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| Our History In 2008, Talent Quest Florida had its best year ever. Our own Lonza Bartlett, who qualified in Fort Myers in 2008, won Talent Quest Florida and then went on to take the national title in the men's contemporary category. He was just one of more than 130 contestants from across Florida who competed in the 2008 regional. It was our biggest year ever. We can't call 2008 anything but a huge success! But the journey to 2008 was a long, rough one. In 2001, Phil Garris entered the contest, which was held in Port Charlotte, Florida at the time. Upon winning the state title, Garris hopped a plane and headed out to Laughlin, Nevada, where he experienced the national Talent Quest competition for the first time. (Blanchard tagged along for support and a chance to see Vegas, since he has no musical ability whatsoever). While Garris didn't win the national contest, he got hooked on Talent Quest and saw the potential of Talent Quest Florida. He returned to nationals 2002 and again in 2004. 2005 was a trial year for the "New" Talent Quest Florida before the new contest officially appeared in 2006 at bars, restaurants and clubs throughout the State of Florida. Garris, Blanchard and a team of judges traveled the state to witness the local competitions and pick the best men and women in two categories - country and contemporary. The contest led to Grand Central Station, a St. Petersburg Bar that has since been sold. The finals were held in The Platform, a sister bar to GCS, and the bar was set for a weekend of talent the area hadn't seen in years. More than 200 people participated in the 2006 contests spanning from Miami and Fort Lauderdale to the Panhandle of Florida. In 2007, Talent Quest Florida decided to forgo the rigorous task of holding local contests throughout the state. The results were smaller numbers of contestants representing a smaller percentage of the state. However, the events were well attended. Our country competition was held at Wranglers Bar, a club that was once the country nightspot of Ybor City. When that bar closed suddenly, Garris and Blanchard relocated the contest to the Ritz Theater, just a few blocks down from Wranglers in the historic Ybor City district within Tampa. The turnout was amazing and the contest was a complete success. More than 100 people passed through the doors during each of the event's two days, and Talent Quest Florida found its second wind. Our team of volunteers, judges and amazing contestants made 2007 the year to beat! And that's exactly what happened in 2008. We had our most successful year ever when 130-plus contestants performed at The Ritz Ybor in Tampa in three categories--Country, Contemporary and 50-And-Over, a newly added category. We've learned a lot during our first three years of Talent Quest Florida, and 2009 is already shaping up to be another huge year for us. Local bars, restaurants and businesses have already contacted us about holding local competitions, which we will announce as soon as they are on board. Tell your friends, neighbors, favorite bars and fellow karaoke junkies about Talent Quest Florida 2009. |
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| Steve Blanchard Talent Quest Florida owner & Your Emcee |
| Phil Garris Talent Quest Florida owner & Your head judge |
| Click here to see the scores from Talent Quest Florida 2009! |