Celebrity contestants in Wagga Takes Two knew just what to do to get the crowd riled up.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It was a milestone year for Wagga Takes Two, which raised $209,121 to crack the overall million dollar mark.
The event has been running for nine years and has seen more than 100 participants grace the stage in the ultimate singing showdown.
This year, 12 celebrities were paired with 12 seasoned professionals to perform a range of hits from Taylor Swift, Ricky Martin, Nirvana, Bruno Mars, Beyonce and show tunes.
Organiser Bill Wood performed in the show in 2013 for Relay for Life and came on board as a committee member this year.
“Once you’re in it, it’s hard to let go because it brings people out of their comfort zone and it’s amazing how it pulls people together,” he said.
Mr Wood credits the success of the show each year to a wonderful production crew and dedicated performers.
“It’s a really impressive concept,” he said.
“The reason it works is the people who set it up have an idea of how a production should work.
“Not only is the production fantastic but the participants put so much effort into the fundraising.
“Something that can pump that much money into local charities is great.”
Mr Wood said the dedication to fundraising can be seen on stage when performers break out of their comfort zone to shock and entertain the audience.
The show was performed over three nights with each night being close to sold out.
Liam Hanigan was declared the winner after it was announced he raised more than $44,000 for his chosen charity, Pillars of Strength, which helps fathers who have lost a child.
Mr Hanigan is the owner of South Wagga Butchery and a self-confessed lover of the limelight.
He embraced the persona of Ricky Martin for three months to perform Livin’ La Vida Loca.
His singing partner, Rene Van Delft, thought it would be the perfect song choice for him to showcase his larrikin nature.
Audiences were treated to Mr Hanigan stripping down to sparkly underwear during the performance.
“On Monday, I’m back to being a butcher,” he said.