In Calera High School’s annual talent show May 6, 21 contestants proved Britain has nothing on our city.

The show offered CHS students an outlet to display their talents, while giving the choir program an avenue for fundraising.

“All contestants were screened ahead of time and coached by me if I saw a need,” Alice LaGrone, CHS choir director, said. “I wanted them to really make it hard for the judges to score.”

Talent included solo and duet singers, instrumentalists and baton.

Fifteen-year-old Hollie Brown took first place performing “All the Time,” a song she wrote and sang accompanied with her acoustic guitar.

“I started singing in church when I was younger,” Brown said. “My dad plays electric guitar and started teaching me about a year ago. He surprised me a few months ago with an Ibanez guitar.”

Brown hopes her music makes it to Nashville someday and, ultimately, reaches millions of people.

In second place was the band Minersa, rocking the house with “Truth.” Lead singer and guitarist Chase Carter said, “We love to play and take whatever opportunity we can get.”

Coy Vining is drummer and back-up singer Mason Ward plays bass for the group.

Cole Peavey, a percussionist in the school band, was a common cord throughout the show. He accompanied three performances on piano, cajon and guitar.

“I enjoy playing several instruments and glad I could help out.”

Cole and his sister, Mabrey Layne, placed third in the contest. Cole accompanied her on piano as she sang “Gravity.”

The People’s Choice Award went to T. J. Killingsworth with “Pachabell’s Cannon.” Killingsworth competed to prove a point. “None of my friends believed I could play the piano.” He took lessons for less than a year and now gets only a little help from his sister.

Other contestants were Chelsea Wagner, Kaity Britt, Carrie Leigh Lewis, Emily Sanders, Stephen Wolfe, Jay Harris, Edreka Keith, Megan Beaty, Jacob Ellison, Madi Haynes, Raven Bice, Isabella Powell, Kirsten Hamilton and Brandi Isbell.

LaGrone reported scores were very close. “I love putting on talent shows because I get to meet students I normally wouldn’t interact with.

I am always pleasantly surprised and impressed by our talented students and what they offer the audience. Every year I walk away thinking “this one was better than the last.’”

Performances can be viewed on You Tube-search Calera Talent Show.