Five Covington County residents are working hard to bring home the top prize for the Alabama Talent Hunt for a second straight year.

Last year, Andalusia Middle School student Christian Wossilek won it all at the talent hunt and has since recorded songs for Paramount Studios. Wossilek was also offered a spot on the hit television show, “The X Factor,” in the months following his talent hunt victory.

In only its third year, the Alabama Talent Hunt has seen its fair share of Covington County talent, including Straughn High School student Hunter Linzy; nine-year-old Marion Bradley and 13-year-old Zariah Talbot, cousins who both attend Pleasant Home School; Opp student J.C. Adams; and Covington County resident Ethan King, all of whom have made it to this year’s regional level of competition.

Singers competing in the talent hunt must be from Alabama and must be solo artists. No bands or singing groups are allowed.

The competition is currently being held in Mobile, where all five contestants have made it to the second round of the regional level. State semi-final and final levels remain ahead for contestants.

The next round of competition will be held Sat., March 15, at the University of Mobile’s Moorer Hall; however the five phenoms can be seen this weekend, performing Friday night at the Hilltop restaurant in Gantt. Performances will begin at 6 p.m. and are free to restaurant patrons, although tips will be accepted to help defer the cost of travel and other expenses related to the competition.