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The kingdom's talented youngsters took to the stage over four days to impress judges and shoppers with their artistic and musical skills during the Batelco Talent Show held at the Seef Mall extension.
More than 50 musicians and 100 artists aged between six and 16 years-old took part in the event and sensational seven year old Alexandra Estanom enthralled the crowd with her energetic performance to take the junior music section crown.
Alexandra, from Saar, a pupil at the British School of Bahrain, said: "I love to sing and it's so much fun to be on stage. I have been performing since I was four.
"I also participated in pottery painting, ballet and hip hop dancing - but singing is the best!"
The winner of the senior category, Isa Mubarak Najem, 15, stole the hearts of the audience in traditional style by playing the oud.
The Bayan School student, from Isa Town, said: "My father used to play the oud which is why that was my instrument of choice for the talent show. He owns the Bahrain Music Institute and so I go there all the time. My teacher is Saad Mahmood Jawad. I play because I love music."
Another winner, Merna Taha, nine, a student at St. Christopher's School, from Saar, said: "The song I chose to sing was 'Hoedown' by Miely Cyrus. I am a big fan of artists like Miley, Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift.
"In my free time I usually write poetry and lyrics. I love to sing so I thought it would be fun to enter a talent show. It was my first talent show and it was really cool. Who knows, maybe I will be the next Miley Cyrus!"
While the performers were on stage, young artistic talent was busy painting and creating impressive art.
Artist Noor Ahmed Al Ghurair, 12, a Muharraq High School pupil, said: "I am a painter. I love art and have always had a passion for it. My artwork is based on nature. I was nominated by the Salman Cultural Centre to participate in the art portion of Batelco's talent show."
Siblings from Hoora, Tuba and Taha Imtiaz Mahmood took part in the painting competition. Taha, 11, said: "The show is exciting, you can display your talent and what you feel through art."
A panel of five senior judges selected the 12 section winners. One judge, Serena Stevens, 45, an artist from Amwaj, said: "Some of the works of art were lovely. There was originality which I was looking for and I was very impressed. As for the musical talent, it was just mind blowing!"
As the children were engrossed in their work and performances many parents stood by beaming with pride.
Music winner Isa's mum, Fay Hassan, owner of a flower shop and a wedding planner, said: "I am very proud of my son. He has been playing music since the age of six and I believe he is the best oud player in Bahrain!"
Natallia Estamon, a vocal teacher, from Saar, said: "This is a great initiative as the children are the future of any country and we must encourage them."
Parent Bushra Winter, a professional development coach, 32, from Jannusan added: "My daughter, Naeemah, does glass painting at home and this contest has given her the chance to do what she loves and be able to share it with others."
The event also featured a DJ, face painting, henna and games. Aside from the trophies and cash prizes for the winners, all participants received a Batelco goody bag and certificates. Cash prizes ranged between BD100-400. Winners: Music - Alexandra Estanom, Merna Mohammed Maher, Isa Mubarak Najem, Zahra Habib, Nasser Zeman, Adul Aziz and Mohammed (band) Arts - Hassan Fouad Al Khadhar, Khalid Jassim Janahi, Naeema Behzad, Raghad Jawad, Winone Antao, Nariam Sharifa. Words: Shilpa Chandran and Mai Al Khatib Pictures: Jayson De Leon
