Miss Bermuda Rochelle Simons has made it through the first round of the talent component of Miss World 2012.It means the 22-year-old is one of a small group of contestants who will showcase their talents at the Miss World pageant in China next month.Her parents Marshall and Rosalyn Minors were elated to hear the news when contacted by The Royal Gazette.“We are both very pleased,” said Mr Minors. “I was a bit surprised because the plan was for her to read some poetry. She actually ended up singing Bob Marley’s ‘Redemption Song’.”The switch was made because poetry was not one of the talents approved in the competition, he explained.Mr Minors described his daughter as a “very talented musician who has always been a good singer but somewhat shy”.“As a musician she has played horns in school bands since primary school but she played primarily for the Salvation Army band,” he said.“When my wife went online and saw the semi-finalists, she was shocked, happy and elated all at once. We’re taking it in stride. I believe she will do well whether she places or not.“When they meet and get to know the inner Rochelle I’m sure they will all be more than pleased, but we are extremely happy about her success so far.”Contestants showcased their own “unique talents” in front of a panel of judges at Saturday’s talent competition.Those who made it through will perform in the pageant’s talent segment on August 10. The first confirmed contestants, which included Miss Bermuda, represented 24 countries from the Caribbean to Kazakhstan, Israel, Australia and Denmark.Miss Minors left Bermuda last week to begin rehearsals for the annual competition.The fashion design student is one of 120 contestants. The pageant final will be held on August 18. This year’s pageant takes place in Ordos, Inner Mongolia.The reigning Miss World due to give up her title this year is Ivian Sarcos from Venezuela.