OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Some of the best high school singers in the metro will compete for a ten-thousand dollar scholarship this weekend in the KC SuperStar Finals.
This year’s event will honor a teen competitor killed in the Jewish Community Center shooting.
It was in this parking lot this past April when 14-year-old Reat Underwood and his grandpa, William Corporon, arrived to try out for KC SuperStar when a gunmen killed both of them in an apparent hate crime.
A scholarship fund has been created in Reat’s name and some of the proceeds from this year’s final — and future finals — will go to it, to help support young singers in the KC SuperStar program.
This is the fifth year for the American Idol-type competition, where the top 10 high school singers in Kansas City battle it out for that top prize — a $10,000 scholarship.
The spotlight on this event has never been brighter due to the Jewish Community Center shooting, which happened as dozens of teens showed up to try out for the competition.
The tragedy has had a profound effect on the community.
“Think people are really going to be amazed again this year to see them not only singing but dancing, and they know also have a real sense or purpose,” Jacob Schreiber, JCC President, said. “They know what happened here and they really want to put on a good showing.”
“It’s just this pool of amazing talent at the high schools in Kansas City, and kids are just growing their talents and as artists, just really exploring themselves, and I think that’s a huge part of what’s taking place here,” Michaelah Burns, former KC SuperStar winner, said.
Hollywood’s Rob Riggle, who grew up in Overland Park, agreed to come back home and emcee the event.
The event begins at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Johnson County Community College. Tickets are $15, and you can find more information at kcsuperstar.com.
