The South Bay Got Talent competition concluded on Saturday, November 7, with the crowning of a new champion in Torrance. The event was hosted by the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation, commonly known as TOCA, and featured a final round of nineteen contestants. Audiences from across the South Bay gathered at the Armstrong Theater to watch the finalists perform and determine the recipient of the first place trophy.
Chris Wolf, the executive director of TOCA, expressed his admiration for the quality of the performances in a written statement. He noted that the talent entering the competition consistently amazes him, and that this year was no exception. Wolf explained that the selection process is difficult, as more than seventy performers auditioned, but only seventeen or eighteen were chosen as finalists. He emphasized that supporting and mentoring young, undiscovered artists is a core mission of the foundation, and this competition serves as a prime example of that commitment.
Abigail Tenn, a fourteen-year-old pianist, was named the winner of this year's competition. Her background highlights a history of significant musical achievement. According to her biography, she has received multiple awards, including honors as a Branch and Regional Winner in the Southern California Junior Bach Festival. She also earned a Silver Medal at the Complete Works Auditions and was honored with the Artists of the Future Award.
Tenn made her orchestral debut at the age of eleven. She performed as a soloist with the Beach Cities Symphony, playing Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15. Beyond her formal performances, she is active in her community, regularly playing for senior citizens and volunteering to teach piano to younger children in underserved areas.
The second place finisher was Isabella Luna, a thirteen-year-old singer. Her biography describes her passion for music and storytelling through song. Luna studies voice at White Hall Academy and takes musical theater classes at Casa 0101. Her recent performance credits include the role of Mayzie La Bird in Seussical JR. at Casa 0101.
Luna also made her first professional theater appearance as part of the Youth Ensemble in Musical Theatre West's production of In the Heights. She has expressed a dream of one day performing on Broadway and credits her teachers and family for their continuous love, guidance, and encouragement.
Third place went to the father-daughter duo of Luna and Paul Suhr. Luna, who is eleven years old, has performed multiple times in the South Bay, but this marked the first time she shared the stage with her father. Her biography notes that she enjoys singing in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and is currently adding guitar skills to her existing piano talents. Paul Suhr shares her love of musical theater and has a professional background that includes touring nationally and internationally for several years.
In addition to the top three finalists, six other contestants received Judges' Favorites honorable mentions. These performers included Stosha Coley, a thirty-eight-year-old singer from Compton, and Siona Ghosh, an eighth-grade dancer and singer who performs Bollywood fusion. The group also included Morgan Gons, an elementary school student who plays the drums, and Nico Gonzalez, a thirteen-year-old guitarist and singer.
The remaining honorees were Sierra Rose Peters, a nineteen-year-old actress and singer, and Gabi Urdaz, a thirty-two-year-old classical singer. Urdaz is also proficient in playing the saxophone, clarinet, and piano. Wolf concluded the event by stating that the competition is about more than just winning. He highlighted that it is an opportunity for performers to build confidence and share their gifts, noting that being part of an artist's journey is incredibly rewarding for the foundation.
