MUHC’s Got Talent is brimming with hope for the future of health care

Modelled after the hit TV show, the event has gained traction in the Montreal community, regularly featuring celebrity judges. This year, MUHC’s Got Talent is welcoming local icons Isabelle Racicot, Nick Farkas, and Laura Casella, each dedicated to advancing health care in Quebec.

Isabelle Racicot is known for her work as a television and radio host, including the popular podcast Seat at the Table. “As a proud Montrealer, I’m honoured to be sitting in the judge’s seat for this year’s MUHC’s Got Talent. This community-oriented event is an inspiring and impactful way to support the exceptional work being done at the MUHC,” she explains.

Nick Farkas, Senior Vice President of Concerts and Events at Evenko, is a driving force in Montreal’s music scene. Responsible for booking over 1,200 shows a year and overseeing iconic festivals like Osheaga and Heavy Montreal, Nick sees MUHC’s Got Talent as a perfect way to support both local talent and local health care.

“When I heard about the chance to be a judge for MUHC’s Got Talent, I couldn’t pass it up. I’ve built my career around uplifting local talent, and the added bonus of supporting lifesaving health care in our community made it an easy decision,” shares Farkas.

Laura Casella, host of Global News Morning and The Weekend Breakfast on The Beat 92.5, is another key judge this year. A proud Italian-Canadian from Saint-Leonard, she’s motivated to make a meaningful difference in her community, and to help build a brighter future for her children Ella and Gia.

“I’m so excited to be part of this year’s MUHC’s Got Talent, and I know my entire family will be cheering these brave health care workers on. There’s a lot of buzz—people see that it’s a really unique and exciting way to inspire change in our community,” shares Casella.

This year’s performance line-up reflects the impressive versatility of the MUHC’s health care workers. From Nashville-influenced line-dancing moves to a Buenos Aires-inspired tango, MUHC’s Got Talent 2024 promises to take the audience on a journey around the world—all in support of world-class research and patient care at home.

Take Hélène V. Gagnon, co-chair of Dream Big: Lachine Hospital Foundation. After a trip to Buenos Aires, Hélène fell in love with the sound of the accordion. Partnering with MUHC co-director Myriam Ménard, the duo will perform the beloved French classic “La Vie en Rose,” all in support of bringing world-class care to Lachine Hospital.

“What better way to raise funds for Lachine Hospital – a community hospital – than through a grassroots event like MUHC’s Got Talent? We’re thrilled to be a part of it, to share in the fun with our inspiring community of changemakers, and to help strengthen health care in Lachine,” shares Gagnon.

At the Montreal Chest Institute, a trip to Nashville inspired a group of colleagues to form The Lung Dancers. With the help of professional line-dancers from LASSO Montreal, they’re ready to dazzle with their do-si-do skills, raising funds for breath-giving respiratory care and research at the MUHC.

Then there’s Carole Gilman, whose personal story is especially touching, and highlights the power of giving back. Many years ago, she donated a kidney to her husband, giving another chance at life. This year, she’ll be performing a passionate tango and raising money for the MUHC’s Transplant Program.