Oakville singer crowned CNE’S Rising Star grand champion

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Published September 6, 2022 at 11:37 am

Oakville's Ishaan Grotra showed why he's the "best of the best," taking home first place in the junior category at the Canadian National Exhibition's (CNE) 35th annual Rising Star Talent Competition this past weekend. CNE PHOTO

When it comes to talent competitions, Oakville’s Ishaan Grotra is using his “powerful voice” to show why he’s a rising star.

The local singer was recently named the winner in the junior category of the Canadian National Exhibition’s (CNE) 35th annual Rising Star Talent Competition.

Grotra edged out first runner up Kaitlyn Lau, a 11-year-old dancer also from Oakville in taking home the $1000 cash prize for being crowned the Junior Champion.

The 12-year-old Grotra beat out 48 other contestants in the junior category, “stunning the crowd with his powerful voice.”

The final round of the competition took place this past weekend at the CNE’s International Stage inside the Enercare Centre. A full crowd was on hand to witness “the best of the best” among more than 100 contestants who competed throughout the 18 days of the fair.

CNE’s Rising star is one of the longest standing talent competitions in the province, showcasing and promoting undiscovered local talent for more than three decades.

Contestants are judged on their natural ability, audience appeal, stage presence and the quality of their performance.

Past participants include jazz star Matt Dusk and famed choreographer and dancer Blake McGrath.

CNE Rising Star Competition Winners:

Junior (ages 6 to 12)

Grand Champion: Ishaan Grotra, 12-year-old singer (Oakville)

1st Runner Up: Kaitlyn Lau, 11-year-old dancer (Oakville)

2nd Runner Up: Grace Hong, 11-year-old dancer (Whitchurch-Stouffville)

3rd Runner Up: Lauren Lee, 11-year-old singer (North York)

4th Runner Up: Nina Goad, 10-year-old dancer (Stratford)

5th Runner Up: SDA Tykes, 10 and 11-year-old dance group (Aurora)

Youth (ages 13 to 21)

Grand Champion: Leon Shvaitser, 20-year-old dancer (Bradford)

1st Runner Up: Precious Hernandez, 21-year-old singer (Mississauga)

2nd Runner Up: Gabrielle Hoofatt, 14-year-old dancer (Maple)

3rd Runner Up: SDA Inters, 13, 14, 15, and 16-year-old dance group (Bradford)

4th Runner Up: Nicholas Vilord, 15-year-old dancer (Whitby)

5th Runner Up: Claude Labuschagne, 20-year-old dancer (Thornhill)

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