OC's Got Talent Wows Crowd at Hughes Performing Arts Center

By IAN CROWLEY Ocean City High School students performed their hearts out to the delight of spectators, some with soft, soothing piano pieces, and others with exciting routines, keeping the audience on the edges of their seats, wondering what will happen next. Eric Wagner started off the show with a bang, performing “Feeling Good” by Michael Bublé. Eric demonstrated his phenomenal vocals and piano skills with this classic, leaving the audience in awe of the stellar performance. Later in the show, came a performance by Sophia and Nate Ginet. “Lava,” a song from the perspective of a lonely volcano looking for someone to love, or rather to “lava,” by James Ford Murphy, received a thunderous applause. Sophia played the Ukelele part to this piece of music while Nate sang, creating a powerful sound that the audience could not seem to get enough of. https://youtu.be/w_zAtIkH7gI The Ocean City High School cheerleaders performed a remix that included various numbers, followed by Victoria Robertson who played a famous tune by Adele, that earned her a spot as the second runner-up. And who could forget the band? Members of the band “Adonis” -- EJ McKnight, Lane Michael, Kate Palermo, and Maeve Stanford, performed a hit with “Plug In Baby” by Muse. With bass, guitar, vocals, and a drum set, this was expected to be a great song, and it did not disappoint. Audience members moved in their seats with this rock song. Just like the songs before, the rest of them were hit after hit. Hailee Pietrowitz performed “Drive My Car” by the Beatles, followed by the OCHS Jazz Band with “Come Fly With Me” by Frank Sinatra. Dallys Rhubart had an explosive performance with “Grenade” by Bruno Mars, winning her a spot as the first runner-up. The K-Pop dancing group “Double” made the crowd “Feel Special” with their perfectly choreographed dance to the song by Twice. It ended up winning the award for the audience favorite, as member after member took a solo part backed up by seven other dancers. First Runner Up is Dally Rhubart who performed, "Grenade" by Bruno Mars. Before the stunning original piano piece by Ethan Aristizabal, co-host Marissa Guido got revenge on her psychology teacher with a pie to the face to raise money for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Taylor Pontari finished off the night with her winning performance of “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera. Similar to the act that started the show, she completed it with her fantastic vocals and superb piano skills. The audience and the contestants appeared to have a wonderful time. And most importantly, it helped benefit the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia And no matter what kind of mic you enjoy, there was something for everyone. From Michael Bublé to Beethoven, Adele to Muse, The Beatles to Frank Sinatra, or Bruno Mars to Twice you were sure to have a great time and find something you loved. The program was made possible thanks to the students and staff and local businesses. Second Runner Up: Victoria Robertson won for "To Make You Feel My Love" by Adele. Double performed "Feeling Special" by Twice.  The student group put on a show to the delight of the audience, winning  them the  Audience  Choice Award. Adonis performed "Plug  in Baby" by Muse.  They fired-up the crowd with their  upbeat and hard hitting  sound. Sophia Ginet & Nate Ginet performed "Lava" by James Ford Murphy. The audience  was clearly entertained  and  rewarded  them with enthusiastic applause.