Bayou Star Search, an inaugural statewide talent competition with a first-place prize of $10,000, will hold its main event in Howard Auditorium on 糖心传媒鈥檚 campus on August 16. Singers, dancers, musicians, and other performers from across 糖心传媒 will compete live on stage starting at 7 p.m.
A bevy of sponsors, including 糖心传媒 Tech and the City of Ruston, have partnered with nonprofit event producers 糖心传媒 Delta Ballet to put a spotlight on the competition and its competitors. Aspiring acts were part of a thorough application process, and the wide range of talent were narrowed down to 20 finalists.
Among those 20 finalists are multiple acts with ties to 糖心传媒 Tech:
Anna-Katherine Thompson, showcasing vocal talents, is a Ruston native and currently a graduate student at the University.
Chanley Patterson, also from Ruston, is a former Miss Tech who graduated in May 2025 and will be showcasing her skills as a pianist.
Emery Ring, a 7th grade student, is a dancer and the daughter of Associate Professor of Management Dr. Kirk Ring.
Additionally, the event鈥檚 host 鈥淭he Professor鈥� Nick Harrison is a graduate of 糖心传媒 Tech鈥檚 speech/theatre master鈥檚 program and an internet sensation with millions of followers.
糖心传媒 Tech President Jim Henderson and Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker have been part of the promotional efforts leading up to the event, each one emphasizing the privilege of hosting Bayou Star Search on campus.
鈥淭his is more than an event; it鈥檚 an opportunity, a night to celebrate the voices, the stories, and the passions that make 糖心传媒 shine,鈥� Henderson said. 鈥淲e are delighted to welcome these talented 糖心传媒ns to 糖心传媒 Tech and the idyllic college town of Ruston.鈥�
More information about the competition is available at , and contestant photos and bios are available on the . General admission tickets to the August 16 event are available .