The seven finalists in the first West Virginia University at Parkersburg Got Talent contest were, from left, Olivia Kinder, Austin Grimmett, Ryan Manley, Tyler Barnhart, Brandi Bush, Tim Bales and Eliza Lawrentz. Winning the competition was Bales with his rendition of two original songs. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — A drafting student is the first winner of the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Got Talent competition.

Tim Bales, a student in the Associate of Applied Science in Drafting program, sang original songs and played the guitar as he bested the competition in the grand finale. He wrote “Tape Deck Apology” and “Allies” about his long-distance best friend and brother, respectively.

“I’ve always found that people are my biggest source of inspiration,” Bales said. “Powerful and moving stories, rare experiences, thought-provoking conversation – these are the things that make me want to write.”

He sang both songs in the preliminary round of the competition and in the grand finale.

More than 20 students, faculty, staff and alumni auditioned; they sang, wrote songs, solved puzzles and played instruments for entering the inaugural competition.

Seven finalists performed at the Got Talent grand finale. Each finalist had to audition, compete and win one of three preliminary rounds of competition by receiving the judges’ or people’s choice vote to make it to the finale.

The seven finalists were Bales, Tyler Barnhart, Brandi Bush, Olivia Kinder, Eliza Lawrentz, Austin Grimmett and Ryan Manley.

David Traugh, of Parkersburg, an Emmy award-winning film and television composer, served as guest judge during the finale. Traugh is best known for his work on the music of “Wild Things” and “King of Queens.”

“We are thrilled with the response to this event from our campus community,” Samantha Suggs, Student Activities coordinator, said. “It has been wonderful to see so many young and talented people in the spotlight and we cannot wait for next year’s competition.”

Bales received an overnight stay at the Blennerhassett Hotel in Parkersburg, a $100 spending card to the hotel restaurant and a free tour with the hotel historian.

“I am still surprised that I won. I judge my art very harshly; it’s a habit a lot of musicians and artists fall into,” Bales said. “I was absolutely ready to cheer for whoever was about to win because I definitely didn’t think I would. I am very flattered and grateful for the support from the community. To be chosen as the first WVUP’s Got Talent winner using my original music is really moving.”

To watch the WVUP’s Got Talent preliminary rounds of competition and the grand finale, go to wvup.edu/talent.