NextGen National

NextGen National: Finding the Voices of Tomorrow is a vocal competition created by the American Pops Orchestra that gives collegiate vocalists the opportunity to learn from industry professionals while competing for a chance to win scholarship money and paid performance opportunities with APO.
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This year marks the eighth annual NextGen. Finalists win an all-expenses paid trip to New York City and compete live at the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center. Since launching the competition, APO has seen significant growth in interest and participation and has had winners to go on to successful careers in Broadway, national tours and more.

For the 2024 competition, we received more auditions than ever before, with 240 submissions from 112 colleges. We’re also thrilled to expand our reach with this program, with competitors from 40 states this year—another record for APO.

• Chip Hand Prize for Vocal Excellence: Jalen Kirkman
• 1st Place Female: Jantanies Thomas
• 2nd Place Male: Noah Van Ess
• 2nd Place Female: Jayna Glynn

History of NextGen

Founded in 2018, our NextGen competition began with students from five DC-area universities and has now expanded to include students from across the United States and Canada.

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, led by industry leaders. Competitors also receive accompaniment tracks and custom arrangements free of charge.

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.

Past Winners