Solo Flute and Solo Vocals Steal the Show at the Louisiana Farm Bureau Youth Talent Contest

By Veronica Mosgrove

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser’s Office

NEW ORLEANS--The 104th Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation’s annual talent contest winners are 10-year-old Emerson Duhon from East St. James Farm Bureau and 14-year-old Slade Thibodeaux from Assumption Parish.

“It is unbelievable the talent that hits the stage for the junior and senior contests. From dancers, musicians and singers to acrobatic type performances - I am so proud of our young people who work so hard to excel at their craft and participate in events such as this,” said Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot.

Emerson Duhon of St. James Parish sings “Where is Love” during the Junior Talent Contest.

Emerson Duhon performed a ballad from the musical Oliver called “Where is Love.” Duhon says she started singing when she was seven years old.

“This is my first contest, but I have performed in several musicals,” said Duhon

Duhon will be in the sixth grade at St. Peter Chanel School in Paulina, La. next school year.

Fourteen-year-old Slade Thibodeaux from Assumption Parish won the top prize in the

senior talent division. Thibodeaux played both the flute and piccolo. It was also his first competition.

Slade Thibodeaux of Assumption Parish performs during the Senior Talent Contest.

“I didn’t believe I won at first. There was great talent out there,” said Thibodeaux.

The young musician has family who work on both the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation and Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance. He is also a member of FFA. Thibodeaux said he loves to bond with his dad by playing the saxophone in his dad’s band called Water’s Edge.

A total of eighteen six- to 19-year-old contestants from across the state graced the stage.

In the junior talent contest, Sylvestre “Sy” Danos of Lafourche was first runner-up.

Adrian Hurley of West Carroll Parish and Charley Credeur and Avery Sonnier of Lafayette tied for second runner-up.

In the senior division, Denton and Hudson Jaques of Rapides Parish were first runner-up and Sarah Grace Amos of Franklin Parish was second runner-up.

First place prizes wer $250, first runner-up prizes were $150 and second runner-up prizes were $100.