Talent Show Victory Moment
In downtown Manteo’s Pioneer Theater, the final event of the inaugural OBX Got Talent took center stage on Saturday evening, March 30, 2024. Out of fierce competition among three outstanding finalists, 23-year-old Grace Waters of Kill Devil Hills was named the deserving winner of the event.
The exhilarating night started with performances from finalist 18-year-old Manteo high school senior Hope DeHart, brother-sister duo Josh and Molly Simpson from Virginia Beach, and the eventual victor, Grace Waters. The contestants set a high bar with their versatile musical acts and commanding stage presence.
The night was ignited by a vivacious trio of songs from Jonny Waters & Company, giving the audience a taste of their vibrant island-style beats. Hope DeHart took the stage first, stunning the audience with a yodeling act, a skill she had honed in just two and a half weeks. Her impeccable performance, paired with her icicle-fringed blue dress, boots, and hat, made for a unique and unforgettable act.
The night held its momentum as Grace Waters stole the limelight with the soulful classic “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers. Grace amped up the performance a notch higher embracing the keyboard for this performance, setting the rhythm right. After a memorable act by brother-sister duo Josh and Molly Simpson with their rendition of Lady A’s “American Honey,” the contestants teamed up for a group performance on “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” showcasing their camaraderie and shared passion for music.
The second round of performances glistened with further acts by the finalists, this time with each artist collaborating with Jonny Waters & Company. Watching the contestants work in symbiosis with a full-fledged band allowed the judges to assess their adaptive skills and dynamism.
Grace Waters exceeded all expectations with a heartfelt performance of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” where she fully embraced the stage, electrified the song with her powerful voice, and engaged youthfully with Jonny Waters. Praised for her energetic performance and her apparent ease in working with the band, Grace captured the hearts of the audience and swayed the judges’ decision in her favor.
After much deliberation, the much-awaited results were announced. Hope DeHart grasped third place, with Josh and Molly Simpson standing tall as the runners-up. The pinnacle position was graced by Grace Waters, who was warmly presented with the glass etched star, the emblem of victory for the OBX Got Talent 2024.
Thrilled yet humbled with the win, Grace shared her sentiments with us, revealing that her big win was unexpected. “But I wasn’t doing it to win. I did it just to put myself out there and be on stage. I’ve been singing for a long time but I’ve never had the confidence. Doing this has built my confidence. Maybe I’m better at this than I give myself credit for.”
With this newfound confidence and validation, Grace Waters is keen to take her music to adventurous horizons, brewing a blend of jazz songs and her original tracks. But for Grace, music goes beyond the melody, serving as a conduit for her impactful messages. “The music is just a catalyst to get that out.” Her poignant messages of unity, freedom, peace, and love will be carried forth in her music, resonating with her audience.
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