CGT JUNIOR: Anthony claims maximum scores with Houston hit

They say kids grow up so fast and in the case of some of the Junior CGT contestants we are literally watching their transformation in front of our very eyes. As we are already heading in to week four of the six week contest, 10 acts have made it all the way to the quarter-finals and things are heating up as the final is now very much in sight for these youngsters, which will take place on St Patrick's Day. Alanna Donohoe from Lacken opened this show with confidence and style. On just listening to this girl it is sometimes easy to forget she is still just 12 years of age. Singing 'Use Somebody' by the Kings of Leon, Alanna once again stripped the performance right back and produced an excellent start to the show, very much in control of her performance this little lady has set a high standard for herself - without doubt a wonderful performance. However the judges suggested it was somewhat safe and suggested that in the coming weeks Alanna might step out of her comfort zone and show us a little more versatility. (8, 8) Speaking of versatility, Caoimhe Sexton has gone from angelic pirouettes around the stage last week singing Hallelujah to becoming a 10-year-old rock chick singing Jamelia's 'Superstar'. And she received a superstar's reception from her audience! Caoimhe maybe not the strongest female vocalist in the show, but she most certainly puts in a performance and gives the audience entertainment in spades. She credited her mum with helping her with her choreography this week as she produced the full package, singing, dancing the works. (10, 9) 'Carry On' by Fun was the song, and carry on he did. Unwell with a flu all week, Leon Jermyn changed his song just the day before the show as his voice, obviously under strain couldn't produce the notes he needed but like any good professional he carried on and adapted. Still a difficult task, this wasn't his best performance, with some pitch problems at the beginning, however he did take on a different style of song from previous weeks and full credit to him. (8, 7) Beautiful performance 'If I die Young' by The Band Perry was the song of choice for Ballyconnell's Chloe Bannon. Another beautiful performance and another of our young ladies who has been encouraged to step out of her comfort zone a little. This show gives these kids an amazing opportunity to get up on stage to a full house each week and to grow as a performer, so take full advantage of the experience, Chloe has an excellent range in her voice and each week brings a new opportunity to show another side to the performer so we are looking forward to what the quarter-finals will bring. (9, 10) "I love your voice, it's very current and very recordable", some of the comments given from judge Vanessa Cooney Smith to her namesake Bethany Smith. The 14-year-old from Ballyhaise chose a recent release Ready or Not by Bridgit Mendler. All of the contestants have varying strengths and abilities, and thus they also have different areas in which to grow in order to reach their true potential. Bethany's growth lies in her confidence, already in just three short weeks she has improved greatly with her movement on stage and when she relaxes and smiles her connection with the audience is immediate. Looking forward to more. (9, 8) Caitlin Boyce, aged 10 from Virginia, was saved by the judges last week and it is with sadness that we have to report that she found herself before them once again this week - but unfortunately didn't make it through this time. Performing Hey Soul Sister by Train, this little rock chick was more confident on stage this week and again produced a quirky acoustic number on guitar. Caitlin is most definitely one we will hear more from in the future, it is a shame that with Junior CGT only lasting six weeks we did not get a chance to watch this little star shine a little longer. (10, 9) Vocal range Singing 'I have nothing' by Whitney Houston, was the key for 10-year-old Anthony O'Hanlon to have everything - he scored top marks this week with two 10s from the judges! Who takes on Whitney Houston...really?! Well we are told that Anthony had never ever heard this song by the diva until this week whilst looking through songs with his dad. This lad has proved he has a massive vocal range, to date taking on huge diva ballads to dance floor fillers. Doing it for the boys, Anthony took on a big song and deservedly took the big scores. (10, 10) A proposal of marriage! Yes that's what MC Paul Cox got this week as the beautiful little Emma Guilfoyle from Ballyhaise turned stage left to deliver her last line of the Bruno Mars song 'Marry You'. And who could resist? A very sweet performance, Emma moved well on stage. It must be remembered that some of these kids are emulating songs that are heavily produced in studio and have videos made up with dance troupes etc so should all be very proud of themselves for doing a great job in a live venue. Good job. (8, 7) Now, the only musician left in the show, Mullahoran's Hannah O'Reilly brought us 'Little Talks' of Monsters and Men. Hannah has very much developed her own style and it has served her well to date, growing in confidence week on week. Judge Louise felt Hannah is a little restricted on stage in terms of her movement, performance etc. with her guitar and suggested she look at how other guitarists overcome this. The judges are there to give advice and suggestions in order to help these youngsters get better and develop over the weeks so take full advantage of it guys as this road is only just beginning for all of you. (9, 9) Troupe A dance of two halves was brought to us by Shannon O'Dea from Laragh, under the spot light Shannon started down on the dance floor right in front of the judges and made her way up the floor giving us some cool moves to 'Broken Heels' and with a dance track that changed to 'Scream and Shout', two backing dancers emerged from front row seats to take their place behind her on stage to complete a top class dance routine. Having taken on board the judges' comments last week, who had said how it would be nice to see her heading up a dance troupe and to bring something different, Shannon did exactly that. She did however find herself in the bottom three. Saved by the judges this week, Shannon will be back flying solo and we look forward to seeing what she brings to the dance floor next week. (10, 9) Aimme Thunder from Cavan sang 'Amazing' by Matt Cardle and while it may not have fully lived up to the title, Aimee is showing versatility on stage and is developing stage presence and performance skills with every week and growing confidence. She has a soft voice, so song choice is very important for her. This one didn't show off her ability as well as it might have and stretched her vocal range a little too far, but next week offers a brand new opportunity for something that suits her voice better. (8, 8) Natalie Loughlin was welcomed back this week after illness prevented her from singing last week. However her return was unfortunately short lived as she found herself in the bottom three and didn't make it through. Very difficult to come back after losing a week, Natalie did a great job with a big number - 'Tainted Love', the Imelda May version. Natalie has a very strong voice and looked the part in a beautiful red dress. At only 12-years-old, Natalie has many, many years of singing ahead of her with a unique tone she is sure to do well in the future. (8, 8) Fates And so to the quarter-finals! Ten acts will take to the stage this Sunday praying to make it through, when they will be one step closer to reaching the grand final of Junior CGT on St Patrick's Day. The past three weeks have flown by so quickly it has almost been forgotten that there is a huge prize pot at play here with €5,000 to be won. So we really are into the serious business end of the competition. If you have been following the fates of these kids on facebook or reading about them here but haven't actually managed to go to see them live, well then now is the time to do so before it is too late and two more contestants go home, they need your support and your votes to get that one step closer to the final. The Imperial, Cavan this Sunday, doors open 3.30pm, show starts 4pm, get in early and enjoy a great Sunday afternoon's entertainment. With lots more great photos from the show check out both the Cavan's Got Talent and Junior Cavan's Got Talent facebook pages.