Woodstock brothers welcomed back from Canada’s Got Talent experience with parade and reception
The Martin Boys were given the VIP treatment as they arrived home from Ontario after capturing second place in Citytv’s Canada’s Got Talent (CGT).
The cross-country talent show awards the top act $1 million from Rogers in an elimination-style format that leaves the final decision up to Canadian voters.
At noon on Friday, May 16, a long line of cars, emergency vehicles, and honking trucks formed a parade, with The Martin Boys and their parents, Krista and Michael, at the front of the line. The vehicles made their way along Connell Street, where dozens of people lined the sidewalks in different areas, waving and cheering. When Macauley and Micah got to the Woodstock Elks Club’s ‘red carpet,’ they were met with more people, including New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, who were waiting to congratulate them.
(Theresa Blackburn photo)
Premier Holt said she watched their performances and continues to be impressed by their talent.
“It was nerve-wracking (watching the finale). I was at home on the edge of my seat with a lot of pride. I thought they were, hands down, the best because they create their own stuff, and they do it so authentically, and I think all Canadians can relate. I can’t wait to see where they go from here,” said Holt. “I’m also excited for the province to support the export of this talent around the world.”
The Martin Boys were all smiles during their homecoming.
“This wasn’t expected, but this is amazing,” said Micah, beaming.
“I’ve been speechless since we started driving through town,” said Macauley, grinning ear to ear.
On Tuesday, May 13, The Martin Boys opened the show’s season four finale, once again performing an original song. Burn the Boats was part of an EP the brothers from Red Bridge released on the same day. Their performance garnered a standing ovation. The duo performed original music in each competition round over the last three months, which impressed high-profile judges Shania Twain and Howie Mandel.
Before announcing the winner, CGT judges noted that this was the most-voted-upon finale in CGT history, with a record number of people logging on to vote for their favourite act. Ultimately, it came down to the Martin Boys and Newfoundland’s Jacob Lewis, who garnered the most votes.
“Even though we didn’t take home the million-dollar grand prize, we feel like we still won over the hearts of thousands of fellow Canadians,” said Macauley when the River Valley Sun reached them in Niagara Falls the morning after the show.
Macauley and Micah say they are proud of everything they accomplished during their time on CGT and say their time on the show gave them a chance for more people to hear their music.
“Second place ain’t too bad,” said Micah.
The country duo is excited to see what the future has in store for them.
“We hope everyone continues to stream all of our music, and we hope to be able to continue to ride this wave that we’re currently on,” said Macauley.
The Martin Boys impressed not only judges but also music industry professionals. After their first appearance on CGT, the Woodstock country duo was asked to perform at the Calgary Stampede, where they’ll take to the Coca-Cola stage on Sunday, July 13.
– With files from Paige Morgan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
