15th Annual Teen Star Finale: Celebrating Talent and Community in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The highly anticipated 15th annual Teen Star finale is set to take center stage this Sunday, February 2, at the Marjorie Luke Theater in Santa Barbara. The event, which has become a cornerstone of the community, promises an evening of extraordinary talent, inspiration, and excitement as local teens compete for the prestigious title.
Teen Star executive producer Joe Lambert joined your News Channel to offer an exclusive preview of the grand finale, highlighting the essence of the event.
“Teen Star is more than just a competition like American Idol,” Lambert explained. “It’s a community event where we showcase the talent from all over Santa Barbara County. While we crown one winner, the real magic lies in how these young people come together to work toward a common goal. The audience even gets to participate by voting for their favorites, which makes the experience even more exciting.”
A Decade and a Half of Impact
Celebrating 15 seasons, Teen Star has cemented its place as a life-changing platform for young performers. Lambert shared heartfelt stories from participants, including Dylan Ortega, an alumnus who credited the program with changing his life.
“The feedback we get from the students is what keeps us going year after year,” Lambert said. “Their passion and hope for the future are on full display during the show, and it’s incredibly inspiring.”
What to Expect at the Finale
This year’s event will feature a mix of popular and Broadway hits, with a special surprise performance from a contestant showcasing a song from the iconic musical Hamilton. Lambert teased the performance, saying, “It’s going to knock your socks off.”
The evening kicks off with a red-carpet event at 6 p.m., hosted by local personality Krista Ewell. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the main show begins promptly at 7 p.m.
“It’s because of the community’s support, from media attention to audience engagement, that Teen Star has grown into what it is today,” Lambert said.
Alumni Success Stories
Over the years, Teen Star has served as a launchpad for many young talents, fostering confidence, connections, and creative growth. Contestants have gone on to pursue careers in music, theater, and the arts, thanks to the exposure and mentorship provided by the program.
How to Attend
The Teen Star finale is expected to draw a large crowd, so attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets early. Tickets and additional information are available at teenstar.us.