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YORKTON – It was standing room only on Saturday night for the GX94 Star Search finals held at the grandstands of the Yorkton Exhibition grounds.

Eight finalists performed and competed for a shot at becoming the 2022 Star Search Champion.

In the end it was the Opaskwayak Cree Nation's Zack Richards who would earn the vote from the judges with his renditions of 'Tennessee Whiskey' by Chris Stapleton and 'Let Me Down Easy' by Billy Currington.  

Yorkton This Week spoke with Richards after the announcement.

Richards said he was struggling to find the words to describe how he was feeling.

"Star Search has been something I've wanted to conquer for quite some time now," said Richards, adding, "this year, having the support from my girlfriend was so key in being able to be here and compete."

Richards said he would like to build off his success at Star Search.

"I'd like to solidify myself as an actual recording artist and try to build off of this momentum that I have from winning," said Richards.

When asked if he'd like to thank anyone, Richards said, "I'd like to thank my mom and dad."