The Shreveport Convention Center was abuzz with excitement as Caddo Parish’s young talents took the stage for the finale of the inaugural Caddo’s Rising Star competition. Families, friends, and supporters gathered to cheer on the eleven finalists who showcased their skills in a variety of performance categories.
Carla Heard, a 13-year-old performer, emerged as the winner, earning the title of Caddo’s Rising Star along with a $5,000 cash prize. Heard also received the Caddo Choice Award, a fan-voted honor that came with an additional $500 prize. “It feels absolutely surreal. This process has been amazing,” Heard expressed after her victory.
The competition, which began earlier this year, invited students aged 6 to 19 to participate in categories such as singing, dance, musical performance, acting, comedy, magic, and spoken word. Contestants advanced through auditions and qualifying rounds to earn their spot in the finale.
Gregory Young, Caddo Parish Commission President, shared his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The talent here is otherworldly, and I’m just so happy for these kids and our community. It’s a confidence builder for our community.” Celebrity judge Haley Brooke echoed similar sentiments, praising both the contestants and the event’s production.
Malachi Carraway, a 12-year-old self-taught pianist, secured second place with a $1,500 cash prize, while Adiel Allison, a sophomore at Caddo Magnet High School, finished third, receiving a $1,000 prize.
The 2026 competition marked the beginning of what parish officials hope will become an annual tradition, celebrating the artistic talents of young performers across the community.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
