Over the years, the Talent Show became one of the main attractions of the Silvio Santos Program . Check out where the show’s judges are now.
In its first version, shown between 1977 and 1996, participants received scores from 0 to 10 for their respective performances on stage in front of a panel of judges. The cast was mostly composed of aspiring singers, amateur dancers and drag queens.
Initially, the competition had a jury of experts, such as conductor Zé Fernandes, singer Claudia Barroso and composer Alfredo Borba. From 1981 onwards, the team underwent some changes, and names such as Nelson Rubens , Peter of Lara , Wagner Montes , Sonia Lima , Mara Wonder , Elke Wonder and Sergio Malandro gained prominence in the mission.
Peter of Lara
Actor and comedian Pedro de Lara (1925-2007) was one of the most iconic judges on the show hosted by Silvio Santos. With a grumpy personality, the artist left his mark on the show’s history.
In the 1980s, after leaving Show de Calouros, Pedro also participated in the show with the clown Bozo and was part of the cast of several pornochanchada productions. The actor died in September 2007, a victim of prostate cancer, at the age of 82, leaving behind a widow, Mag de Lara, and four children.
Nelson Rubens
Known for his catchphrases “ok, ok” and “I increase, but I don’t invent”, Nelson Rubens, 86, has hosted the TV Fama program on RedeTV! since 2001. On air, he follows the entire world of celebrities and famous people, with interviews and snapshots.
Elke Wonder
With a charismatic personality, actress and model Elke Maravilha (1945-2016) became famous on TV after working with Chacrinha for 14 years. Later, she also appeared on Silvio’s show, always wearing wigs and flashy clothes. Elke died in 2016, at the age of 71, in Rio de Janeiro, after being hospitalized to treat an ulcer.
Mara Wonder
Singer and presenter Mara Maravilha, 56, caught Silvio Santos’ attention in the 1980s, making her debut on national television in programs aimed at children and being part of the jury of Show de Calouros for three years.
Today, the artist is in a new cycle of her career, with emphasis on her partnership with Rede Gospel de Televisão, where she presents Programa da Maravilha.
Sonia Lima
The actress, presenter and former singer began her career on the big screen as a “telegirl” on Show de Calouros in the early 1980s. Two years later, she became a permanent member of the show’s jury. At the station, Sônia met her ex-husband, Wagner Montes (1954-2019), who also participated in the program.
After the show, Lima also appeared in soap operas on TV Globo, such as “Malhação” (2005) and “Haja Coração” (2016). Today, at 64 years old, she has made some appearances on Programa do Ratinho and shares moments of her routine with the almost 400 thousand followers who follow her on Instagram.
Wagner Montes
In 1979, Wagner made his debut on Rádio Tupi and soon moved to TV. In total, he worked for 17 years at Silvio Santos’ station. During this period, he also met actress Sônia Lima and, from their marriage, they had Diego Montez, born in 1989.
In 2006, Montes was elected state deputy in Rio de Janeiro with a significant number of votes. The presenter and parliamentarian died at the age of 64 in 2019, after spending two months in hospital for treatment of a urinary tract infection. The cause of death was septic shock and abdominal sepsis.
Sergio Mallandro
With a career spanning just over four decades, Sérgio Mallandro, 68, also has a stint on the Talent Show. In addition to film and TV, the artist has also made a name for himself in the music industry, with classics such as “Vem Fazer Glu-Glu”.
Today, he is living a new phase, hosting the podcast “Papagaio Falante” on YouTube, while also performing stand-up in Brazilian theaters.
New version of the Talent Show
This year, Patrícia Abravanel, daughter of Silvio Santos, brought the show back to the channel’s programming schedule.
In an updated format, the attraction also presented a new team of judges, formed by celebrities such as drag queen Aretuza Lovi, actor and singer Moacyr Franco, actress and former A Fazenda Aline Mineiro, former volleyball player Márcia Fu, medium Márcia Sensitiva and comedian Victor Sarro.
Silvio Santos invented formats and frames during 60 years on air
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m Robert Neff, a professional writer and editor. I specialize in the entertainment section, providing up-to-date coverage on the latest developments in film, television and music. My work has been featured on World Stock Market and other prominent publications.
