• Votes will only be taken from audience members seated in the auditorium.
Star Valley’s sixth annual Teen Vocalist competition takes place this Friday, April 12, at 7 p.m. in the SVHS Auditorium. Eight young singers will take the stage to battle for the $1000 prize.
Teen Vocalist is an annual singing contest hosted by SVI Media that is open to current middle school and high school aged singers who live in Star Valley. Teen Vocalist winners are chosen by a combined vote from the audience and three onstage judges. Auditions were held in March, and finalists were announced only two weeks ago.
Teen Vocalist is unique. “I am currently not aware of any event in Wyoming or the region that is similar to Teen Vocalist,” said Duke Dance, SVI Media General Manager. “There are other singer/songwriter competitions, but nothing like this that focuses on teenage singers and allows them to step out of their comfort zone and perform on stage all alone. The competition setting makes it even more unique.”
Finalists in the competition include: Allie Jack, age 18 from Afton, Anna Haderlie, age 17 from Bedford, Brock Haderlie, age 17 from Smoot, Carlie White, age 17 from Afton, Peyton Hokanson, age 15 from Afton, Olivia Burham, age 16 from Thayne, Torri White, age 17 from Thayne, and Dylan Kallgren, age 16 from Afton.
This year’s judging panel includes local vocal authority Kayleen Anderson, former vocalist contestant Heather Hathaway, and Daniel Barnes, Principal at Thayne Elementary School.
“We encourage the community to come out for the show, even if you don’t personally know any of the contestants,” said Dance. “Teen Vocalist has been a great way for these young singers to showcase their talent, and it’s grown into a really fun and entertaining concert and event. Certainly one of the highlights of the year.”
Teen Vocalist will be broadcast live on SVINews.com and the SVI Media YouTube Channel, but votes will only be taken from audience members sitting in the auditorium during the contest. Admission to the event is $5 to cover venue rental costs.
Dance is pleased that SVI Media offers this opportunity to the youth of Star Valley. “It’s been a great experience for the contestants in the past and it’s our goal to make it a positive experience for everyone involved, regardless of the outcome.”
