McCann, Mikulas and Cheek Claim the Farm Bureau Talent Titles
By Frankie Gould
Jr. Talent Contest Winner Frances McCann of Avoyelles Parish
NEW ORLEANS–An Avoyelles pianist and Rapides vocal duo won their respective talent divisions at the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation’s 101st Annual Convention, June 23 at the New Orleans Marriott Hotel.
Frances McCann of Avoyelles Parish claimed the Junior Talent crown. Dancer Cooper Becnel, representing Calcasieu Parish, was first runner-up. Jazz dancer, Tenley Pilgram of East-St. James Parish was second runner-up.
McCann is 10 years old and has been playing piano for five years. This is her first talent competition and would like to compete again.
The Senior Talent winners were a vocal duo from Rapides Parish, 18-year-old cousins Lily Mikulas and Walker Cheek. Dancer Danner Fosson of Beauregard Parish finished as first runner-up and singer Audrey Soulier of St. Charles Parish as second runner-up.
Sr. Talent Contest Winners Lily Mikulas and Walker Cheek
The pair have been singing and acting in theater together for five years. When asked, “why did they want to compete in this contest,” their response was, “to make our Paw-Paw Cheek proud.”
Judge Don Molino, Senior Farm Broadcaster for the Louisiana Radio Network, stated that, “both winning acts were phenomenal.”
“Pianist Frances McCann blew me away from the first note of her piano medley of Arabesque and the Challenge,” he said. “The moment the two voices of the Rapides cousins met in the Phantom of the Opera classic,” he said, “here are our winners,”
Judge Dr. Katara Williams, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations at the Southern University Ag Center, commented on the winners and the contest: “All of the contestants were a phenomenal representation of the talent that we have in our agricultural community. Specifically, the junior winner highlighted her impressive skills as a pianist and the senior winners’ vocal abilities were flawless. This showcase is indicative of the positive impact that Farm Bureau continues to make on the lives of youth from across the state.”
She continued to state, “congratulations to all participants, and congratulation to Farm Bureau for another successful conference.”
The third judge was Eric DiSanto, an entertainer and singer who is half of the duo Cumberland County and has been recording and performing since 2017.
The winners of the junior and senior talent contests each received a $250 cash prize. First runners-up received a $150 cash prize and second runners-up each received a $100 cash prize.