March 6, 2020
Singers, songwriters, puzzle-solvers and instrumentalists – WVUP’s Got Talent showcased a variety of talents during its first year of competition. More than 20 West Virginia University at Parkersburg students, faculty, staff and alumni auditioned for the chance to compete at the grand finale, but only one took home the first-place title, grand prize and bragging rights.

Tim Bales, a student in the Associate of Applied Science in Drafting program, was named the first-ever WVUP’s Got Talent winner. In both the preliminary round of competition and grand finale, Bales sang an original song and played the guitar. Bales wrote “Tape Deck Apology” and “Allies” about his long-distance best friend and brother, respectively.

“I’ve always found that people are my biggest source of inspiration,” Bales said. “Powerful and moving stories, rare experiences, thought-provoking conversation – these are the things that make me want to write.”

Seven finalists performed at the WVUP’s Got Talent grand finale. Each finalist had to audition, as well as compete and win one of three preliminary rounds of competition by receiving the judges’ or people’s choice vote, to make it to the finale.

The seven finalists included: Tim Bales, Tyler Barnhart, Brandi Bush, Olivia Kinder, Eliza Lawrentz, Austin Grimmett and Ryan Manley.

David Traugh, a Parkersburg local and Emmy award-winning film and television composer, served as guest judge during the finale. Traugh is best known for his work on the music of “Wild Things” and “King of Queens.”

“We are thrilled with the response to this event from our campus community,” Samantha Suggs, Student Activities coordinator, said. “It has been wonderful to see so many young and talented people in the spotlight and we cannot wait for next year’s competition!”

As the winner, Bales received an overnight stay at the historic Blennerhassett Hotel, $100 spending card to the hotel restaurant and free tour with the hotel historian.

“I am still surprised that I won. I judge my art very harshly; it’s a habit a lot of musicians and artists fall into,” Bales said. “I was absolutely ready to cheer for whoever was about to win because I definitely didn’t think I would. I am very flattered and grateful for the support from the community. To be chosen as the first WVUP’s Got Talent winner using my original music is really moving.”

To watch the WVUP’s Got Talent preliminary rounds of competition and the grand finale, visit wvup.edu/talent.