TORONTO, May 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Three teenagers from Fort Alexander, MB, danced their way into the hearts of Canadians across the country, as Sagkeeng's Finest was named the first-ever winner of Canada's Got Talent earlier this evening on Citytv. By a clear majority, the traditional dance trio was the country's highest vote-getter and will take home the grand prize of $100,000 (Cdn), a brand new Nissan GT-R, tickets for an all-inclusive trip to the island of Tobago, a spot in Citytv's New Year's Bash, a chance to perform in a Las Vegas show, and the title of Canada's Most Talented Act.
Members of Sagkeeng First Nation, Vincent O'Laney (17), and brothers Brandon (18) and Dallas Courchene (17) formed Sagkeeng's Finest when they heard about Canada's Got Talent. Their journey began in Winnipeg at the casting tour in September 2011, followed by the Live Theatre Audition Tour (December 2011) and live semifinals (April 2012). In last night's Live Finals, Sagkeeng's Finest performed to a mash-up of Raghav's "Fire" and Metro Station's "Shake It", with a fusion of traditional clogging and tap. The performance earned them the title of 'most improved' from judge Stephan Moccio, and 'biggest risk-taker' from judge Measha Brueggergosman, while fellow judge Martin Short said the group represents "pure joy."
"Sagkeeng's Finest is a uniquely-Canadian talent that struck a chord with communities across the country. The First Nation's traditional dance trio are outstanding role models - not only for their community, but for all Canadian youth," said Ed Robinson, Executive Producer, Canada's Got Talent, Rogers Media. "Their spirit captured the hearts of the nation, and their story is a testament to what hard work, dedication and commitment can achieve. We are proud to bring this unique act to a national stage."
Following weeks of intense competition, the Top 12 finalists ranged in age from 11 to 45, spanning the country from New Brunswick to British Columbia, and specializing in everything from beatboxing to circus performing. The Top 12 finalists were (in alphabetical order):
For high-resolution images from tonight's episode, please visit the Citytv media site at www.rogersmediatv.ca.
Video highlight clips from tonight's Live Finals Results will be available tomorrow at noon ET at http://www.rogerstvsales.ca/citytv/canadagottalent/promos/. These clips are also available via an embeddable customized video player. To obtain the embed code, please see the media contacts below.
Canada's Got Talent is the largest national talent search in Canadian television history and features a colourful array of hopeful stars, including comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians, ventriloquists, dancers and singers all vying for a chance to perform on national television and win the coveted title. This original series is a tribute to the rich talents that define and characterize Canada's diversity.
About Citytv
Citytv™ television stations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg offer viewers intensely-local, urban-oriented, culturally-diverse television programming. A distinct alternative to other conventional television stations, Citytv engages its viewers with dynamic on-air personalities and delivers an entertaining mix of news, local-interactive formats such as: Breakfast Television and CityLine; as well as local Canadian and US acquired prime time entertainment programming. Citytv is a part of Rogers Broadcasting Limited, a division of Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI and NYSE: RCI) which is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. For more information on Citytv stations and programming, visit www.Citytv.com.
Image with caption: "Sagkeeng's Finest, the first-ever winner of Canada's Got Talent (CNW Group/Rogers Media Inc.) (CNW Group/Rogers Media Inc., Canada's Got Talent)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120514_C7624_PHOTO_EN_13716.jpg
Media Contacts:
Stephanie Perron, Citytv, [email protected], 647.278.6799
Sónia Brum, Citytv, [email protected], 647.338.7381
Cary Mignault, Insight Productions, [email protected], 416.435.9295
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