Opening-round semifinalists announced
The first qualifying night has concluded with the announcement of the contestants advancing to the semifinals. The night’s semifinalists gathered on stage following the announcement of the results.
Dianela takes the spotlight: Hainica Magazine’s performance of the night
Dianela Hernandez Oxamendis’s rendition of “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” is Hainica Magazine’s pick for the best performance of the night. Her appearance earns the magazine’s editorial spotlight in this opening qualifying round.
This is Hainica Magazine’s editorial assessment, separate from the contest’s official results.
Two contestants have already performed as the first qualifying night gets underway, with 16 singers on the programme and audience members casting their votes.
Hainica Magazine | October 21, 2026
The microphone is live, the first two performances are complete, and a new season of the Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Singing Contest with John Santos is underway.
Tonight marks the first qualifying round of Season 21, opening the 2026/27 competition with five juvenile contestants and eleven adults. Each singer has a song and a chance to make an impression on the room.
Red beams cross the stage above a backdrop of sponsors as guests follow the performances from their tables and the venue’s side screens. The audience also has a decision to make: tonight’s ballot asks attendees to select two performers in the juvenile category and two in the adult category.
Sixteen singers, sixteen approaches to the stage
The juvenile programme lists Marcus Viveiros with “Beautiful Things,” Viana Kotlev with “Driver’s License,” Isabella Drummond with “The Greatest Love of All,” Samhita Iyer with “Fight Song,” and Grace Hassard-Moore with “Great Expectation.”
The adult programme features Gabrielle Wallace with “Where Is My Husband,” Jonathan Man with “Lady,” Ned Quintana with “Wolves,” Cristina Silva with “Risk It All,” Colleen Connolly with “At Last,” Lja Bolongaita with “Take Me to Church,” Natasha Costa with “When You Kiss Me,” Dianela Hernandez Oxamendis with “Bidi Bidi Bom…,” Ezra Lamsen with “Ain’t No Way,” Em Faith with “Long Time Gone,” and Andrew Dichio with “Con Te Partiro.”
The selections promise an opening round with considerable variety, from intimate contemporary material to soul standards and a sweeping classical crossover finale. The shared challenge is immediate: stepping into the lights and making a familiar song feel personal.
Presented by ICON Insulation, in association with Angela Rolo of Co-operators and Magnum Millwork, the contest begins its 21st season with the first selections still ahead.
Earlier opening-night report: The following coverage was first filed after the opening two performances. The semifinal announcement has since been added above.
Photography: Ned Quintana. Disclosure: Ned Quintana is also listed as a contestant in the adult category.
The judging panel
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