On April 22, FCSN hosted its 9th annual Special Needs Talent Showcase at the Santa Clara Convention Center Theater. The showcase proceeded from the preliminary auditions hosted at the FCSN Fremont Center and consisted of twelve performances that qualified for the final stage of the event.

Introduced back in 2015 by FCSN Co-Founder Anna Wang, the showcase strives to provide performing opportunities and possibly establish stardom for underrepresented special needs individuals. Joined by six judges with extensive fine arts backgrounds and community contributions, the show also included a prize pool of $400 for winning participants. Santa Clara Valley Water District Media and Public Relations Supervisor Matt Keller, who emceed FCSN’s very first talent showcase back in 2015, also moderated this year’s showcase with enthusiastic humor and charisma.

As the event kicked off, the curtains opened up to vocalist Christian Magoon. Magoon began his performance of Bobby Darin’s “Beyond the Sea” in exotic fashion, presenting subtle vibratos and a genuine smile throughout the song. Halfway into the performance, Magoon amazed the audience when he transitioned into a tap dance choreography during the song’s instrumental interlude. Magoon finished off the song with rhythmic snaps and a thunderous applause from the audience. “I love performing, and I’m glad that others enjoy my performance,” Magoon said.

Next up, Duology followed with a heartfelt reenactment of “Phantom of the Opera”, in which both performers incorporated creative costumes to match the romantic setting of the musical. The instrumental’s EDM remix version of the musical’s original audio also pumped up the atmosphere within the audience. Impressively, the duet maintained precise tonation and rhythm while conveying the fascinating romance within the song. “I really enjoyed Duology’s performance, especially the final high note,” FCSN Volunteer Waylon Li said.

Moving onto a unique performance, 2022 Talent Showcase winner Ria Sachdev blessed the audience with a festive Bollywood song and dance. As Ria entered the stage dressed in a light pink dress, the audience burst into applause in anticipation of another charming and energetic performance. Ria delivered spectacularly through free-spirited and proficient choreography and vocals, and even garnered the audience’s voices after exclaiming, “Come on everybody! Let’s sing this together!” 

Next, the Blue Devils Special Needs Guard came onstage with vocals and flag-waving choreography through Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’”. As a four-member group, the guards harmonized in unison while displaying beautifully decorated flags. Each performer bore determined smiles and continued the positive atmosphere of the showcase with talent and passion.

In the final batch of performances, Violinist Ansel Kam presented a fast-paced concerto in e minor. Despite performing the piece without a reference recording, Kam executed brilliantly without breaks and rhythmic errors. Kam’s performance also received significant praise from the judges and the audience. “As an audience member, it is hard not to be blown away by how much talent these young people have,” Barbara Magoon, mother of performer Christian Magoon, said.

Proceeding from a series of compelling performances, the judges presented the People’s Choices Award as well as the Best Showmanship Award. After a suspenseful drum roll initiated by Keller, Duology’s “Phantom of the Opera” took home the People’s Choices Award in romantic fashion, while Christian Magoon’s “Beyond the Sea” guided the Best Showmanship Award to infinity and beyond. 

Next up, the judges presented awards to the final winners that included a trophy and a $400 prize. The winning performances (not ranked in particular order) consisted of violinist Ansel Kam, the Blue Devils Special Needs Guard, and Ria Sachdev, all of whom performed exceptionally and garnered immense audience engagement.

Finally, the showcase came to a close with a few honorable mention performances that included a cute “Baby Shark” dance cover and a humorous stand up comedy. Afterwards, the participants, hosts, and judges posed for a group picture, ending off the event by reminding the audience that special needs will not restrict phenomenal talents from flourishing. 

Following another successful showcase, Anna looks forward to continuing the annual talent show and gaining more publicity for the event. “More and more special needs individuals deserve to have a chance to have a shot at stardom,” Anna said.