2024 Teen Star Recap

Bloomsburg, PA – Journey Bank crowned Maria Blas the 2024 winner at the 14th Annual Journey Bank Teen Star Musical Competition. Maria, a senior at Loyalsock Township High School, was one of 14 high school vocalists who took the stage at Bloomsburg University on Sunday, May 19th to compete for the title. The finalists were selected across 20 school districts located within Journey Bank’s service area.

Maria and her 14 fellow finalists performed 70’s hits in the spirit of to the "Groovy in the 70’s” theme. Aside from performing for a panel of expert judges, the finalists also captivated the audience, which included hundreds of friends, family, and Teen Star fans. After the first round of performances, the judges chose three finalists to sing again to compete for the top spot. Enthusiastic fans, who brought signs and were full of cheers to support the finalists, had the chance to text their vote to save a fourth finalist during the show—adding even more fun and excitement to the event! An audience 70’s themed costume contest was also hosted to get Teen Star fans in on the fun.

Maria performed "I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor for her first song. The judges and crowd were impressed by her genuine talent as she effortlessly took to the stage. This exhilarating performance moved her to the top four, where she performed "Will You Love Me Tomorrow” by Carole King and accompanied herself on the piano. In second place, Emily Shapeero, a junior from Central Columbia Area High School, performed two 70’s pieces, “Don’t You Worry Bout a Thing” by Stevie Wonder and "Dancing Queen” by ABBA. Garnering third place, and the audience save, was Izzy Butters, a junior from Loyalsock Township High School. Izzy lit up the stage with her rendition of “Hopelessly Devoted to You” by Olivia Newton-John and once more in the second round with “I Feel the Earth Move” by Carole King. Jack Young, a senior from Montoursville Area High School, placed fourth overall. Jack's charismatic performance of “Superstitious” by Stevie Wonder wowed our audience. He followed up with a performance of "Mercy Mercy Me” by Marvin Gaye.

All 14 finalists delivered electrifying performances, each a tribute to a legendary 70s artist. The stage resonated with the music of John Lennon, Donna Summer, Melissa Manchester, Diana Ross, Queen, and The Three Degrees. Journey Bank was pleased by the strong participation from newly affiliated schools in its western branches, showcasing a wealth of promising young talent.

The Bank is also delighted to announce a grand total of $4,200 raised through ticket sales at the 14th Annual Journey Bank Teen Star Musical Competition. Every ticket sale generated from the bank’s signature event has been donated back to the music departments of the high schools represented by the Teen Star finalists. Plus, each year, $5,000 in prize money is awarded to our finalists. The first-place prize is $2,000! The second, third, and fourth-place finishers win $1,000, $750, and $350, respectively. The remaining ten finalists each receive $100. Over the past 14 years, The Bank has awarded $70,000 in prize money to finalists and donated over $51,000 in ticket proceeds to the music departments at the finalists' high schools.

Learn more about this popular annual community event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/journeybankteenstar