Ten-year-old Michelle Acquila Ohene has been crowned the winner of Watford Young Achievers Got Talent 2026.
Michelle won the competition after performing ‘Rise Up’ at the Grand Final and Awards Ceremony at Future Academies, Garston on September 12.
The event on Horseshoe Lane brought together young achievers, families, community leaders, dignitaries, judges, sponsors, performers and supporters following a showcase at the Watford Community Family Funday Festival in August.
Pastor Humphrey David, Senior Pastor of KEL Gospel Ministries International HQ and co-convener of the initiative, said: “We are immensely proud of every young person who stepped forward to share their talent and creativity.
“This initiative is not only about winning – it is about building confidence, recognising potential and creating opportunities for the next generation to shine.”
Saanvi Agarwal took second place for her singing and dance performance, while Nkemjika Destiny Ezeifidi finished third for dance and received an iPad.
Other finalists included Sarah Salahuddin Rayann, who performed Martial Arts Kata, and singer Aryahi Kandukuri.
Awards also recognised achievements across music, dance, art, innovation, community awareness and sport, with winners including Jedidiah, Leonnie Amaglo, Niamh Lilly-Grace Mensah-Moroney, Shawn and Chloe Oke, Jeremiah, Anna-Joy Adams, Pia Roy, Arla Johnson and Zani.
Armeen Faiza received the People’s Choice Award, while Ngorli Football won the football tournament.
Most contestants received AirPods and school bags from Mamiluv Accessories, alongside Argos vouchers provided by KEL Gospel Ministries International HQ.
The ceremony also celebrated community figures and organisations, with awards presented to Peter Taylor, elected Mayor of Watford, Cllr Dawn Allen-Williamson, the former first black chairwoman of Watford Borough Council (WBC), and Councillor Favour Ezeifedi, the former first Nigerian Chairwoman of WBC, Cllr Glen Saffery, Excellence Community Champion, Georgy Laird, Ket Mistry of Soccer Shooters, Afrinity TV, Stephen Danzig, Pastor Dr Sandra Foster and Vibe 107.6 FM.
Michelle received her overall winner award from Mayor Peter Taylor, Annie Brewster JP, Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, and a representative of His Excellency Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United Kingdom.
The organisers thanked WBC, Fosters Legal Solicitors, A1 Taxis, One Vision, Woodside Ward councillors, judges, volunteers, parents, performers, sponsors and community partners.
While the results have been unveiled for this year’s competition, planning is already underway for the 2027 event.
Feature Image: Watford Young Achievers Got Talent 2026
Thank you for a great story about the event very informative and inspiring