Ten high school students from across the metro region have been selected as finalists for KC SuperStar 2021. The top 10 were announced in a virtual live-streamed program featuring mini-performances by all 22 semifinalists.
KC SuperStar, Kansas City’s high school singing competition a la “American Idol” and “The Voice,” is in its 12th year of recognizing the best talent in the region. KC SuperStar is produced by The J - Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City. More than 6,000 votes were cast in online voting at kcsuperstar.org to help determine one of the 10 finalists in The J’s second virtual semi-finalist event.
KC SuperStar awards a $10,000 scholarship prize to the best high school singer who is selected through the finalist competition. This year’s finals will be a hybrid event on Aug. 22 at Yardley Hall with limited in-person seating. Others will be able to attend via a live-streaming option.
“We are thrilled with our top 10 and so glad the public got to weigh in on their selection,” said Felice Azorsky, the J’s manager of donor relations and events. “KC SuperStar is so important for the kids, but as The J’s major fundraiser, it is vital to our members that rely on our services and programs especially after this pandemic year. Having the semifinals and voting online allowed us to reach thousands of people, and we were thrilled by the voting numbers.”
The 12 semifinalists who did not make the final cut didn’t go home empty handed. Thanks to the generosity of Howard and Rosalyn Jacobson, these semifinalists will each receive $100 scholarships.
Now the top 10 finalists will work with coaches to fine tune their performances for the finals. An exciting addition to this event, KC SuperStar 2011 winner Michaela Burns Weaver and her husband Kaleb Weaver are serving as this year’s music directors.
Hundreds of high school singers annually compete for the title of KC SuperStar. In addition to the top prize of the Edward and Ellen Rose $10,000 Scholarship, other singers will be awarded scholarships for: second place, $5,000; third place, $2,500; and fourth place, $1,000; all other finalists each receive $500 scholarships. Stifel is the proud presenting sponsor of KC SuperStar for the sixth year.
Proceeds from the event provide financial assistance so members can participate in The J’s many resources and vital programs. Needs have increased this year due to the pandemic. making its fundraiser more important than ever.
For more information about KC SuperStar, visit www.kcsuperstar.org or facebook.com/groups/kcsuperstar/.
KC SuperStar finalists
(Name, school district and grade as of June 2021): Abby Augustine, Blue Valley Southwest, senior; Claire Anderson*, Blue Valley North; graduated senior; Darcie Hingula**, St. Teresa’s Academy, graduated senior; Janelle Moreno, Kansas City Academy, graduated senior; Vaysia Knust*, Blue Springs South. graduated senior; Reyna Myvett, Liberty High School, senior; Bryson Kendall**, Desoto High School, graduated senior; Emma-Kate Salin, Blue Valley Southwest, junior; Kloe Wagner**, Olathe North, graduated senior; Elaine Watson**, Lee’s Summit North, graduated senior.
*Past Semifinalist
**Past Finalist
