Auditions will soon begin for The J’s 2024 KC SuperStar competition fundraiser.
KC SuperStar, an “American Idol”-style high school singing competition and The J’s largest annual fundraiser, will hold its preliminary auditions in early March. Participants in KC SuperStar compete for a chance to compete for a $10,000 scholarship.
KC SuperStar auditions will be held on Sunday, March 3, from 1 to 4 p.m., and Thursday, March 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. at The J (5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park, KS 66211).
Interested high school students are encouraged to register for an audition time on either Sunday or Thursday, but walk-ins are welcome. Students auditioning should prepare one song of their choice to sing a cappella. Students should register at kcsuperstar.org and will then receive their audition date and time.
The J encourages high school singers across the metro area from all backgrounds and representing the full spectrum of musical genres to audition for KC SuperStar.
Judges for the preliminary auditions are Tammy Ruder, KC SuperStar producer and director; vocal coach Lisa Burns; multi-genre vocalist Kristen Satterwhite; and singer/songwriter Byron Hyde, a past KC SuperStar finalist.
“We are thrilled to announce auditions for the 15th year of KC SuperStar,” Ruder said. “We encourage anyone who enjoys singing to audition — we provide vocal coaching and more to our participants. Each year, we watch incredible growth from the first audition to the last performance at KC SuperStar finals, and it’s always impossible to guess who our winner will be.”
Those selected from the preliminary auditions will perform in semifinals on Thursday, June 6, in The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre at The J. KC SuperStar finals will be held on Sunday, Aug. 25, in Yardley Hall at Johnson County Community College.
Over the years, hundreds of teen singers from across the region have participated in KC SuperStar, and several competitors have continued to perform professionally. KC SuperStar provides over $22,000 in scholarships to 10 finalists. In addition to a $10,000 scholarship for the winner, other singers will be awarded scholarships, including $5,000 for second place, $2,500 for third place, $1,000 for fourth place and $500 each for all other finalists.
As The J’s major fundraising event, KC SuperStar provides financial assistance to members so they can participate in its many services such as the Child Development Center, J Camp, health and fitness, the arts and meals and transportation for The J’s Heritage, Lifelong Learning for Adults 55+. A portion of funds raised goes to The Reat Griffin Underwood Rising Stars Fund supporting performing arts education and training programs for youth ages 14-21.
KC SuperStar’s 2024 co-chairs are J members and community volunteers David and Carol Porter.
More information about KC SuperStar is available at kcsuperstar.org or facebook.com/kcsuperstar.
