Shining Star CLE
The Premier Vocal Competition for High School Students
Join us for Shining Star CLE 2025! Experience the thrill of watching Northeast Ohio’s most talented high school vocalists perform their favorite songs in a captivating, American Idol-style competition for $18,500 in college scholarships.
About Shining Star CLE
A Northeast Ohio favorite since 2017, Shining Star CLE is now a program of Mandel JCC. You can expect the same amazing event as in previous years. In addition to showcasing the region’s top teen vocalists and providing scholarships to winners and schools, Shining Star CLE is the major fundraising event for Mandel JCC and supports a broad range of services including healthy aging adults, youth, arts and culture, and program scholarships.
Who Will Be This Year’s Winner?
After 146 audition reels were reviewed and three rounds of callbacks, 10 talented teens and two alternatives are chosen for The Finals. Enjoy the solo and ensemble performances of these extraordinary performers who take center stage at Playhouse Square. Judges, who are accomplished music professionals, choose the top four finalists. The live audience then joins the judges in voting for the winner.
2025 Co-Chairs
- Rachel and Rapheal Glickman
- Michelle and Evan Hirsch
- Jennifer and Rob Reznick
- Sharon and Bruce Rosenbaum
Emeritus Co-Chairs
- Marti and Jeff Davis
- Larry Mack
- Judy and Steven Willensky
Emcee
Monica Robins, WKYC
Artistic Director
Connor Bogart O’Brien
Celebrity Judges
Jules Belkin
Jordan Matthew Brown
Ashley Fulton
Barry Gabel
Carl Topilow
Mariama Whyte
Event Sponsor
KeyBank
Encore Sponsors
Glenmede
Susi & Peter Meisel
Dr. Donald & Judy Schermer
Media Partners
WKYC Studios
Cleveland Jewish News
2024 At A Glance
Play VideoEligibility
All high school students who have a 2025-2028 graduation date and who live in the following counties: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne. Public, private and home-schooled students are eligible. All genres of music are encouraged and welcome, and participation is free.
Scholarships
- 1st Place Winner - $10,000 college scholarship plus an invitation to perform with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra
- 2nd Place Winner - $5,000 college scholarship
- 3rd Place Winner - $2,500 college scholarship
- 4th Place Winner - $1,000 college scholarship
Bonus Prizes - $2,500 to the high school music department of the 1st place winner. All winners will receive a one-year membership to The J.
The Auditions
- Upload an audition video (three minutes max) of you singing your favorite song to: shiningstarcle.submittable.com/submit.
- Piano accompaniment, personal instrument usage or a cappella are preferred, but recorded accompaniment is allowed.
- The online submission website will be open from April 1 through June 30 at 11:59 p.m.
Shining Star CLE Leadership
Traci E. Felder
Chief Development Officer
216-593-0456
Katie Martin
Special Events Coordinator
216-593-6214
