Twenty-three high school singers* have been chosen as semifinalists for KC SuperStar, high school singing competition and fundraiser for The J.
Contestants are vying for a prize of a $10,000 scholarship.
The KC SuperStar semifinals will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, in The Lewis and Shirley White Theatre at The J, (5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park, KS 66211). The public is invited to attend this free event.
“Our judges are always awed by the amount of young talent there is in Kansas City,” said Tammy Ruder, KC SuperStar producer. “It is exciting to see these brave and talented teenagers audition and show such confidence. It is always difficult to narrow them down. Now it is up to the 23 semifinalists to make the most of the opportunity and become one of the top 10.”
The semifinalists come from across the metro area. They will be rehearsing with professional coaches in preparation for their performances at the June 6 semifinals.
Those who plan to attend the semifinals are asked to bring a donation of packaged crackers or cereal that will be given to Jewish Family Services (JFS) Food Pantry.
Now in its 15th year, the “American Idol”-style singing competition is produced by The J and is the organization’s largest fundraiser. Rich Linden, a Kansas City DJ and entertainer, is the emcee for semifinals. A panel of judges from the entertainment industry will choose the top 10 singers to move forward to the KC SuperStar finals on Sunday, Aug. 25 in Yardley Hall at Johnson County Community College.
Saturday Night Live star Chloe Fineman will be the celebrity host and performer at this year’s final event. Fineman is known for her impressions of stars such as Drew Barrymore, Britney Spears and Nicole Kidman. She has also appeared in several films and TV shows on various streaming platforms.
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 the Top 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, as well as 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, which supports performing arts education and training programs for youth ages 14 to 21. Sponsorship opportunities are available; more information is available at thejkc.org/forms/support-the-j-s-annual-fundraiser-kc-superstar.
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.
KC SuperStar Semifinalists
- Aubree Smith – Lenexa,Kansas
- Bennett Chapman – Liberty, Missouri
- Brianna Frohning – Overland Park, Kansas *past finalist
- Brynley Salts – Olathe, Kansas
- Cameron Hargrove – Overland Park, Kansas
- Corbin Newberry – Kansas City, Missouri
- Desmond Walker III – Kansas City, Missouri
- Faryn Clevenger – Lenexa, Kansas *past finalist
- Genevieve Anderson – Olathe, Kansas
- Janelle Marshall – Blue Springs, Missouri * past finalist
- Jenna Holland – Kansas City, Missouri * past finalist
- Juliana Bowles – Olathe, Kansas
- Kendall Ficken – Olathe, Kansas
- Leah Abai – Lenexa, Kansas (Olathe)
- Lizzie Salin – Overland Park, Kansas
- Magdalena Nguyen – Overland Park, Kansas
- Mattie Henley – Overland Park, Kansas
- Mia Cabrera – Overland Park, Kansas
- Rayna Key – Gladstone, Missouri
- Rebecca Schmidt – Overland Park, Kansas *past semifinalist
- Rhaelin Green - Raytown, Missouri
- Simon Claxton – Harrisonville, Missouri
- Theshiona Fleming – Overland Park, Kansas
