Musically talented?  

Montana’s Got Talent presented by Starlight Academy is seeking people to audition to be contestants in its inaugural show scheduled Oct. 26 at the Wachholz College Center. 

Founder and C.E.O, Halladay Quist, is searching the state for performers of all ages, genres and configurations, including bands who want to move up in the industry.  

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase and promote your talent to a statewide audience,” Quist said. 

Contestants will compete for a chance to win $5,000, an opportunity to open for a national touring act at Abayance Bay Marina in Rexford, a complimentary recorded song at Beargrass Studios in Columbia Falls and two tickets to the 2025 Under the Big Sky music festival in Whitefish. 

Contestants will be judged by Hilary Williams, singer-songwriter and granddaughter of Hank Williams; Dustin Brayley, member of the multi-platinum selling band Trans-Siberian Orchestra; Meredith Patterson, a Broadway star and TV/Film actress; Clif Loftin, owner of Clif Loftin Creative, which produces events and tours for famous entertainers; local musicians Rob Quist, a Montana Music Hall of Fame inductee and one of the founding members of Mission Mountain Wood Band and Flathead Valley music legend John Dunnigan. 

To participate, complete the application form and submit a YouTube video online at montanasgottalent.com by Aug. 31. The entrance fee to apply and submit one video is $25 with a maximum of three entries per contestant. Contestants must live in Montana.  

Tickets to see Montana’s Got Talent may be purchased at wachholzcollegecenter.com. Ticket prices range from $33 to $46.20, which includes service fees. The show starts at 7 p.m.  “Montana’s Got Talent is an incredible opportunity to shine a spotlight on artists that are ready for the next level,” Quist said. 

In addition to raising the public profile of talented musicians in the state, Montana’s Got Talent was created to raise money for Starlight Academy which offers online introductory music and instrument courses. It is Quist’s mission to give a music scholarship to at least one student for every school in Montana, especially the schools that don’t have music teachers, according to a press release. 

    Dustin Brayley, member of the multi-platinum selling band Trans-Siberian Orchestra, will be a judge for the inaugural Montana's Got Talent competition on Oct. 26. Auditions are open to be a contestant. (Courtesy image)
  

    Clif Loftin, owner of Clif Loftin Creative, which produces events and tours for famous entertainers, will be a judge for the inaugural Montana's Got Talent competition on Oct. 26. Auditions are open to be a contestant. (Courtesy image)