Rising Star Singing Competition Kicks Off Season 4 With Special Guests Michael Buchanan And Michelle Dowdy

The fourth season of the RISING STAR competition begins Tuesday October 3rd!

Singers compete in an 10 week elimination style contest for a $1000 cash prize and a fully produced, paid solo show at Rise. In addition to the cash and prize package, RISING STAR offers networking opportunities with celebrity judges, fantastic exposure, and valuable live stage experience.

Hosted by actress and comic Emily McNamara (NEWSICAL The Musical, Billy On The Street, HBO's Vinyl)

Sound by DJTK

Special guest host and mentor Marty Thomas (WICKED, XANADU, Grace and Frankie)

Industry pros scheduled to appear as judges throughout the competition include Choreographer Shea Sullivan, Christine Dwyer (WICKED), Matt DeAngelis (WAITRESS), Alysha Umphress (ON THE TOWN), Musical Director Brad Simmons (LYSISTRATA JONES, FANCY), Mike Cruz (Whole Artist Management), Rich Martino (Whole Artist Management), Natalie Weiss (American Idol), Entertainment Magazine editor Ryan Brinson (BLEEP MAGAZINE), Pop Star Ari Gold, Paul Caanan (KINKY BOOTS), Sheri Sanders (ROCK THE AUDITION), Ryann Redmond (IF/THEN), Gabe Violett (THE VOICE), Nick Adams (PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT), Telly Leung (ALLEGIANCE), Director Ben Rimalower (PATTI ISSUES), Marty Thomas (XANADU), and more.

The top 12 finalists were chosen from over 60 auditionees :

Anthony Alfaro
CHRIS LENARD BONNER
SARAH CHAPIN
LILLIAN ANDREA De LEON
JON GLUCKNER
JACQUE LeJEAN
HECTOR LIONEL
ALEJANDRA PARRILLA
FABRIZIO REVILLA
JONATHAN SOMMERER
JOSHUA TAVARES
Miguel Angel VASQUEZ

OCTOBER 3rd INDUSTRY CELEB JUDGES :

Michael Buchanan-
Michael has performed on Broadway in CRY BABY, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, and THE BOOK OF MORMON. He's also a creative entrepreneur as the founder and artist beind Bucky Bows, his custom bow tie line.

Mitchell Walker-
Mitchell is a music producer and director with aka Productions. He's directed shows at The Davenport Theatre, The Metropolitan Room, and Feinsteins/ 54 Below. His recent project, Alexa Green's debut album "So Good," was released on Broadway Records and won Best Solo Album Of The Year on Broadway World.

Michelle Dowdy- Michelle was seen on Broadway and in several national/international productions of HAIRSPRAY. In addition to her Broadway credits, Dowdy won the 2017 Mac Award for Piano Bar Entertainer of the Year (Don't Tell Mama) and her debut album 'A Brass Act' is available on iTunes. She currently stars off Broadway in THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES.

Showtime 10:30pm. No cover, no minimum. 21 and over

Rise Bar is at 859 Ninth Ave, New York, New York 10019