‘Autism’s Got Talent’ show down to finalists
While it’s been a difficult year of isolation for most people during the pandemic, it’s been especially hard on members of the autism community, whose access to schools, recreation, arts and support programs has been limited.
But this month, a small group of San Diego children and adults on the autism spectrum are participating in a fundraising version of “America’s Got Talent” called “Autism’s Got Talent.” Inspired by the original “Autism’s Got Talent” competition in the United Kingdom, it’s a cash prize contest that raises money for Autism Society San Diego.
Joel and Jorie Ellazar, a married couple who served on the society’s “Autism’s Got Talent” committee, said the idea was developed because the pandemic had prevented the society from hosting some of its annual fundraisers this year. Joel Ellazarcame up with the idea to have the show’s finalists film their performances at the studio for an online competition decided by public vote.
Initially, there were 23 contestants in the San Diego competition, spanning in age from 5 to nearly 30. The talents these contestants performed ranged from singing, dancing, playing instruments and even making a salad. The top seven semifinalists were filmed at Rock and Roll San Diego studio, and the public had the opportunity to vote on their their favorite artists up until Monday evening. Each vote costs $5 to cast, which benefits the Autism Society.
From those votes, the top three as-yet unannounced finalists will be recorded in studio Wednesday for a final round of public voting that begins Thursday. The winner, which will be announced Oct. 21, will receive a $1,000 prize. The second prize is $500, and the third prize is $250.
The seven semifinalists are Devri Laudner, a singer and keyboardist; Jonah “J the King” Parks, a DJ; Carson Wehlage, a comedian and drummer; Jungle Poppins, a pop band made up of Ethan Marr, Brendan Kerr, Reid Moriarty and Steven Crowle; Steven Fletcher, a singer who performs as Kermit the Frog; Michael Dendel, a classical pianist; and Jonah Palmer, who can sing all 50 capital cities in the U.S.
To see and vote on the finalist performances of “Autism’s Got Talent” or make a donation to Autism Society San Diego, visit: autismsgottalent.us.launchpad6.com.