Producer/Reporter James Sims for BroadwayWorld.com. Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's wrapped its month long LA's Next Great Stage Star II competition December 11th 2007, after 18 singing hopefuls competed for the top prize, a cash prize of $1000 and a headlining debut at the venue.
Following performances from all 18 of the contestants, the final five moved on to sing in the finale. Shannon Estes, Jantre Haskin, Beau Hirshfield, Michaelia Leigh and Suzanne Schmedding made up the top five.
The American Idol-type competition was judged by both audience members and entertainment industry professionals, including Jim Gardia (Artistic Producer - Reprise! Broadway's Best), Steve Glaudini (Associate Producer - Musical Theatre West), Brad Gilmore (Brad Gilmore Casting), Peter Matyas (Associate Casting - Michael Donovan Casting) and Todd Nielsen (Resident Director - National Tour of Disney's The Lion King).
LAs Next Great Stage Star 2009 January 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 at Sterlings Upstairs at Vitellos, Studio City, CA.
I've been to two of this year's six competitions to date. Awesome talent. What a fantastic idea to help launch someone's career for the stage. American Idol, move over. Can't wait for the finale.
MrMichaelSterling 3 years ago