Ramapo UP Student Takes Round 1 in "Talent Show"

Ali Brustofski, aRamapo High School junior, has advanced to the next round of competition on “MSG Varsity’s Talent Show,” a new weekly series that pits the tristate area’s most talented high school acts against one another.

Brustofski, who sang the Supremes classic “Where Did Our Love Go”, is one of eight acts in the Female Vocalist category. She went up against Sydney Bridges of Alexander Hamilton High School in Elmsford, NY.

Following her performance, Brustofski garnered enough online votes at msgvarsitytalentshow.com to advance to the semi-finals.  She will find out who her competition is once the first round of the talent show is completed on Sunday, May 8.

"Thanks so much for voting everyone!" she posted on her Facebook fan page. "I made it to the next round in MSG Varsity's Talent Show thanks to YOU!!!"

Hosted by former “American Idol” semifinalist Jared Cotter, the show features two performances per category — male vocalist, female vocalist, vocal ensemble and dance ensemble. In what is an MSG Varsity original programming first, the audience cast their votes for their favorite talent in each category with the top performers advancing to the next round. A “Talent Show Champion” in each category will be announced on Sunday, June 12.

In addition to being crowned “Talent Show Champion,” each winner will receive a once-in-a-lifetime, two-day professional studio session  to work with award-winning producers to record a demo CD or video and create custom-designed cover art. The Champions will also be treated like a star with a professional photo shoot that includes hair and make-up styling.

Ali will be back on the show later this month for the semifinals, on May 15 or May 22.  The finals are June 5 followed with the winners to be announced on June 12.

Follow Ali on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, and watch her videos on YouTube.