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By Brandon Sumrall | Special to the Advertiser

Eight contestants took to the stage of the Jemison City Hall Municipal Complex on June 12 to participate in the first annual Jemison’s Got Talent competition.

Contestants performed songs of their choice in front of a four-judge panel, as well as a large crowd, in hopes of taking home the first-place trophy along with cash and prizes.

After all eight contestants took their turns in the spotlight, those in attendance were treated to a live concert by America’s Got Talent semifinalist and Nashville recording artist Marty Brown.

Brown and his wife, Shellie, both have ties to the state of Alabama, with Shelley having grown up in Montgomery, and Marty being long-time friends with Jemison Police Chief Shane Fulmer.

A hunting trip with Fulmer led to Brown becoming involved with the talent competition.

“I had come down for a pheasant hunt and to do some fishing, and me and Shane and a few others were sitting around one afternoon and [Mayor Eddie] Reed came in the office,” Brown said. “He sort of looks at me and says, ‘Hey I know you; you were on the TV show America’s Got Talent. A few weeks later, I am back in Nashville and I get a call from Mr. Reed and Shane talking about this talent contest and the cause behind it, and I just loved the idea”.

With the Browns having performed several numbers, it was time for event Emcee Tommy Glasscock to announce the winners.

Chloe Belle Miodiag took home first place in the 4- to 12-year-old age group with her performance of the theme from Witches’ Dance and “Amazing Grace” on the violin.

Hannah Tierce won first place in the 13 to 17 age group with a performance of “Mercy” by Duffy.

Mirna Manasco won the 18 and up age group with her performance of the Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody.”

Tierce, who is no stranger to the spotlight, also won the Viewers Choice Award.

“I began performing when I was 9 and have tried out for America’s Got Talent as well as The Voice. I hope to get to try out for American Idol this year,” Tierce said.

“We had some really great talent,” Brown said. “They were all jewels. They are all winners in my eyes.”

Brown is planning to make this an annual event and issued a challenge to all the runners-up and those who didn’t make it out to compete this year.

“To those who came this year and tried, great job,” he said. “To the ones that didn’t, come out next year and give it a try.”

The event raised more than $2,500 for curtains that are to be added to the auditorium.

Brown’s musics can be found on iTunes or by visiting his website at www.martybrownmusic.com.

Event sponsors included Redzone Sports Grill, Anytime Fitness, Lewis Machine, Suds-R-Us, Dr. Rticky C. Dy Medical Clinic, Chilton Family Medicine, Jackson and Jackson LLP, Lee Helms Associates LLC, Prestige Technical Services Inc., Jemison Eye Care, I.H. Mcneil III P.C. and Mid-South Fabrications Inc.

Those who provided gift baskets for door prizes included Jack’s of Jemison, Hayes Drug, Allstate, Mayor Eddie Reed, Jemison Eye Care, MorLyn’s, Circuit Court Clerk Glenn McGriff, Jemison Florist, T&L Nails, Farm House Cafe, Porter Texico, Culp Farms and C&C Trophy.