Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer

Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Sikeston native Anna Catherine DeHart dazzled a sold-out crowd at the Tinnin Center in Poplar Bluff on Saturday, June 1, walking away with the $1,000 grand prize as “Show Me Whatcha Got” wrapped up a second star-studded season.

DeHart battled her way out of the Final Twelve with her cover of “Good Girl” by Carrie Underwood, landing her in the Top Two alongside Lontonio Mathis, who performed a mashup of “Gonna Be Okay” by Chris Renee and Diddy’s “Coming Home.” For the final round, DeHart performed “So Small” by Carrie Underwood, wooing the audience vote to secure her victory.

"I hadn’t seen the show last year, so I had no idea what to expect,” said DeHart. “I was surprised at how organized and professional of a production it is. This community has a great competition going, and I’m proud I get to represent it!"

The finale show also featured the return of Season 1 winner Tanisha Jones, who performed “Brokenhearted” by Karmin and “Listen” by Beyonce between the Final Twelve and Top Two rounds. Local vocalist Rebekah Northern opened the finale with a short pre-show set. Zach McAnulty also returned from Season 1, reprising his role as show host.

“I think we had a fantastic finale show, between the great turn-out and the incredible talent,” said Mitch Davis, the show’s creator and a member of its judging panel. “Anna Catherine performed like there was no tomorrow. It was a great competition, and we’re looking forwards to seeing where her career takes her.”

DeHart is currently studying Music Business at Belmont University in Nashville, where she is also pursuing a career as a singer/songwriter. In addition to the $1,000 grand prize, she also will receive a recording package with the Walker Brothers Studio in Bernie, MO. She plans to use her winnings to help produce her first album.

Mathis, a Poplar Bluff native and recent graduate of PBHS, also received a recording package as a second place prize. He will attend Three Rivers College in the fall.

“I think this season’s show was a huge success,” said Tabitha Pierce, who reprised her role as a member of the judging panel from Season 1. “I think we found a wonderful star in Anna Catherine, and we also got to see how much Tanisha Jones has grown as a performer since Season 1. The finale was just a special night for our show.”

"With Season 2 of Show Me Whatcha Got being my first year on board, I feel like I have almost been spoiled due to the productiveness of the show,” said Leeza Edmundson, one of the two new additions to the show’s judging panel. “We are extremely fortunate to have a crew that works diligently until the job is done and it paid off on June 1. I'm obsessed with broadening the coverage of Show Me Whatcha Got and cannot wait for Season 3!"

"I didn't know it was possible to have more fun at a show than I had during Season 1, but this year has been much better by leaps and bounds,” said Zach McAnulty, the show’s host. “The people that were on staff and the contestants were phenomenal and I count it a blessing to be a part of it. I can't wait for next season!"

All twelve finalists were survivors of the six-month-long audition process that began in early January. Over 100 contestants submitted audition tapes, with less than half moving on to the first round of live auditions in April. The Final Twelve were selected by the show’s four-judge panel, based off of performances in the live auditions and a closed-door Challenge Round. To view exclusive videos, photos, and interviews with the finalists of Show Me Whatcha Got Season 2, as well as information on next year’s Season 3, visit facebook.com/showmewhatchagot.

Shown in the picture are Adam Davis, Tabith Pierce, Anna Catherine DeHart, Mitch Davis, Leeza Edmundson, and Zach McAnulty.