Ten of Kansas City’s top area high school singers compete for the title of KC SuperStar 2023 at the event’s finals on Sunday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. in Yardley Hall at Johnson County Community College.
The KC SuperStar winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship. KC SuperStar is The Jewish Community Center’s (The J) largest fundraiser, supporting various programs and scholarships.
Comedian, actor and impersonator Matt Friend is the celebrity host for this year’s KC SuperStar Finals. Professionals in the music industry will judge the finals, including Richard McCroskey, Millie Edwards Nottingham and Amanda Flynn.
Helping drive this major event are KC SuperStar Co-chairs Carol and David Porter. The Porters have been working for months with J staff and a 24-member committee.
“We are honored to serve as co-chairs of KC SuperStar, as our entire family has participated in J programming throughout their lifetime,” Carol Porter said. “Our primary responsibilities include overseeing the event's planning and execution (even taste testing for the event), coordinating with the organizing committee, fundraising and ensuring that the event aligns with its mission of showcasing and supporting young talent.”
“We took on this role because The J is an important place in KC for people of all Jewish affiliations and is welcoming and inclusive for all who come here,” David Porter said. “The funds raised are critical in supporting The J’s mission to provide financial assistance for those in need.”
“KC SuperStar provides a unique platform for young, talented individuals to showcase their musical talents and grow throughout the process,” Carol Porter said. “Supporting the arts and youth development are causes that are very close to our hearts, and this event combines both beautifully.”
“Supporting KC SuperStar is vital. Events like these provide invaluable opportunities for young performers to gain confidence, experience and recognition,” David Porter said. “Additionally, KC SuperStar serves as a community gathering point, fostering a sense of unity and shared pride in the achievements of our youth.”
Since its inception, 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. 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.
As The J’s major fund-raising 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 supporting performing arts education and training programs for youth ages 14-21. Sponsorship opportunities are available; more information is available at thejkc.org/forms/support-the-j-s-annual-fundraiser-kc-superstar.
More information about KC SuperStar is available at kcsuperstar.org and facebook.com/groups/kcsuperstar.
KC SuperStar Finalists
Aubree Smith – Lenexa, KS (Shawnee Mission West, Senior)
Bennett Chapman – Liberty, MO (Liberty HS, graduated)
Brianna Frohning – Overland Park, KS (Olathe East HS, Senior)
Corbin Newberry – Kansas City, MO (Park Hill South HS, Junior)
Faryn Clevenger – Lenexa, KS (SM West HS, graduated)
Jenna Holland – Kansas City, MO (Oak Park HS, graduated)
Leah Abai – Lenexa, KS (Olathe Northwest HS, graduated)
Magdalena Nguyen – Overland Park, KS (Blue Valley Northwest HS, graduated)
Janelle Marshall – Blue Springs, MO (Blue Springs HS, Senior)
Rayna Key – Gladstone, MO (Oak Park HS, Senior)
