Talent Quest 2006

In 2006 seven singers represented New Zealand at the US Talent Quest held in Laughlin Las Vegas, Nevada. New Zealand contestants won six semi final places and four Grand Final places.

Out of over 300 contestants the final placings for New Zealand singers were:
  • 2nd female Rock/Pop/Easy Listening/R&B
  • 4th female Country
  • 4th and 5th places for male Rock/Pop/Easy Listening/R&B
  • 6th female Rock/Pop/Easy Listening/R&B
  • 10th male Rock/Pop/Easy Listening/R&B
  • 25th male Country
As a result of New Zealand's great showing, our singers were invited to sing in Times Square on New Year's Eve 2006. Two were able to travel to New York over this period and had a memorable experience.

Here we are again!



2006 Finalists Sarah McBride, (2nd place Female Rock Pop/Easy Listening/R&B) Brian Paladin (5th place Male Rock Pop/Easy Listening/R&B), Natalie Green (4th place Female Country) and Mike Twigden (4th place Male Rock Pop/Easy Listening/R&B)



A last night dinner celebration on The Strip in Las Vegas before returning home to New Zealand


Luke Timu sang at many country & western clubs around NZ. Luke was looking forward to returning to Las Vegas in 2007 but sadly he passed away.

Valdessa Schmidt semi- finalist (sings professionally in Christchurch)

Second year of sponsorship for Haylee Fisher and a semi finalist in 2007. Haylee was awarded a NZ on Air grant to record her own CD in New Zealand.

Haylee and Mike perform a duet