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Thomas Hazlett wows judges, sweeping GX94 Star Search

Thomas Edward Hazlett’s electrifying, spectacular stage performance held the packed Farrell Agencies auditorium spellbound with astounding vocal skill and presence at GX94’s Star Search, closing out the Yorkton Exhibition Saturday.

Thomas Edward Hazlett’s electrifying, spectacular stage performance held the packed Farrell Agencies auditorium spellbound with astounding vocal skill and presence at GX94’s Star Search, closing out the Yorkton Exhibition Saturday.

Within a few bars of his first song, the entire energy in the auditorium shifted as the charming, unassuming Hazlett strode onto the stage, proceeding to blow away the entire GX94 judging panel with a commanding performance and presence that held the stunned audience in a gripping trance.

The British-born cowboy, despite his dazzling performance, was charmingly humble. Clearly in disbelief at his well earned win, if anyone were entitled to a little bit of immodesty after such a sage sweep, it was Thomas. Any ego that could have been an expected presence in another performer clearly wasn’t in his nature. Thomas, visibly starry eyed and overwhelmed, was taking it all in as a man who just loves to perform. That infectious energy, however, was not lost on the audience...or the judges.

Hailing from the large English industrial town of Stockton-on-Tees in the Northeast of Britain, on the north bank of the River Tees roughly 25 minutes from Newcastle, the call and romance of the West was too strong to stay away. Hazlett followed his calling, moving to Canada in 2014 to settle down with his wife in Pelly.

“I didn’t start actually singing until I was seventeen because I was too scared to,” Thomas admitted.

“That was my mam who kicked me into doing that as well. She sings, and she sings fantastically; and that’s where I picked up my singing gift as well.”

The win, as might be expected, will take some time to process.

“I don’t think it’s really hit me yet. Don’t get me wrong, I’m absolutely amazed and actually, I still don’t really believe it. I think by the time I’m driving home I’ll finally go, ‘Woooooo!’ But right now, it’s just...it’s a mix of emotions. I don’t know; I feel sorry for the people who didn’t win, but at the same time I think they were just amazing as well.”

As modest as Hazlett was, he was correct in his assessment of the skill of the competitors on stage. The competition was stiff indeed, with strong performances across the board with strong vocals and presence.

Rebecca Brooks of Hamiota set the bar at the beginning of the competition, belting a powerful, commanding performance. Mandy Noelle’s stirring performance held the audience with a grip and presence similar to Hazlett’s. Several concert goers couldn’t stay in their seat, having to get up into the aisles to dance. This particular reporter, admittedly, also had difficulty keeping his feet still.

Jesse Genaille of Swan River delivered a soulful, emotional performance, well felt by the audience with warm, smooth vocals. Containing a raw power that did justice to the difficult but powerful classics he sang, he recalled the struggle with getting his performance to the point he felt did justice.

“I just couldn’t get it,” said Genaille to the audience in introducing his second song, but after a sad incident, he was able to do it. Not surprisingly, he was able to summon that strength to deliver a pitch-perfect performance. Strong performances abounded from the 16 year old Haley Chuchmuch, who delivered an emotional set, along with a raucous, spirited performance by Kris Paul of Roblin, Manitoba. The roster was kicked into second gear with a powerful performance by Saltcoats’ own Erick Van Caeseele rounding out the evening, made picking the winner a difficult task indeed.

Still, even with all that competition, if his award-winning performance at GX94’s 2019 Star Search is any indication, this won’t be the last we hear of Hazlett. And for music’s sake, his future looks very bright indeed.