Stellar performances by local acts on Ireland’s Got Talent final
By Mary Dennehy
TONIGHT was a special night for local communities after two acts from Tallaght and one from Palmerstown made it to the finals of Ireland’s Got Talent, showcasing themselves, their groups and their hometowns.
While Xquisite Dance, Double Impact or Matt Dodd didn’t clinch the top prize, they put on stellar performances that introduced them and their talent to the nation.
An out-of-this-world performance by Xquisite saw the Tallaght group make it into the final top three
After the public vote, Xquisite Dance made it into the top three. However, the act with the most public votes and crowned winners of the first Ireland's Got Talent was Cork dance troupe RDC
Double Impact opened the show with yet another high-energy and unique performance, full of emotion and spectacular moves.
Made up of Syesha from Tallaght and Kyle from Swords, who are both members of Empire Dance Tallaght, Double Impact blew judges, the audience and viewers away with another mesmorising contemporary, free style routine.
Double Impact "destined for stardom"
Speaking after the performance judge Louis Walsh said that he “loves” Double Impact’s energy and personality and that the duo are “destined for stardom”.
According to judge Michelle Visage, Double Impact “dance well beyond their years” and “from the heart” while Denise Van Outen said that every performance by Double Impact has been “beautiful” and “expressive”.
She added: “Your dancing is phenomenal for your age.”
Palmerstown’s Matt Dodd, who sings in Ballyfermot and was one of the judges’ wildcard options, delivered an emotional and professional performance of Love Changes Everything.
Matt proved tonight that he belongs on stage, and commenting after the 68-year-old’s performance, judge Louis Walsh said: “Amazing vocal, you’re a world class vocalist.
“You’re as good as anybody I’ve heard on the West End…start believing in yourself.”
Matt Dodd, a “world class vocalist”
Judge Denise said: “I love your voice, you filled this place.”
Tallaght’s Xquisite Dance made it into the top three of the final, an amazing feat considering thousands of acts started the Ireland’s Got Talent journey.
Judge Michelle said that watching Xquisite makes you feel “joy” while Louis said they put “a smile on everybody’s face”.
Judge Denise, who chose Xquisite as her golden buzzer act, said after the group’s performance: “I can’t wipe this smile off my face, I’m bursting with pride. You are the ones to watch tonight.”
While the winning title was not to be for Xquisite, Double Impact or Matt Dodd, all three finished the show with memorable and top-class performances, and we doubt this is the last we’ll be seeing of them.
The Echo will be speaking with all local finalists in next week’s edition.
