Three former KC SuperStar finalists will serve as judges for the 2024 Semifinals 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).
That evening, 22 high school singers will compete for the 10 finalist spots for the KC SuperStar high school singing competition. The public is invited to attend the singing competition, which is produced by The J and is its largest fundraiser.
The semifinals’ judges include former finalists Kate Cosentino, Anthony Fortino and Jon Long. Cosentino, a finalist in 2014 and 2015, is formerly from Kansas City, and now lives in Nashville. She was featured on NBC’s “The Voice” and performs across the country, opening for musicians including Katy Perry, Brye and Shauna Dean Cokeland.
Fortino was a KC SuperStar finalist in its inaugural year and has served as the emcee for the semifinals for the past two years. After college, Fortino performed in the Broadway National Tour of “Fun Home” and productions at various theaters across the country. Back in Kansas City, Fortino works in finance, and he and his wife have two children. Fortino stays connected to music by performing with the 2023 International Champion Barbershop Quartet called Midtown.
Long, a 2013 KC SuperStar finalist, remains involved in the music world. A singer and songwriter, Long produces his music and sings for well-known producers and brands on various music productions. Long is a worship leader with Revive Music and leads a church congregation in Kansas City every week.
Rich Linden, a Kansas City DJ and entertainer, will be the emcee for the semifinals.
“June 6’s semifinals will showcase an awe-inspiring array of talent from our local Greater Kansas City high schools,” said David and Carol Porter, KC SuperStar’s 2024 co-chairs and longtime J members. “From electrifying performances to breathtaking displays of skill, it’s a testament to the boundless creativity and dedication of all these amazing finalists vying to make it to the top 10. We are truly honored to witness such talent firsthand.”
With the semifinals just a few weeks away, the 22 singers are working with professional coaches preparing for their June 6 performances. Those planning to attend the free semifinals performance are encouraged to bring a donation for Jewish Family Services’ Food Pantry.
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; for more information, please visit thejkc.org/forms/support-the-j-s-annual-fundraiser-kc-superstar.
More information about KC SuperStar is available at kcsuperstar.org or facebook.com/kcsuperstar.
KC SuperStar Semifinalists
Aubree Smith – Lenexa, KS
Bennett Chapman – Liberty, MO
Brianna Frohning – Overland Park, KS (Olathe)
Brynley Salts – Olathe, KS
Cameron Hargrove – Overland Park, KS
Corbin Newberry – Kansas City, MO
Desmond Walker III – Kansas City, MO
Faryn Clevenger – Lenexa, KS
Genevieve Anderson – Olathe, KS
Janelle Marshall – Blue Springs, MO
Jenna Holland – Kansas City, MO
Julianna Bowles – Olathe, KS
Leah Abai – Lenexa, KS
Lizzie Salin – Overland Park, KS
Magdalena Nguyen – Overland Park, KS
Mattie Henley – Overland Park, KS
Mia Cabrera Davila– Overland Park, KS
Rayna Key – Gladstone, MO
Rebecca Schmidt – Overland Park, KS
Rhaelin Green - Raytown, MO
Simon Claxton – Harrisonville, MO
Theshiona Fleming – Overland Park, KS