Pacific Media Group hosts Hawaiʻi’s Finest Talent Contest: A statewide search for the next big act
Pacific Media Group radio stations KQMQ – HI93 Oʻahu, KLHI – HI92 Maui, KSRF – HI95 Kauaʻi and KAPA-FM Hawaiʻi Island announced the return of the Hawaiʻi’s Finest Talent Contest, a statewide competition dedicated to discovering and showcasing Hawaiʻi’s emerging musical talents. Contestants from across the islands have submitted their entries online.
Maui’s Juss Press from Wailuku advances to the semifinals. The group was among six entries submitted from the Valley Isle for consideration in the Hawaiʻi’s Finest Talent Contest. Other Maui artists that submitted entries included: Sketch Brown, Cherry Strawberry, Kuulei Kualaau, Sunny Kalama and Nancy Hoffman with an ʻukulele solo.
Semi-finalists were revealed today and include:
Semi-Finalists:
- Maui:
- Kauaʻi:
- Hawaiʻi Island:
- Oʻahu
- King Kai of Mānoa Valley
- Noah Chee of Honolulu
- MJ Fuata & ʻOhana from Waiʻanae
- Kalei from Waipahu
- Hazel Nahienaena from Waiʻanae
- Candice Kealohi from Papakolea
- Caroline Luga from Waipahu
- Makamae Hao from Makakilo
- Jioji Suguturaga from Kahaluʻu
- Hillside Islanders from Makakilo
- Inaloi from Kaimuki
Semi-finalists will compete in live performances at the HB Social Club on Thursdays from June 20 to Aug. 1 and will open for renowned headliners including Kapena, B.E.T., Malino, Opihi Pickers and more. Neighbor island artists will be flown to Oʻahu, courtesy of Southwest Airlines, and will enjoy accommodations provided by The SurfJack Hotel & Swim Club.
“We’re excited to provide a platform for local artists to shine and gain exposure,” said Chris Riofta, Program Director of HI95 Kauaʻi. Kelsey “K-Smooth” Yogi, Program Director of HI93 Oʻahu said, “Our community has an abundance of talent, and this contest is a fantastic opportunity for these musicians to take the next step in their careers.”
“As the only statewide audio platform in Hawaiʻi, Pacific Media Group is in a unique position to create promotions of this magnitude,” said Joshua Mednick, Regional Vice President for Pacific Media Group. “Our radio stations across the state are dedicated to serving the communities on every island. Working with Hawaiʻi’s Finest to provide a stage to undiscovered talent is just one of the ways we fulfill on that promise. A Big Mahalo to Paulele for his participation and ongoing support of this program.”
“Hawaiʻi’s Finest thrives to represent and support all things Hawaiʻi. Through hard work and the Aloha spirit, we promise to never give up or forget where we come from,” says Paulele Alcon, CEO of Hawaiʻi’s Finest. “Our brand was born on Molokaʻi and opening this contest up to a statewide audience with Pacific Media Group was extremely important to me.”
The overall grand prize winner will receive $1,000, a professional recording session, and a performance slot at a future Hawaiʻi’s Finest concert, setting the stage for them to become the next big act from Hawaiʻi. Reflecting on the success of previous contests, 2022 winners Hui Pu have seen tremendous growth in their career, booking numerous performances and gaining widespread recognition.
The schedule of events includes the following:
June 20:
Contestants: King Kai from Mānoa Valley and Noah from town
Headliners: BET and Kapena
June 27
Contestants: Kalei from Waipahu and MJ Fuata & ʻOhana from Waiʻanae
Headliners: PeniDean and Keala
July 4
Contestants: Hazel from Waiʻanae and Candice from Papakolea
Headliners: Spawnbreezie and Chardonnay
July 11
Contestants: Caroline from Waipahu and Makamae from Makakilo
Headliners: Micah G and Pohaku
July 18
Contestants: Jioji from Kahaluu and Local Boy Hittah from Līhuʻe
Headliners: Malino and Hammah House
July 25
Contestants: Kepa Revelle from Hilo and Hillside Islanders from Makakilo
Headliners: High Watah and Hui Pu
Aug. 1
Contestants: Inaloi from Kaimuki and Juss Press of Wailuku
Headliners: Opihi Pickers and Miah
Editor’s Note: Pacific Media Group is the parent company of Maui Now.
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