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'''Dean Bridgewater'''

Kitchener Lift Truck Operator Takes Top Honours in Faith FM's Talent Search

Kitchener, Ontario... Despite the stormy weather outside, thirteen stars shone brightly inside Centre in the Square on Saturday evening, February 4th. Over 1,100 people braved the elements to cheer on their favourites in 94.3 Faith FM's Shinin' Star Christian Talent Search.

The high caliber of talent of the thirteen finalists made for a tremendous evening of entertainment. Judges Carrie Guse’, Mike Fluit, Jane Valenta and Matt Grieve with His Season added to the event with their own professional performances. Rounding out the evening was celebrity judge Farley Flex of Canadian Idol fame, who provided valuable feedback after each contestant's performance.

'''Dean Bridgewater''', a lift truck driver from Kitchener, took top honours with his rendition of "Taste and See", written by gospel singer Israel Houghton. Bridgewater had the audience clapping and tapping their feet throughout his performance. He received a variety of prizes for his victory, including free recording and production time with Revelation Sound. The resulting song is guaranteed airplay by a number of Canadian Christian radio stations. Pamela Wideman Photography will provide professional shots of Dean for his portfolio.

Of his victory, Dean said, “I am over the moon about it. I’ve always had a dream of making gospel music and I am going to take this as far as God will allow me.”

Lauren Dalley and Candice Bauman, both of Waterloo, were recognized as first and second runners-up respectively.

Finalists were selected from 83 contestants who participated in four preliminary events. Over 2,000 spectators attended the preliminaries in the two weeks leading up to the finals.

Farley Flex congratulated all of the contestants, noting that "this won't be the last time we hear from them". The event far exceeded Faith FM's expectations in meeting their goal of promoting local Christian talent. With the success this year, the station has announced that the Shinin' Star Christian Vocal Talent Search will become an annual event.