4th Annual "NextGen National: Finding the Voices of Tomorrow"

Finals - 10 April 2021

Semi-Finals - 21 November 2020

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The American Pops Orchestra will present the Finals of the 4th Annual "NextGen National: Finding the Voices of Tomorrow" on April 10, 2021. Join APO and our 11 finalists selected in November 2020 by our esteemed panel of judges and your vote to see who will win the top prize!  College students from coast to coast will compete for the chance to win a $1,000 scholarship and paid performance opportunity with APO in their 2021-2022 Season. Through this competition, The American Pops will offer four awards:

Chip Hand Prize for Vocal Excellence (1st Place Male): awarded a $1,000 scholarship and paid performance opportunity with APO

1st Place Female: awarded a $1,000 scholarship and paid performance opportunity with APO

2nd Place Male: awarded a $500 scholarship

2nd Place Female: awarded a $500 scholarship

APO is honored to offer the Chip Hand Prize for Vocal Excellence, sponsored by Ambassador Lloyd and Ms. Ann Hand.

Check out a short video of last year's 3rd Annual NextGen Competition:

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After reaching over 10,000 viewers from 21 different states through the virtual adaption of our 3rd Annual "NextGen: Finding the Voices of Tomorrow” in April, APO recognized their audience had grown to a national level. To further reach our audiences, the 4th Annual NextGen Vocal Competition will include aspiring professional vocalists from across the United States! With auditions and the first round of the competition moving virtual, APO will be able to find the best young talent from across the country.  

The virtual Semi-Finals will be judged by an esteemed panel of judges including Broadway Stars, Celebrated Recording Artists, and Respected Art Administrators to provide feedback to all students on their performance.  Virtual viewers will be given the opportunity to vote for their favorites during their competition, increasing a competitors chance to advance to the Final Round.

On April 10, 2020, the 10 finalists selected by our esteemed judging panel and audience vote will travel all expenses paid to the East Coast and perform live with APO musicians to compete for the ultimate title. A first-place and runner-up male and female will be chosen from the group of finalists to receive a monetary scholarship, as well as a paid performance opportunity with The American Pops during their 2021-2022 Season. This competition is 100% free for all competitors, with APO providing travel, hair/makeup, accompaniments, and preparatory masterclasses free of charge.

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‍Meet Our Finalists and Semi-Finalists

Meet Our Judges and Presenters

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Participating Schools

American Musical and Dramatic Academy - https://www.amda.edu

Berklee College of Music - http://berklee.edu

Columbus State University - https://www.columbusstate.edu

Connecticut College - https://www.conncoll.edu

Eastern Connecticut State University - https://www.easternct.edu

Elon University - https://www.elon.edu

George Mason University - https://www2.gmu.edu

Indiana University - https://www.indiana.edu

Liberty University - https://www.liberty.edu

Manhattan School of Music - https://www.msmnyc.edu

New England Conservatory of Music - https://necmusic.edu

Oakland University - https://oakland.edu

Ohio University - https://www.ohio.edu

Sheridan College - https://www.sheridan.edu

Southern Methodist University - https://www.smu.edu

Temple University - https://www.temple.edu

University of Cincinnati - https://www.uc.edu

University of Louisiana - https://louisiana.edu

University of Michigan - https://umich.edu

West Virginia University -  https://www.wvu.edu‍‍