Twenty high school singers from across the metro have been chosen as semifinalists for KC SuperStar 2023.
These singers were selected from live auditions conducted earlier this spring.
The semifinalists are James Bilbruck, Faryn Clevenger, Raina Dowler, Brianna Frohning, John Paul Gee, Genely Gordon, Jenna Holland, Alexyus Johnson, Dylan Markey, Janelle Marshall, Kate Meives, Brooke Mertz, Brett Oplotnik, Daysia Reneau, Arianna Rezvani, Robin Robles, Emma-Kate Salin, Rebecca Schmidt, Lauren Talley, and Hadley Wilson.
Now in its 14th year, KC SuperStar is Kansas City’s premiere high school singing competition in the style of “American Idol” and “The Voice”. KC SuperStar is produced by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City (The J).
The semifinalists, who come from 18 different schools in the metro, are now rehearsing with professional coaches in preparation for their performances at the semifinals event on June 8, at 7 p.m. in the White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center. The public is invited to attend this free event. 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’ Food Pantry.
TV Star Heidi Gardner will be the celebrity host and performer for KC Superstar’s finals event that will take place on Aug. 27 in Yardley Hall at Johnson County Community College. Gardner is known for her roles on “Saturday Night Live.” Former television anchor Abby Eden will emcee the evening.
“We are thrilled that Kansas City native Heidi Gardner will be hosting KC Superstar,” said Lisa and Ken Schifman, co-chairs of this year’s KC SuperStar. “We can’t wait to see which hilarious SNL characters she will share with the talented contestants and the audience. The J stands to win as Heidi’s humor and energy will make this a night to remember.”
At the semifinals, Anthony Fortino, a 2010 KC SuperStar finalist, will serve as emcee. Fortino went on to perform in the National Tour of “Fun Home.” Fortino has continued to sing but returned to Kansas City and operates Fortino Accounting Services. He also serves as the director of finance for The Classics Theatre Project based in Dallas, Texas.
A panel of judges will help in the selection of 10 finalists to continue in the singing competition. The judges include Keith Wiedenkeller, managing artistic director of the White Theatre; Ashley Jones Rivers, professional singer and music director for local theaters including Spinning Tree Theatre; and Patrick Lewallen, professional singer and actor, who starred in the national tour of the musical “Rock of Ages.”
KC SuperStar 2023 awards over $22,000 in scholarships to the top 10 singers. The 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 and largest event of the year. Proceeds from KC SuperStar have provided resources for thousands of individuals and families in the community, including 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. Because of the community’s generosity, The J has was able to provide $550,000 in financial aid in 2022.
More information about KC SuperStar is available at kcsuperstar.org and facebook.com/groups/kcsuperstar.