Thousands of energetic and talented kids auditioned for a chance at fame and fortune; 60 were brought to Los Angeles for a closer look; only 20 semi-finalists made the cut on "American Juniors."
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The bar will be raised next Tuesday, June 17 (8PM ET) as the first group of 10 not only memorize their song, but also learn a dance routine. America will vote for their five favorites and move them into the final round. The second group of 10 semi-finalists will compete on Tuesday, June 24 and voters will be invited to again vote for their five favorites.
Beginning Tuesday, July 1, America will vote for their favorite performer who will become the first member of a new musical act. After five weeks, America will have formed a five-member group who will perform together for the first time on the finale Tuesday, August 19.
The semi-finalists competing on Tuesday, June 17 are (alphabetical by last name):
Morgan Burke, Nashville, TN
Morgan got his start performing at church and in nursing homes. When he grows up he wants to be an entertainer.
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Kristinia DeBarge, South Pasadena, CA
Kristinia has been performing for less than one year. Her first performance was at her aunt and uncle's wedding in September, 2002. When she grows up she'd like to be a professional singer, actress and model.
Julie Dubela, North Hampton, NH
Having done a great deal of local theater, Julie is not afraid of the spotlight. The first role she ever played was Molly in "Annie" at the age of five. Dubela would like to be a singer and go to Juilliard in New York City to study voice. It is her dream to play the role of Christine in "Phantom of the Opera."
Tyler Foehr, Normal, IL
Currently, Tyler plays in a percussion band at his school and his very first performance was at his church. Foehr says that when he grows up he'd just like to "be himself."
Grace Leer, Danville, CA
Grace got her start in show biz at a school talent show. Her favorite singer is none other than the first "American Idol," Kelly Clarkson. When Grace grows up, she hopes to be a singer.
Kara Lieberman, Camarillo, CA
Kara got her start performing in kindergarten. Someday, Kara would like to be a singer, actress or teacher.
Chauncey Matthews, San Diego, CA
Chauncey got his singing ambitions in church and his favorite type of music is gospel. When he grows up, he'd like to continue singing and possibly become an actor.
AJ Melendez, New Castle, DE
At the age of nine, AJ performed "My Baby You" by Marc Anthony at the opera house in Wilmington, Delaware. When he grows up, he hopes to be a pop singer just like his idol Justin Guarini (of "American Idol").
Katelyn Tarver, Glenville, GA
As part of the YMCA gymnastics team, Katelyn is not afraid of a little competition. She got started singing at her church and she would like to be a performer when she grows up.
Danielle White, Bradenton, FL
At the age of three, Danielle's parents realized she liked to perform. When she grows up, she'd like to be a professional singer, perhaps a recording artist like her idol Mariah Carey.
The remaining ten semi-finalists, who will be competing Tuesday, June 24, are:
Quinton Caruthers, Antioch, TN
Canyon Grove, Sherman Oaks, CA
Lucy Hale, Cordova, VA
Brennan Hillard, Scottsdale, AZ
Lauren Klena, West Covina, CA
Chantel Kohl, Omaha, NE
Jordan McCoy, Mt. Vernon, IL
Mercedes Ruiz, Staten Island, NY
Tori Thompson, Santa Maria, CA
Taylor Thompson, Santa Maria, CA
"American Juniors" launched its summer season on Tuesday, June 3 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), as the highest-rated new summer series among all networks in Adults 18-49 and total viewers.
"American Juniors" is executive produced by Simon Fuller, 19 Television and Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Chief Operating Officer, Production, FremantleMedia North America Inc. Nigel Lythgoe, Chief Executive, 19 Television and Ken Warwick of FremantleMedia serve as co-executive producers.