Young star shines in New York
Lilibeth Bazuin returns to Namibia with suitcases full of trophies and medals from the USA, after she exceeded all expectations at an international talent competition in New York.In addition, the 12-year-old Lilibeth received a scholarship to attend a summer programme at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts worth U$1 000.
In the Pageant America competition, Lilibeth was awarded the Top Talent Award. This prize is awarded to the overall best talent from all participants and regardless of age group. She received this prize for her dramatic monologue.
She was also named Junior Miss Pageant America in the age group 10 - 12 years. Although contestants entered from all over the world, Lilibeth was the only Namibian to take part in the Pageant America competition which took place on 26 June in New York.
"It's an incredible experience. Everything in America is so big, it feels like I'm walking around in a movie. It was a big moment when they read my name. I'm grateful for the opportunity I had to represent Namibia," Lilibeth said after this competition.
Lilibeth excelled in the Talent America competition where she won several awards for the age group 12 - 14 years. Amongst others, she won first places in the categories for formal modelling and public speaking and was named the Entertainer of the Year 2025.
Lilibeth's parents, Tiaan and Coline Bazuin, said they had hoped Lilibeth would bring home one medal for Namibia. "We are simply overwhelmed. She exceeded our wildest expectations. We have no words to describe how incredibly proud we are of her and her hard work and perseverance."
Lilibeth participated in Talent Namibia in October 2023 and won gold medals in various sections of the competition. She was also named the Junior Ambassador of Talent Namibia. This allowed her to enter both Pageant America and Talent America.
Talent Namibia shared on their Facebook page that they are very proud of Lilibeth's achievements. “Stay humble and kind, stay the lovely, sophisticated young lady you are and continue to inspire us all with your talent and dedication. Keep shining and reach for the stars!” the post reads.
The Talent America competition took place from 28 to 30 June. Three other Namibians took part in this competition together with Lilibeth, namely Salukazi Akwaake, Vanessa Venter and DJ de Greeff.
Amongst others, DJ won the category for male modelling (ages 15 to 17) and was named the top male model for the year 2024.
Vanessa won three first places for singing/songwriting, as well as the Variety Open category.
"Thank you to everyone who prayed for us. Namibia has done very well. I am very proud of my country [...],” Vanessa shared on her Facebook page. – [email protected]