applications from across Ontario but only the top candidates earn the spot to compete during the CNE.
Contestants aged 6 to 21 are judged on their natural ability, audience appeal, stage presence and the quality of their performance and will compete at the CNE from August 18 to September 3.

https://theex.com/main/entertainment/stage,-talent-and-stunt-shows/rising-star-talent-competition

Let's take a look at a few of our hometown performers and learn a bit about them:

Maame Gyiwuo

1. What sparked your interest in singing?
Singing shows like American Idol, The X Factor, The Voice etc. sparked my interest in singing because I was so inspired by all the vocalists singing on stage inront of everyone doing what they love. I always dreamed of being apart of a singing show like those or at least wish to be able to perform for people because I love singing and I hope to make that my reality someday. Some of my favourite artists are kelly clarkson, demi lovato, adele, rihanna, drake etc. Singing is something that I love to do, I feel like music is apart of my identity and without it i don't know who i'd be. Singing is a way for me to express myself as an artist and is a passion that I love more and more everyday.

2. How long have you been singing for?
I started singing at a very young age, around the ages 3-4 years old. I am 19 years old as of right now, so roughly I have been singing for 16 years. When I was in high school I participated in all my spring/christmas concerts and performed in my school choirs. I won a singing competition in my high school and got the opportunity to record my original song at MetalWorks Studios. I have been performing in Mississauga open mics, and also competed at this years “Teens Got Talent” & won third place in the competition. As well as performed for Singfest at Ribfest held at celebration square and made it to top 5!

3. What's your favourite song to sing?
One of my favourite songs to sing is My Immortal by Evanescence. It is a song that many people can relate to and connect with in a deep spiritual level. it's a song that really showcases my vocal range and allows me to connect with the song because of the words and meaning behind it. I will be singing this song as well in the Rising Star Competition.

Satyam Aand

1. What sparked your interest in singing ?
I am born in New Delhi, India. But , formative years of my life I grew up in Dubai, Muscat and Germany. I did my primary school in St. George's English International School, Cologne, Germany. Hence, I was deeply influenced by European culture. It is while travelling across Germany, Italy , Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium , Austria, Spain and across other countries. I happen to watch a lot music shows and a lot of ameture musicians across the streets of Europe. Then I decided I wanted to sing and play. I went to guitar schools in Germany with mom to get training. I still very clearly remember the instructors telling ....he is too young , his fingers are very fragile, he will not be able to play as yet.

2.How long have you been singing?
As I grew up I started taking private lessons at home in Guitar when I was in Grade 3. Later , we moved to Delhi, India. Where I started my music lessons with Delhi School of Music. I joined G. D Goenka Public School , and soon I was in the rock group as a lead guitarist and a singer.Last year we moved to Mississauga from India , I just finished middle school at Dolphin Sr. Public School where I performed in school rock groups. Last year , I participated in Hidden Talent Canada , music competition And made through prelims and semi finals.well finals remained a dream .Now , I will be joining high school at Applewood Heights Senior School , in the special sports programme. As besides music I love and enjoys all sports, I have been playing soccer for the last 6 years . I played for FCB BArcelona ' and was selected to play for India at Barcelona, Spain.

3. What is your favourite song to sing ?
I love to sing country and pop music. I love to sing songs of Shawn Mendes, Ed Shereen , Justin Beiber and Bruno Mars. My favourite song is Treat you Better by Shawn Mendes.

Elise Mariah

1. What sparked your interest in singing?
Music has always been an integral part of my life in one capacity or another. I don't think a morning went by that we didn't have music playing in the house to start our day. My sister and I used to sing a lot together around the house when we were young with dreams of starting a girl band one day. I've always loved to sing and find it to be a release for me. In many ways it has helped me to grow and mature. It's how I feel comfortable expressing myself.

2. How long have you been singing for?
I have been singing ever since I could talk. In fact I think I sang more than I actually spoke. In pre- school when I was three my teacher pulled my mom aside and asked if I sang a lot around the house with my family. No matter what song we sang in circle time I seemed to pick out the perfect harmonies. She had never heard anything like this before and had asked my mom if it would be okay if she recorded me. At first I only sang harmonies, that's what I seemed to hear. It wasn't until later that I began singing the melody. When I was nine I began taking vocal lessons. I was always super shy growing up, yet singing on a stage I was so comfortable. Watching videos after a performance it was so hard to believe that was me up there on stage. I was so comfortable, had so much confidence, and was a totally different person.

3. What's your favourite song to sing?
My favorite song to sing is "I Who Have Nothing" by Shirley Bassey, but I also love to sing "Lay Me Down" by Sam Smith. Both of these songs are so powerful and I feel that they tell such a beautiful story. I also think it's important to sing songs which highlight your strengths and bring out the uniqueness of your voice.

Precious Hernandez

1. What sparked your interest in singing?
When I was younger I watched alot of Disney movies, and I would always be so attracted to the songs in them so I'd sing them alot. Which is what got me into singing.

2. How long have you been singing for?
I've been singing since I was 3 and I have been taking lessons since I was 7 until now and I am currently 15.

3. What's your favourite song to sing?
My favourite song to sing at the moment is I Believe by Fantasia.

Nathaniel Chua

1. What sparked your interest in dancing?
I loved watching kids dance on TV. My very first recital performance made me realize that I love being on the stage too.

2. How long have you been dancing for?
I have been dancing for six years.

3. What's your favourite song to dance to?
There are a lot of songs I enjoy but to sum it up, I love strong hip hop music where I can perform many power moves and experiment with the musicality of the song.