Singer Kyle Bleau wins grand prize in Fort Mill’s Got Talent benefit show

A talent show organized to help the Fort Mill High School Band raise money for its trip to a pivotal world War II site this spring grossed $7,500, said LeAnne Burnett Morse, who produced the show.

Proceeds will benefit the band’s March to Normandy yearlong campaign to raise $90,000 for its planned trip to Normandy, France, where they have been invited to perform at the Normandy American Cemetery in April. The band will provide scholarships to students who need help paying for the trip, Morse said.

Band members will learn about World War II and the Fort Mill soldiers who lost their lives during the conflict.

The show, Fort Mill’s Got Talent, drew about 500 audience members to the Fort Mill High auditorium. The Grand Prize winner was Kyle Bleau who sang “It Takes Two.” HE won $500 and trophy.

Second place went to singer/pianist Kimberley Joy Copley, who performed “Mad World” and won $300 and a trophy.

The third place winner was Gianna Morette, a dancer who performed to “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and won $200 and a trophy.

Chuck Boozer of WRHI, co-host of “Palmetto Mornings,” hosted the show. Guest judges were Gary Greene, percussionist and backup singer for Hootie and the Blowfish, Fort Mill Mayor Danny Funderburk and Katie Knowles, instructor and PR director for Miller Street Dance Academy. Greene also opened Woody’s Music near Tega Cay.

Production services were provided by Bluestocking Media.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with our first presentation of Fort Mill’s Got Talent,” Morse said.

“There was so much variety in the acts and the performances were spectacular. The audience seemed to really get invested and support their favorites. A lot of people weren’t sure what to expect from this event and I think they were really surprised at the level of talent on stage. I hope this event will become a Fort Mill tradition and a great way for people to support the Fort Mill Band.”

This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Singer Kyle Bleau wins grand prize in Fort Mill’s Got Talent benefit show."