NextGen National

2023 NextGen National Finalists Headed to NYC’s Lincoln Center

Congratulations to our ten outstanding vocalists who will compete in the 2023 NextGen National Finals at Lincoln Center on Sunday, February 19:

• Sarah Cassidy (Indiana University)
• Jayna Glynn (Missouri State)
• Mya Hunter (Howard University)
• Hannah Kulawiak (Indiana University)
• David Mejia (Texas Christian University)
• Chris Richie (Oklahoma City University)
• TJ Staten (Webster University)
• Yumeko Stern (New York University)
• Anthony Voiers (University of Louisiana at Lafayette)
• Sam Yousuf (University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music)
• Christian Clausnitzer - Alternate (West Virginia University)
• Jordyn Taylor - Alternate (Howard University)

Our finalists will receive an all-expense-paid trip to New York City where they will participate in a masterclass with Broadway professionals, rehearse with APO musicians, attend a Broadway show, and compete in the Finals. First place winners will receive $2,000 and second place winners will receive $1,000. All winners will receive multiple paid performance opportunities with The American Pops Orchestra.

The American Pops Orchestra is committed to preserving classic American music. We present concerts that showcase music from all sectors of the American experience – featuring our nation’s most talented and celebrated artists. Our NextGen National: Finding the Voices of Tomorrow competition allows us to showcase the next generation of great performers. The competition strives to expose college-aged students to songs with which they are unfamiliar. To enter, contestants must sing pre-1970 American popular songs not found in the Singer’s Musical Theater Anthology for their voice type.

Founded in 2018, our NextGen competition began with students from five universities and has now expanded to include students from across the United States and Canada. During the COVID-19 pandemic NextGen transitioned to a virtual setting, allowing us to reach an even wider audience and larger pool of aspiring young artists.

NextGen strives to provide opportunities to each and every student who wishes to participate; there is absolutely no cost to compete. In addition, APO provides free masterclasses about performing, recording, and working in the music industry, among other topics. Competitors also receive accompaniment tracks and custom arrangements free of charge.  Selected finalists are invited to perform live with members of The American Pops Orchestra in the final round, with all expenses covered by APO. First place female and male vocalist winners receive a $1,000 scholarship and second place winners each receive a $500 scholarship. All winners also receive a paid performance opportunity with the orchestra.

APO is proud to award the Chip Hand Prize for Vocal Excellence to the first place male vocalist. Made possible by the generous support of Ambassador Lloyd and Ann Hand, the prize memorializes their beloved son who was an acclaimed musician and recording artist. The annual presentation of the award allows Chip’s legacy to live on through young, aspiring performers.