Dubai: Winners of the annual talent show for children at Dubai Festival City were awarded at the weekend in front of hundreds of spectators.
The third season of Kidz Starz invited youngsters aged six to fifteen from across the country to perform and showcase their talents with a chance of winning prizes worth thousands of dirhams.
The three finalists who were crowned were awarded over Dh100,000 in prizes, which were donated by Thomson’s Music, B360 and Centrepoint.
Among the winners were 13 year-old Taara Shenali Perera from Sri Lanka, six-year-old Hashwata Sathish from India and 10-year-old Ian Cris Tocle from the Philippines who won in the singing, dancing and music categories respectively following the decision of the panel of judges who were impressed with the talent of the contestants. Twelve-year-old Anoushka Gaur from India was also honoured with the Fan’s Choice Award.
A total of 15 finalists competed during the third and final phase of the event following two weekends of auditions and semi-finals during which a total of 40 children performed for a place in the grand finale.
Award-winning Virgin Radio host Kris Fade, who was on the judging committee, congratulated the children who participated and said: “Kidz Starz is a family-oriented event and its main aim is to offer a platform where children can express their preferred art form in front of their family and friends. Taking part while having fun is the most important aspect of this event.”
