The Alaskan cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Star held a “Star Seekers” talent show for passengers. Out of over 40 adults and “juniors” auditioning, only 14 were chosen to be contestants for the show. In the largest and main lounge on this 2,250+ passenger ship, it was standing room only as the 14 performed.
While there was only one adult and one junior winner, the only one to “bring down the house” and receive an overwhelming standing ovation was Hollister resident Jordan Gurko.
Jordan is 13-years-old, and just graduated from Rancho San Justo Middle School.
He had the entire audience clapping to his rendition of Deep Purple’s rock-and-roll classic, “Smoke on the Water.”
While his voice won him the audition, it was his stage presence that helped bring home his trophy (the FIRST ever awarded to a “junior” on the NCL), as well as a chance to win an opportunity to perform as some of the ship’s onboard entertainment on a future (free) cruise!
Jordan’s previous experience includes one year of chorus at Rancho, as well as a lead role as Charlie Bucket in the Hollister Children’s Rainbow Theater production of Willy Wonka.
