Ten high school vocalists from the Kansas City area have been selected as finalists for KC SuperStar, the region’s premier high school singing competition and the largest annual fundraiser for The J.
The top 10 were chosen in front of a full audience at The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre at The J.
Former KC SuperStar finalists Maurissa Cunningham, John Long and Abby Parra were this year’s semifinals judges. All have ties to both the competition and the music industry. Patrick Lewallen served as the host for the semifinals.
“These 20 amazing, talented teens performed with such poise and confidence, making it difficult for our judges to choose just ten,” said Tammy Ruder, KC SuperStar director and producer. “Now, as they prepare for the finals and winning, we get to see the ten finalists grow as individual performers. I am sure the judges and audience will find it difficult to crown the next KC SuperStar.”
As part of this year's semi-final event, attendees showed their support for the community by donating more than two barrels of diapers to HappyBottoms, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing diapers to families in need.
KC SuperStar Finals will take place on Sunday, Aug. 24, at Yardley Hall in the Midwest Trust Center at Johnson County Community College. This year’s show will be hosted by Shoshana Bean, Grammy Award winner and two-time Tony-nominated performer.
Since its conception, KC SuperStar has had high school-aged participants from across the metropolitan area compete, and several competitors have continued to perform professionally. KC SuperStar awards over $22,000 in scholarships annually 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.
This year’s finalists are Addison McLaughlin (Kansas City, Missouri), Addy Gardner (Lee’s Summit, Missouri), Aubree Smith (Lenexa, Kansas), Devin Fisher (Raymore, Missouri), Ethan Reed (Lenexa, Kansas), Jada Strother (Kansas City, Missouri), Matt Brun (Overland Park, Kansas), Miles McKinzy (Overland Park), Rayna Key (Gladstone, Missouri) and Shae Simpson (Liberty, Missouri).
As The J’s major fundraising event, KC SuperStar provides financial assistance to members so they can participate in its many services, including the Child Development Center, J Camp, health and fitness, and programming, meals and transportation for Heritage, The J’s Lifelong Learning program 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 kcsuperstar.org or by contacting Robin Levine at or (913) 981-8895.