On April 29, 18 contestants will compete for the grand prize in the 2022 Odessa’s Got Talent at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church.
Below are the bios and photos of the finalists who will take the stage next week.
Online voting for the People’s Choice Award can be done at permianbasinmission.org/ogt.html.
YOUTH FINALISTS
Samuel Chastain
I started music around 2020, and developed a habit of wanting to play for people live in person. I was originally inspired by my late step-grandfather, Jerry Harris, to approach music as a hobby and if it’s in God’s hands, then I will be able to chase that hobby as a career. I hope y’all enjoy/enjoyed my performance.
Areli Smith
Hi my name is Areli. I am 17 years old and I love to sing. Singing has always been a way for me to show my true emotions and express how I really feel. For me to get an opportunity like this one is crazy and such a blessing. I’m thankful for this opportunity and I intend to take advantage of every moment I have!
Never Too Young
Here is a band with three individually gifted young men. Strong in faith, passion and the love of creating new original music. Never Too Young consists of Leon Carrasco, 16, Ian Chavez, 14, and Aiden Armendariz, 14. Prior to this project, Leon and Ian have been bandmates. Aiden has recently come along and together they have a blend of styles and influences that are beyond their years. This is more than a garage band, these guys take their craft seriously and will blow audiences away with their sound.
Vincent Ramirez
Hi, my name is Vincent Ramirez. I’m fifteen years old and I’ve been playing piano for nearly six years, and I’m happy to perform in Odessa’s Got Talent. I hope I can help contribute and raise money!
Camila Rivera
My name is Camila Rivera. I am 15 years old and music makes me happy. If you liked my audition and you would like to vote for me I would really appreciate it, Thank you!
ADULT DIVISION
Molly Angela
Hi! My name is Molly. I graduated from high school in 1995. After that, I went on to college to study social services. Helping others and singing has always been a form of therapy and healing for me. I auditioned for America’s Got Talent in 2016. It was a fun experience.
Juan Caamano
My name is Juan Caamano. I’m 24 years old and I’m a beatboxer and a photographer. I’m from El Paso but I’m currently majoring in video production at the New Mexico Junior College in the city of Hobbs.
Capital Limits
Capital Limits is a musical duo started by Kyler Chavez and Ben Hulett. We are both Odessa natives and have been performing together since 2017. We perform cover songs but also write and record our own material. You can often see us play at local establishments such as The Hemingway, Homemade Wines, Brew St., Curb Side Bistro, but also at various public and private events.
Kayla Dos Santos
My name is Kayla Dos Santos. I am from Rhode Island and I just moved to Odessa about a month ago. I am 26 years old and I’ve been signing since I could talk! Music has always been a HUGE part of my life. It was always there for me when I couldn’t express myself or when I felt like all I had was music. I attended a performing arts high school, graduated in 2014 and I was able to sing, take voice lessons and perform all the time! I’m super excited to be apart of this talent show and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I enjoyed auditioning for it!
Bryon Garrison
Bryon Garrison is a singer songwriter from Fort Stockton. He recently released his latest album Just Like Elvis on Zadok Records which is available at www.JustLikeElvis.com. Garrison volunteers at his local food pantry in Fort Stockton and appreciates the Permian Basin Mission. “It’s a good work they are doing. We are going to have to stand together through these hard times.” Garrison will be performing his original song Falling Back to You from his album.
Albert Hall and the 100
We are a group of worship leaders, family and friends who love Jesus and love leading other people into worship. Our goal and desire is not to make a name for ourselves, but to make the name of Jesus famous!
Cristian Brito Hernandez
My name is Cristian Brito Hernandez. I was originally born in Midland, but I grew up all my life in Coahuila, Mexico. From a very young age I have been passionate about music, I am currently 19 years old and as crazy as it may seem, I feel that my purpose in this life is music.
Los Crazy Guys
Los Crazy Guys are a dynamic power trio that plays country, rock, blues, oldies and lots of funk and soul. The band consists of Isaiah Chavez (guitar), Dan Fruehauf (bass) and Richy Puga (drums). Plus they all sing. For the past four years, they performed in clubs, restaurants, weddings and festivals. The band is currently working on releasing their original work.
Raeslyn Miller
Raeslyn Miller is a Vocal Music Education major at Oklahoma City University. She also has a Studio Art minor, is involved in Choir, Student Council, and is an athlete on the OCU Cheer team. Raeslyn has been in numerous shows this semester, including Mark Adamo’s Opera: “Little Women” and Operation’s “A Friend of Dolly.” Along with that, she is going to Italy for a month this summer to study opera professionally! Raeslyn is a firm believer in God’s plan for her, and hopes to inspire and teach the world about the power of music.
Ashley Simpson
Ashley is a local small business owner in Odessa. She has had a passion for singing and the performing arts since she was a young child. Recently she has found an even greater passion for inspiring and helping others. As a way to give back to her community, Ashley is currently volunteering with CASA of the Permian Basin whose mission is to help children in need. Her dream is to run a successful business built on the foundation of “people come first.”
Grace Surmion
My name is Grace Surmion. I grew up in the Philippines and now residing in Odessa with my husband and 3 year old kid and my Mom. I am currently studying at UTPB to get Teacher’s certification and soon to be a Teacher. I am currently part of a band in one of the churches in Odessa.
The Bitter Water Band
The Bitter Water band consists of songwriter Jeff Rodgers, lead vocals and rhythm guitar Mike Camden, Jeff Derby on drums and back up vocals and Buddy Munoz on bass with David Phillips on guitar.
Mikayla Heard
Hi I’m Mikayla Heard, I’m 24 years old and currently I am a vocalist and an artist. I have a husband and 2 beautiful kids! I will be singing for Odessa’s Got Talent. Singing has been one of the biggest aspects my life. It takes my worries away and helps me to reset my mind, it’s a passion! I’ve always loved to sing since I was 7, for about 18 years. I grew up in Odessa singing in church and in school choir, karaoke here and there, but I still continue to sing in church! It’s therapeutic for me, and I’m so grateful for this opportunity to compete! Thank you!
