Get tickets for Upper West Side’s Got Talent here
They may not be famous—yet—but the performers battling for the grand prize at our upcoming show definitely have star power. From a singer who’s appeared throughout the tri-state area, including at the legendary Apollo Theater, to a young dance troupe with multiple TODAY Show performances, these artists have talent for days.
But who will win over our celebrity judges? And who will have the crowd eating out of their hand? You’ll have to be there to see for yourself!
Upper West Side’s Got Talent will feature eight performers chosen via a two-day audition process in April. They all hail from the UWS, Harlem or the Bronx. “These are ordinary people—maybe even your friends or neighbors—taking a leap of faith. And they are amazing,” said Community Arts Manager Manon Manavit.
They’ll be performing for three judges, including Aneesa Folds, an original cast member of Freestyle Love Supreme, which won a special Tony Award. Folds also appeared in the World Premiere of Trading Places. Joining her is MacArthur “Genius” Award winner Francisco J. Núñez, the artistic director and founder of the world-renowned Young People’s Chorus of New York City. Goddard Riverside’s own president and winner of the City and State Nonprofit Trailblazer Award, Roderick L. Jones, completes the panel.
The amateur performers are vying for a grand prize of $1,000; the second- and third-place finishers will leave with $500 and $250, respectively. The audience will vote on a separate Audience Choice award.
The artists are:
Oliver Kim (Instagram @oliverkim.music): Oliver Kim is a 15-year-old Korean-American singer-songwriter. His other passions include basketball, fashion, and creative writing. He believes we all have something to learn from each other. As he finds his way to pursuing a career in music, he is proud to share the values of equality and compassion within the performing arts community.
Ellanie: Age 16, Ellanie is a cultural ambassador at her alma mater, Success Academy High School of the Liberal Arts. She is a soloist and section leader in her choir, president of the Latin Student Alliance and founder of Women of the Carribean. Her passion for addressing economic and social disparities comes from her identity as proudly Latin American from a very blended family which influences her music taste and style.
Gloria Anderson (@sheistheglo): Gloria Anderson is a true artist: a soulful vocalist, lyricist, painter, songwriter, author, and actor. She has performed throughout the tri-state area singing Jazz, Gospel, Pop, and R&B for three decades. She is a dedicated counselor, teacher, and mentor who has performed Aretha Franklin tributes, sung at The Apollo Theater, and sung background vocals for the legendary Maxine Brown.
Amira B (@amirabmusic): At age 7, the Egyptian-born singer/songwriter moved with her mother to New York City. Beginning as a classical pianist, she was exposed to different musical genres which changed her trajectory forever. Gradually, she found her voice and the confidence to sing in front of a crowd. Balancing a career as an artist and music teacher, her goal is to spread love and joy through music.
Jamale Jay (@jamalejay): Jamale Jay is an alternative hip hop artist who uses his music as an outlet to share his testimony. From becoming homeless as a minor after surviving a house fire to becoming a performing artist, Jamale Jay has overcome all obstacles in his way, and his music is a reflection of his journey.
Azmeen Mahmood (@mahmuda_mary): Age 9, Azmeen is “a brilliant and kind person who loves helping others, and traveling.” She has been singing since the age of 3. She attends P.S. 106 who she represented at the District II singing competition, recieving a standing ovation. A Bangladeshi-American, her dream is to one day perform at the Grammy awards show.
Groove with Me (@groovewithmeinc): Groove With Me is a free dance school for girls in Harlem. For ages 7-16, they instill life skills such as creativity, problem-solving, perseverance, focus, dedication, and accountability leading to success both in and out of the classroom. The organization has been supported by Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, and Hoda Kotb, with multiple appearances on the Today Show!
Alana & Rory Deller (@lanalunamusic @rory_deller): A brother and sister duo from a musical family, they were raised on the Upper West Side. Younger sister Alana is currently a music major at City College. After fifteen years as a Line Cook, Rory is pursuing a career as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor. They are both passionate about raising awareness and advocating for mental health in the UWS community.