The KC SuperStar semifinals will take place on Thursday, June 4, at 7 p.m. at The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre, located at The J (5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park, KS 66211). Admission to the event is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring donations of adhesive bandage boxes to support J Cares, a volunteer service initiative connected to the JCC Maccabi Games.
Now in its 17th year, KC SuperStar is Kansas City’s premier high school singing competition, showcasing top vocal talent from across the metro area. After a competitive audition process that drew students from 57 area high schools, 21 semifinalists remain to compete in this round. The event supports emerging talent while fostering meaningful connections between young performers and the Kansas City community.
“KC SuperStar is more than a competition; it is a chance to invest in young talent and support meaningful community impact,” said Bailey Nakelsky, chief philanthropy officer of The J. “The event gives the community the opportunity to hear from incredible talent while helping generate more than $1 million in philanthropic support for The J. These funds support critical needs at The J, providing scholarships and lowering barriers to childcare and senior activities, engaging programming and communal life.”
For the first time, the KC SuperStar planning committee will host a reception prior to the semifinals, inviting prospective donors to attend a meet-and-greet. The event will feature a wine and cheese reception, an overview of what to expect at KC SuperStar in August, and information about the program’s fundraising efforts. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn how to become future donors. For more information, contact Bailey Nakelsky at (913) 981-8896 or .
The 21 participants will perform in KC SuperStar semifinals. They are Aashrita Kambhampat (Overland Park), Addy Gardner (Lee’s Summit, Missouri), Ava DeAngelo (Lenexa, Kansas), Brenda Benitez (Overland Park), Cameron James Ritchie (Kansas City, Missouri), Chace Curtis (Liberty, Missouri), Corbin Newberry (Kansas City, Missouri), Desmond Walker III (Independence, Missouri), Emily Colbert (Blue Springs, Missouri), Jada Strother (Kansas City, Missouri), Jaxon Hendrix (Lenexa), Jocelyn Salter (Overland Park), Jordan Naseem (Kansas City, Missouri), Karen Jallad (Overland Park), Kiera Basel (Shawnee, Kansas), Matthew Brun (Overland Park), Miles McKinzy (Overland Park), Molly Sheeley (Kansas City, Missouri), Sabine Federlein (Kansas City, Missouri), Sutton Claycamp (Overland Park) and Teagan Sullivan (Roeland Park, Kansas).
From these semifinalists, the judges will select the top 10 performers who will advance to the KC SuperStar Finals on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m. Contestants are competing for a $15,000 scholarship, with more than $30,000 in total scholarships awarded to the top 10 finalists. Over the years, hundreds of teen singers from across the region have participated in KC SuperStar, and several have gone on to perform professionally.
This year’s panel of judges, Abby Parra, Anthony Fortino and Christian Owen, all have deep ties to the competition as past KC SuperStar finalists. Parra was a 2013 finalist and is the lead vocalist for local indie folk band The Canterberries; Fortino was a 2010 finalist and is a professional actor and singer who has performed across the country; and Owen was a 2011 finalist and continues to stay involved in the performing arts.
Rich Linden, a Kansas City DJ and entertainer, will emcee the KC SuperStar semifinals for the third time. Linden has more than 25 years of experience across radio, television, film, music, theater and dance, engaging audiences at events around the world. A professional DJ and emcee since 1998, he has performed for more than one million people and is known for creating inclusive, high-energy environments. In addition, he has worked as a public address announcer and event producer for major organizations including the NCAA, Kansas City Royals and NASCAR.
“I could not be more honored and excited to emcee KC SuperStar this year,” Linden said. “Kansas City is a hub for incredible talent, and KC SuperStar showcases the very best of it. This event brings the community together from across the metro for an evening of unforgettable performances and a chance to see future recording artists, Broadway performers and Hollywood stars before they make it big.”
As The J’s major fundraising event, KC SuperStar also helps provide financial assistance for community members to access programs and services, with a portion of funds supporting The Reat Griffin Underwood Rising Stars Fund for youth performing arts education.
Serving as co-chairs this year are J members and community volunteers Alana Muller and Marc Hammer.
For more information about the competition, visit kcsuperstar.org or contact Tammy Ruder at (913) 981-8878 or .
Sponsorship opportunities are available; more information is available at kcsuperstar.org or by contacting Ben Coate at or (913) 981-8895.
