Aniya Henson, a senior at Fort Osage High School, won the title of 2020 KC SuperStar in a virtual finals’ show. Aniya had been a past KC SuperStar semifinalist in 2019. As the 2020 KC SuperStar, Aniya receives the Edward and Ellen Rose $10,000 scholarship.
In a production that rivaled television’s popular show “The Voice,” KC SuperStar finalists sang their hearts out before donors cast the deciding votes in this annual premiere high school singing competition. KC SuperStar is produced by The Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City to showcase talent from the region. It is The J’s major fundraiser, this year raising $1 million to be used for member scholarships, supporting J programming and supporting The J’s Staff & Sustainability Fund.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, The J creatively pivoted switching from its traditional sold in-person evening of entertainment to a virtual program that didn’t miss a beat. The J’s leadership determined it was important to continue KC SuperStar — in its 11th season — allowing these artistic high schoolers a venue to still perform. Following safety protocols, each KC SuperStar finalist recorded their song at a local professional sound studio. Through the magic of technology, the Top 10 performed a musical number together, as well.
A three-judge panel of music professionals provided 60% of the performers’ scores while the donor vote made up the remainder of the calculation. Once the tabulations were in, the top winners were revealed in a real-time Zoom meeting so the audience could enjoy their reactions live.
In addition to Aniya being named KC SuperStar, the second-place winner of a $5,000 scholarship was Emma Mathieson, a graduate of Shawnee Mission West and a past finalist. The third place $2,500 scholarship winner was Olathe North senior Kloe Wagner. Shawnee Mission East graduate Lucy Brock won fourth place and a $1,000 scholarship.
The remaining finalists each received a $500 scholarship, including Sydney Edie, Blue Springs High School graduate; Annie Harsch, Summit Christian Academy senior; Darcie Hingula, St. Teresa’s Academy senior; Bryson Kendall, Desoto High School graduate; Alexa Morgan, Shawnee Mission South graduate; and Elaine Watson, Lee’s Summit North senior.
“We were thrilled to be able to make KC SuperStar happen this year, not only for the performers who had most of their arts programs cancelled, but of course for the entire community,” said Jim Sluyter, The J’s president and CEO. “The COVID-19 pandemic has hit The J very hard financially, and we have placed a high priority on not cutting back the programs and services we offer to the community due to our financial constraints. In addition, we are seeing a significant increase in the financial assistance needed by members and participants as people’s livelihoods have been challenged during this time.”
Hundreds from the metro area originally auditioned for the KC SuperStar competition in March before the pandemic lockdown. Semifinalists were chosen and participated in an online program with a different group of judges selecting the Top Ten. KC SuperStar 2021 will have auditions next spring.
