Taylor Ramsey

Our Own Superstar

Sophomore Taylor Ramsey was nominated and of the spotlight highlighted the entertainers that graced the stage. The music participated in the the city-wide high school competition KC SuperStar singing challenge at Johnson County Community College. came first. The opening note of “The Best Day of My Life” was belted by KC Superstar Finalist, Maggie Marx. Then the voices exploded from the stage, a harmony of ten distinct sounds floated throughout the room. There was an audible noise as the audience members skirted to the edges of their seats, as was lifted as blue and red lights danced across the walls, the soft white glow necks craned to better see the artists that would soon blow their minds. BY SYDNEY DANIELS, GEORGIA EVANS, After the last note of the opening number died off, and the Jewish CHIOMA OKUAGU AND SELENA HUNTER REPORTERS Community Center was acknowledged, Marx opened up the individual competition with her rendition of Otis Redding’s “The Dock of the Bay.” All

With a new hair do, a fresh outfit and her family in the blew the crowd away with her deep, rich, soulful tune of Sam Cook’s “Change auditorium to cheer her on, sophomore Taylor Ramsey is Gonna Come,” reminiscent of her solo ballad “I Know Where I’ve Been,” prepares for her performance on the KC Superstar stage. as Motormouth Maybelle in the Sion’s production of Hairspray last spring. Standing tensely backstage, she listens intently as the directors Kansas City’s own superstar known for roles in 21 and 22 Jump Street, of the competition give their final advice. Modern Family and the Hangover, Rob Riggle, hosted the event. But it wasn’t

Palms sweating, she shares a final laugh with fellow competitor and Riggle who captured the hearts of those in attendance, it was the performers. friend, Prince Russell Jackson from Wyandotte High School. And with her Once the performers sang their solo performances, all the Kansas City head held high, walks across the stage after she hears “Contestant number native judges from various backgrounds deliberated and cut down the 10 six, Taylor Ramsey.” finalists to four.

KC SuperStar is a city-wide competition Ramsey didn’t make it into the final four, for high school students that have a passion for singing. Two-hundred and fifty students “This competition but she still beat out 240 other students who auditioned to compete. The audience was auditioned, 24 students made it to the then told that they would decide the winner semifinals and 10 sang their way to the finals. Ramsey was among them. proves to me, I can do of the competition. And 19-year-old Keith Kline stole the breath from the audience with

Ramsey is a sophomore with a passion his version of “Georgia On My Mind,” and for fashion and music. She’s been involved in music since the tender age of 4. Her mother it. I can do anything I solidified the $10,000 scholarship for himself. One young teenager who never got his is a significant influence on the kind of music chance to perform was recognized at the Ramsey listens to and performs. Ramsey and her mother are involved with the choir at their set my mind to.” show that night. Tragically during the first week of church. Her mother also listens to R&B and Superstar tryouts at the Jewish Community the blues. KC SuperStar is Ramsey’s first singing -sophomore Taylor Ramsey Center last April, potential semifinalist Reat Underwood was shot and killed by a 73-yearcompetition. She stays calm and collected as old former Ku Klux Klan leader. she rehearses bits and pieces of her song choice, “Change is Gonna Come” Underwood was an ambitious freshman at Blue Valley High School by Sam Cook in choir class. Music teacher, Elizabeth Mulkey, listens to her with a massive heart for the theater arts. A scholarship for young adults in and gives her bits of critique as she sings. Ramsey was nervous to perform the performing arts was announced in Underwood’s name the night of the at Yardley Hall in a full auditorium, but she is beyond grateful for the competition. opportunity to be able to showcase her talents with friendly competition, Strutting out of the backstage doors to greet her supporters after the despite the results. show, tears flowed from her shiny brown eyes.

“This competition proves to me, I can do it. I can do anything I set my “I’m just happy,” Ramsey said. mind to,” Ramsey said. She embraced everyone that came to support her with a hug and said a

As the lights went down the room slipped into an anxious hush. The thank you. The competition was over. She said she will continue to sing and audience shifted in their seats, already anticipating the events to come. act. In fact, Ramsey plans to audition for the musical this fall, “Seussical.” Johnson County Community College’s Yardley Hall could fit 1,341 people. And she has advice for anyone trying out for a talent show, musical or play. Virtually every seat was filled. In a matter of seconds the room’s dark shroud “Go for it,” Ramsey said. ten finalists sang well-known songs like Neyo’s “Let Me Love You.” Ramsey

Taylor Ramsey belts out her competition song, “Change is Gonna Come,” by Sam Cook at the KC SuperStar competition held at Yardley Hall in Johnson County Community College. (Photo by Georgia Evans) Sophomore Taylor Ramsey practices her song for the competition in the Old Grande Salle. (Photo by Sydney Daniels)

Actor Rob Riggle introduces TaylorRamsey before she sings at the KC CuperStar competition. (Photo by Chioma Okuagu)

Prince Russell Jackson from Wyandotte High School, sophomore Taylor Ramsey and the other competitors get rid of some pre-show jitters. (Photo by Georgia Evans)