The lights of the carnival provided a playful backdrop as young voices played covers, and even original songs, during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2018 Rodeo Rockstar Semifinal Round on Tuesday, March 6. These rising stars awed fans and the three judges with their talent and confidence.
To qualify for the Semifinal Round, contestants submitted a video audition, and more than 47,000 members of the public voted on who they wanted to see perform on The Junction Stage.
Ten boys and girls competed in the Junior Division (ages 6-15) and 10 competed in the Senior Division (ages 16-21). After a night of powerful voices and roaring applause, five from each division are moving on to the final round, including five bands in the Group Division, which will take place on The Junction Stage at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13.
“Even in its seventh year, this continues to be one of the most popular events because of the talent of these kids,” said Amanda Schlatre, manager of Exhibits and Events at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
David Lewis of Bellville, Texas, said he is excited to be advancing to next week’s final round. Lewis has his own band at home and said he recognized this was a great opportunity.
Cowboy Dave, a DJ at Houston’s 100.3 The Bull and judge at Rodeo Rockstar said to Lewis, “Start booking stuff in Houston. I’ll come see you.”
The winner of the Rodeo Rockstar Competition will win $500 from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a spot in the 2019 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Rodeo Parade, and time in the studio with Stormy Cooper Media.
ADVANCING TO THE FINAL ROUND
Junior Division
- Amaya Cordova
- Emily Gray
- Matt Mercado
- Faith Parle
- Alyssa Stoerner
Senior Division
- Kira Gonzales
- David Lewis
- Liz Renae
- Claire Steakley
- Tori Vourganas
Group Division
- Blacklight
- Elcco
- Kate & Izzy Six
- The Electric Sundaes
- Zero Gravity
