Yu Em Khax Lae auditions 2016

 Eileen, a big fan of big brother Oswald Philemon, known as Jack Spade on stage, travelled to Port Moresby from Lae when she heard he made it through to the semi-finals.

“She was already here, to watch my show, but then passed away from an illness,” he said.

Jack Spade also made a special mention to his fans in his hometown Popondetta.

“My travel to Port Moresby was made possible entirely by my fans and mother back in Popondetta,” he said.

Dressed in black, Oswald Philemon stepped in front of the judges in the pre-audition rounds, captivating the audience and leaving everyone in the room speechless!

Philemon goes by the stage name “Jack Spade” and has been performing since 2013.

He started practicing as an illusionist 10 years ago when he saw a priest from the Philippines perform a trick in Goroko, Eastern Highlands.

Pre-auditions began by 10.30 this morning, attracting various talents throughout Morobe's capital.

Those who made it through will now face a judge panel of four: Calextus Simeon, Mystique, Greg Aaron and Rolf Kekedo.

Talents include singing, dancing, rap/ hip hop, stand-up comedy, illusion and acting.

This heat will identify three acts from the finalists to participate in the live show, as well as the inclusion of a wild card from the judges.

Judges for the pre-auditions are Ailyn Sokot - a producer of the Yu Em Khax talent show, and Sprigga Mek.

The Shrykes Crew PNG is one of the first to have made it through; now waiting to impress judges in the main auditions.

Formed in 2008, the crew is made up of four young men, Glen Yali, Craig Yali, Kevinson Joe and Nason Tande.

Over the years, the four have entertained mostly at formal functions and have Yu Em Khax to thank for the opportunity to try out in a competition.

Glen, the crew's leader, said Lae hardly has such opportunities.

First two talents on site are two beautiful girls, no older than 10 years old.

Beverly Komnapi, 9, is of Chimbu and Sepik parentage, and Rhona Vulupindi, 8, is from West New Britain, Gulf, Central and Western Province.

They've danced before at their school, St Mary’s primary, but have decided to try out singing for the Yu Em Khax audition.

"We love singing, we sing at home every time but this will be our first tryout for a competition and we are looking forward to auditioning," they both said.