BARBADOS stole the spotlight in the ENCORE (Entertainment Now Creates Opportunities Rewarding Excellence) Talent and Model Search final at Sandals Whitehouse in Westmoreland on Saturday.

The contest, which is open to employees of Sandals/ATL Group, saw 45 entrants from seven Caribbean countries.

Barbadan singer Patricia Callender and her male counterpart Dario Piggot, who both did renditions of Whitney Houston songs, won over the audience and judges to capture Best Female and Male Vocalist awards, respectively.

Callender oozed confidence as she moved across the floor and belted out Saving All My Love For You. A more reserved Piggot demonstrated his range on I Will Always Love You.

Another Barbadian, Emmanuel Tyson, entered the winning column for Top Male Model.

Jamaican Andrew Smith walked away with the National Costume Award, while his compatriot, Nicola Cooper, was adjudged Top Female Model.

During the penultimate round at Beaches Negril on Friday, the contestants were no match for Jamaican Tyron Barnett in the Champion Dancer category.

Grenadian Gary Roberts blew up a storm with his trumpet to be named Best Instrumentalist, while Jamaican Tricia Gaye Smith received the Spoken Word award.

At Saturday’s presentation, Joel Ryan, Sandals group manager of entertainment, said he was encouraged by the performances.

ENCORE is the brainchild of former Sandals Group Creative Director Weston Haughton. It is a platform for employees of the ATL Group to display their talents.