Before a packed audience in the Lewis and Shirley White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center, 10 area high school singers were chosen as finalists for the KC SuperStar 2023 singing competition. These teens will go on to compete in the finals at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27, in Yardley Hall at Johnson County Community College.
Now in its 14th year, KC SuperStar is Kansas City’s premiere high school singing competition in the style of “American Idol” or “The Voice.” KC SuperStar is produced by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City (The J).
The finalists come from nine different schools in the metro and will work with professional coaches over the summer to prepare for their performance in August. Five of this year’s KC SuperStar finalists have been past semifinalists, and three of the finalists are competing in the finals for the second time.
“It was an exciting night, filled with talented singers that gave their all,” said Tammy Ruder, KC SuperStar producer and director, about the semifinals. “Seeing these kids share their talents in front of a full house was inspiring. The judges had a difficult time choosing just 10 to move on. Now it is time for us to get to work and prepare for the finals.”
Heidi Gardner, TV and film star and Kansas City native, will be the celebrity host and performer for KC Superstar’s Finals. Gardner is a cast member on “Saturday Night Live.” Former television anchor Abby Eden will emcee the evening.
A panel of judges from the entertainment industry will narrow the field down to four contestants with the audience making the final decision.
“The finalists will knock your socks off with their outstanding musical talent,” said Lisa and Ken Schifman, KC SuperStar co-chairs. “We hope you'll join us as SNL comedian Heidi Gardner brings her lively brand of humor to this year's event.”
KC SuperStar 2023 awards over $22,000 in scholarships to the top 10 singers. The ultimate winner of KC SuperStar will receive a $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 receive financial scholarships.
KC SuperStar is The J’s annual fundraiser. Proceeds from KC SuperStar, its largest event of the year, have provided resources for individuals and families in our community providing transportation, meals, education, camp, and wellness programs. The J will continue to share a portion of KC SuperStar proceeds with the Reat Griffin Underwood Rising Stars Fund. Thanks to the community’s generosity, The J has been able to provide $550,000 in financial aid in 2022.
Sponsorships are available to support KC SuperStar. More information about KC SuperStar is available at kcsuperstar.org and facebook.com/groups/kcsuperstar.
KC SuperStar 2023 Semifinalists:
Faryn Clevenger (Shawnee Mission West junior)
Brianna Frohning (Olathe East High School sophomore)
Jenna Holland (Oak Park High School junior, past semifinalist)
Alexyus Johnson (Oak Park High School graduated senior, past finalist)
Dylan Markey (The Barstow School junior, past semifinalist)
Janelle Marshall (Blue Springs High School sophomore)
Brett Oplotnik (Blue Valley Northwest graduated senior, past finalist)
Daysia Reneau (Leavenworth Senior High School graduated senior)
Robin Robles (Christ Preparatory Academy graduated senior)
Emma-Kate Salin (Blue Valley Southwest graduated senior, past finalist)
