His talent flows through his fingers. He literally rocks to the rhythm of the music he plays with an expert's touch on the grand piano.
Yet Sky Mundell is blind, profoundly deaf, is autistic and has cerebral palsy.
The 19-year-old pianist wowed the judges and audience alike at the finale for Vancouver Island's Got Talent Jan. 21, as he had throughout the competition, with two pieces dedicated to his mother and sister.
"It was a pleasure playing in this competition and I certainly will have a lot of fun performing in Las Vegas," he said upon taking to the stage after event host Maria Manna announced him as the winner.
Mundell, whose goal is to pursue a career in the music industry, will get a head start on that dream thanks to his win.
He will travel to Vegas to sign a contract with the Nevada Talent Agency, will perform at Planet Hollywood there as part of V: The Ultimate Variety Show, will receive image consulting and a professional marketing package.
He also won recording time for a three-song demo CD, a professional photo shoot and help setting up a web and social media presence.
Singer Karissa Sovdi earned runner-up honours following the finale. The last show featured 10 performers: six singers, one band (Formally Casual), guitarist Dylan Smith, salsa dancers Adeesha and Michaela and Mundell.
The competition was also a fundraiser for the Maria Manna Bursary Fund, which will help pay for music lessons at the Victoria Conservatory of Music for young people whose families can't afford them.
For more on the competition, visit www.vancouverislandsgottalent.com.
editor@oakbaynews.com