COVID-19 may have cancelled many events, but it hasn’t stopped Kansas City’s premiere high school singing competition and the Jewish Community Center’s (The J) Annual fundraiser KC SuperStar — it’s going virtual!
KC SuperStar, now in its 11th year, is holding its Semifinals in a virtual format with the public getting the opportunity to choose one of the Top Ten. Twenty-three area high school students were chosen in preliminary auditions in early March for the annual competition ala “American Idol/The Voice.” The top winner of the competition receives the Edward and Ellen Rose $10,000 scholarship.
KC SuperStar is produced by The J and is the organization’s largest fundraiser.
Semifinals were scheduled to take place at The Lewis and Shirley White Theatre at The J with a live audience. However, when restrictions were placed on large in-person gatherings it necessitated a change, and organizers got creative. Earlier this month, each of the semifinalists was filmed singing their song. All of the performances will be posted on a special website and the public will be able watch and vote for their favorite. The 23 semifinalists received coaching of songs with Lisa Burns, KC SuperStar vocal coach, to help them prepare.
From the recorded performances, a panel of music professionals will choose nine of the finalists with the public selecting No. 10. This year’s Semifinals judges include Chris McCoy, William Jewell College theater professor and area director; Julie Kaul, local professional performer; Rick Willoughby, a professional bandleader and accompanist; and Whitney Smith, who has worked in music video production and artist management. Through a unique website, the public will be able to view the 23 performances from June 1 through June 10 and cast their vote. (NOTE: The link will be posted on The J’s website, thejkc.org). The KC SuperStar Top 10 will be announced on June 15 through a livestreamed event.
“We were very lucky to have auditions before we had to shelter-in-place, and we found 23 incredibly talented teens,” said Felice Azorsky, The J’s manager of donor relations and events who oversees KC SuperStar. “Having the semifinalists share their talent online, and the opportunity to engage our members and the community virtually though online voting is exciting and a great way to spread some joy through music.”
In addition to the top prize of $10,000, KC SuperStar awards 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. This year, proceeds from KC SuperStar include the newly developed Staff & Sustainability Fund, helping keep J staff employed during the COVID-19 closure. In addition, proceeds will continue to provide financial assistance so members can participate in The J’s many resources and vital programs. The J anticipates a higher need for member assistance this year, making its fundraiser more important than ever.
KC SuperStar 2020 co-chairs are Michael and Beth Liss, longtime J members and dedicated volunteers.
For more information about KC SuperStar, visit kcsuperstar.org; check out the Facebook page as well at facebook.com/groups/kcsuperstar/.
KC SUPERSTAR 2020 SEMIFINALISTS
(Name, school district and grade as of March 2020):
Claire Anderson, Blue Valley School District, junior
Jack Blackburn, Park Hill School District, sophomore
Lucy Brock, SMSD, senior
**Jacob Collier, North Kansas City School District, junior
**Jaeda Dickens, Liberty School District, senior
**Reagan Dreiling, Saint Thomas Aquinas, senior
Sydney Edie, Blue Springs School District, senior
*Annie Harsch, Summit Christian Academy, junior
*Aniya Henson, KCMO School District, junior
Darcie Hingula, St. Teresa’s Academy, junior
Delaney Hirst, Smithville School District, senior
Bryson Kendall, Desoto School District, senior
**Emma Mathieson, SMSD, senior
Mia McManamy, St. Teresa’s Academy, junior
Sheridan Mirador, KCMO School District, senior
**Alexa Morgan, SMSD, senior
Cara Parisi, Bishop Miege High School, sophomore
Kaylee Peraza, Winnetonka High School, junior
Nidhi Rao, Blue Valley School District, senior
McKenna Shaw, Pittsburg High School, senior
Kloe Wagner, Olathe School District, junior
Elaine Watson, Lee’s Summit School District, junior
*Aggie Williams, SMSD, senior
*Past semifinalist; **past finalist.