AUDITIONS OPEN FOR SHINING STAR CLE 2026

$10,000 Scholarship for Winner of this American Idol style Solo Singing Competition!!!

Participation is free and all genres of music accepted.

Shining Star CLE, a Northeast Ohio favorite since 2017, is presented by KeyBank and hosted by Mandel JCC of Cleveland. Join us for THE FINALS on Sunday, AUGUST 23, 2026 • 6:30 pm. 

ELIGIBILITY

• High school students with a 2027 to 2030 graduation date
• Must live in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties, including homeschooled students

THE AUDITIONS [NOTE NEW CLOSE DATE]

• Submit video audition online until June 14, 2026 at 11:59 pm
• Upload your audition video (3 minutes max) to https://zealous.co/mandeljcc/opportunity/shining-star-cle/
• Piano accompaniment, personal instrument usage or a cappella are preferred, but recorded accompaniment is allowed.

THE SCHOLARSHIPS

• 1st Place Winner:  $10,000 college scholarship plus an opportunity to perform with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. Also a free one-year membership to The J.
• 2nd Place:  $5,000 college scholarship
• 3rd Place:  $2,500 college scholarship
• 4th Place:  $1,000 college scholarship
• Fan Favorite:  $500 college scholarship
• Bonus Prize:  $2,500 to the high school music department of the 1st place winner

AUDITION & JUDGING PROCESS: https://mandeljcc.org/files/galleries/Shining_Star_PROCESS_APR2026.pdf

THE CAUSE

Shining Star CLE is an inclusive singing competition showcasing the best of Northeast Ohio’s talented teens.  Music plays a vital role in uniting communities and fostering shared experiences. Funds raised through this event allow us to both grow creative youth programming and enhance aging-in-place senior services.

Questions? Contact information below.

Kate Martin

Special Events Coordinator

Mandel JCC

26001 S. Woodland

Beachwood, Ohio 44122

Direct: 216-593-6214

Watch the 2025 Shining Star CLE video.