Does Toledo have Talent? That’s the question at large for several young kids in our area, and it’s also the name of Toledo’s talent show. The show’s organizer, Tracy Haynes, a local singer and organizer of Does Toledo Have Talent, says that when he was growing up, he had to create his own avenues to express himself. Today, he wants a simple and affordable way for kids to have that avenue to help them chase their dreams.
In November, the talent show welcomed 15 kids ages 5-17 who showcased their skills in front of a live audience at the Maumee Indoor Theatre with cash prizes at hand. From singers to dancers, the show had it all. “At one point, it was standing room only in the theatre,” says Haynes.
Four of the contestants were 10-year-old Ry’Lee Davis, 14-year-old Khali Moor, 13-year-old Aaliyah Morrow, and 12-year-old Gregory Buchanan.
Aaliyah Morrow
As Aaliyah’s mother says, “All she does all day long is sing. She sings in the window, in the shower, and of course, in a microphone.” You guessed it. Aaliyah flexed her singing skills for the judges.
She developed her love for singing at just six years old from with roots here in Toledo and influence from her mother and father. Listening to music with her mom and dad introduced Aaliyah to “older music.”
Surprisingly, it wasn’t until the talent show that she performed in front of people, giving the audience and the judges her rendition of “Caught Up in the Rupture” by Anita Baker.
“I feel that the talent show really opened her eyes about her talent and helped her get rid of her stage fright,” says her mom. “That was the day that I was most proud of her because she conquered her fear and gave her all the confidence in the world, confidence she never knew she had.”
Aaliyah did not finish in the top three, but she says it was nice seeing the other kids’ talents.
Gregory Buchanan
Gregory Buchanan is like a musical utility knife – he can do it all. He can play the keyboard and piano, the organ, bass, and drums. Like Aaliyah, his love for music began at a young age as he learned to play the drums at just two years old and the piano at four.
Residing in Toledo with his family, he practices his musical craft at his church where he serves as the minister of music for services.
Gregory’s performance was a tribute to Michael Jackson, and although he did not place in the top three, Gregory’s mother told him that sometimes you have to take a loss to make you stronger as a person.
Gregory continues his love for music and already has an instrumental CD called God’s Child.
Khali Moor
Toledoan Khali Moor was quick to impress the judges by singing, “Total Praise” by Ariana Stanberry. He began singing at four years old and continues to perfect his skill by practicing weekly with his voice coach to learn different techniques and how to keep a strong posture while singing.
“I am extremely proud of Khali and his hard work,” his mother says. This was the first time he performed publicly on stage, and he gave it all he had.” The butterflies in his stomach were nonexistent as Khali finished second in the talent show.
“I would like to thank my family, friends, and church family for coming out and supporting me and seeing me show my talent to Toledo,” says Khali. This event was a huge deal for young kids to show their talent and I will never regret doing this event because my dream is to be a singer, and I look up to many celebrities that went from nothing to something,” he adds.
Ry’Lee Davis
Ry’Lee is not a one-trick pony – she sings, dances, acts, writes, and – most recently – does comedy.
Following in her sister’s footsteps, Ry’Lee is now the head captain of her dance team, Squad Goals United by Dance. Unfortunately, she was not able to officially compete individually in the talent show as she chose to join her dance team in the competition.
In lieu of her individual performance, the judges wanted to at least hear what she had to say and let her perform during the show’s intermission. Ry’Lee gave the judges and audience a great laugh with her comedy routine.
“This is just one example of how she puts others before herself,” says her mother. “My daughter is physically talented and continues to amaze me since the day she was born.”
Ry’Lee says she wishes she could have competed and thinks she would have won, but she does not regret her choice of putting her team first.
Awarding Contestants
The talent show was free to families and participants thanks to five sponsors. “This show couldn’t have happened without them,” says Tracy. The sponsors generated a first-place prize of $1000, a second-place prize of $500, which was awarded to Khali, and a third place of $250.
You can view all the performances on the BCAN Arts YouTube page here.
Tracy is currently working on plans for the next show and he says he hopes to have the next show ready by September.
