Get ready, because WE. ARE. BACK!
Introducing “Get Launched Vegas,” our transformative three-month performance and training experience inspired by the spirit of “American Idol.” It features unparalleled performance opportunities, master classes, and mentorship from some of the nation’s top professional talent (Broadway, Disney, TV, etc.).
How much does this cost?
There is no charge to participate in Get Launched Vegas!
How does it work?
Artists audition in August, and then they advance through various rounds including a VIP Showdown, Top 40, Top 25, Top 15, and ultimately The Finale Show at Notoriety on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
What do the “winners” receive?
The three-month experience culminates in a stellar performance opportunity at Myron’s at The Smith Center on Sunday, April 19th, 2026. Judges will be looking for artists who are ready to have their own showcase, demonstrating strength in storytelling, audience connection, mastery of song choice, and overall entertainment ability.
The Top 4 overall will receive a 15-minute showcase performance at Myron’s, while the remaining four of the Top 8 will perform one featured song with a live band.
What is the difference between the “Competition Track” and the “Journey Track”?
Competition Track: Artists who audition progress through rounds including THE VIP SHOWDOWN, Top 40, Top 25, Top 15, and the Finale. The grand prize for the Top 7 is the opportunity to showcase at Myron’s on Sunday, April 19th, 2026.
Journey Track: This experience is open to any artist who wants to refine their performance and industry skills through free master classes and performance opportunities while actively fundraising for our nonprofit through a GiveSmart fundraising page that we help each artist customize. Participants do not have to attend all performance and master class opportunities, only the ones that are convenient for them. There are prizes available for those who fundraise and perform on the Journey Track, but participation does not affect standings in the Competition Track. We encourage all artists to join both tracks to maximize their Get Launched Vegas experience. The Top Fundraiser will have a solo performance with a live band at the Myron's Showcase on April 19th, 2026.
How do artists advance to each round?
Our Director of Artist Development, Clint Holmes, along with American Idol's Mackenzie Sol, serve as judges for the Competition Track. Artists will be evaluated based on:
• Performance criteria
• Life skills and leadership development
• Video essay responses to life skills and leadership master classes
Why Join Get Launched Vegas?
This program equips students with the tools to navigate the challenges of auditions, rejections, and setbacks. The performing arts industry is demanding, and artists often face countless “no’s” before success. Our mission is to build confidence, resilience, and perseverance in young performers so they can be successful in any career they choose.
Get Launched Vegas recreates the rigorous audition process in a supportive, encouraging environment, helping students develop a mindset that sees every rejection as a stepping stone to new opportunities. We emphasize self-love, growth, and artistic expression at every stage of the journey.
Mandatory Availability
Participants must be available for all dates and times as listed in the registration form and on the Schedule Page, except for the optional bonus fundraising performances offered in the Journey Track (TBD).
the judges
Clint Holmes
Mackenzie Sol
Mentors
Deidre Lang
Originally from New Jersey, Deidre Lang has had an extensive career performing on broadway and National Tours, with credits including Ragtime, The Lion King, Tommy, Hairspray and Tina, The Tina Turner Musical.
She has appered in Las Vegas productions such as the Lion King at Mandalay Bay and Rock of Ages at the Venetian, and has TV creditis including Fox TV's In Living Color as an original "Flygirl".
Anika Ellis-Mungin
Anika Ellis-Mungin is a triple-threat international artist with 30+ years of experience as a dancer, singer, and actress. Her career includes roles in Broadway productions like Aida and The Color Purple, singing with Rob Thomas and KC and the Sunshine Band, and working as a stuntwoman in the film I Am Legend. She is also the co-founder of the talent management company LANG ELLIS TALENT MANAGEMENT and a coach for young artists.
Nakaze Harris
She started her professional musical journey at the early age of 17 and has been performing professionally for over 40 years. Nakaze has performed worldwide with such artists as Ben Vereen, Boy George, Kenny Loggins, Charo & Michael Bolton. Her past Musical Theatre roles include Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Motormouth Maybelle from Hairspray, Miss Jones from How 2 Succeed, Aretha Franklin from Beehive, Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act, the musical. She has produced several engagements of Diva Tribute Shows as well as her Aretha Franklin Cabaret: Day Dreaming.
Christine Shebeck
Christine Shebeck is a professional singer and performer based in Las Vegas, known for her captivating shows at venues like The Smith Center. A former session and voiceover singer for Disney and CBS in Los Angeles, she has gone on to tour and share the stage with artists such as Sheena Easton and Debbie Gibson. Shebeck has also received awards for her theater roles, including a Broadway World award for her performance in Follies. She is also an entrepreneur and aesthetician.
Asha Brooks
With over 10 years of experience as a professional singer and voice teacher, DiCanta brings
extensive expertise to her teaching practice. Classically trained, she performs across multiple
genres including opera, R&B, musical theater, and pop. She holds a Master's Degree in Vocal
Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Houston, one of the leading institutions in her
field. DiCanta specializes in a time-tested technique that she passes on to her students to
ensure healthy singing.
Carla Stewart
Carla R Stewart Tony Grammy and Emmy winner. She currently resides in New York City. She is a Broadway actress credits including: The Color Purple revival, Tina, The Tina Turner Musical. Stewart has toured the country: Ghost the musical( Oda Mae brown) The Color Purple revival (Shug Avery) Tina, The Tina Turner musical(Gran Georgeanna). She’d be quick to tell you that her upbringing in the Church is the foundation of artistry.
Gina Milo
Gina Milo made her Broadway debut in Les Miserables and went on to tour the country with the national production. Her extensive regional theater credits include a Jeff Award-nominated performance as the Lady of the Lake in Spamalot at Drury Lane, as well as Kira in Xanadu and Betty in White Christmas; Blanche in Bonnie and Clyde at Pioneer Theatre; Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors at Cincinnati Playhouse, Portland Center Stage and North Carolina Theatre; Nicola in Kinky Boots at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera; Barbara in Shear Madness at Florida Studio Theatre; just to name a few!
Santino Cardinale
I started singing at the age of 7 and have been doing it ever since. My brothers and I were singing and writing original music together for most of my life and we have performed all over Las Vegas and LA, as well as made songs with the likes of Ty Dolla $ign, Wiz Khalifa, and Jeremih on our last run as a group. After that, I started making original music in 2019 and have been working on producing, writing, mixing, and mastering and have continued to do so since then.
William Thomas Evans
William Thomas Evans celebrates 32 years as a professional actor. He will play Monsieur Firmin in the North American tour of Phantom of the Opera. Broadway credits include Camelot, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and A Tale of Two Cities. His six national tours include Joseph…Dreamcoat, Jekyll and Hyde, and Camelot, plus over 50 regional productions. He has performed with NYC Opera , Off-Broadway, in Baz in Las Vegas, as Santa in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Across America, and on Amazon Prime’s Alpha House.
Amanda Kaiser
AMANDA KAISER is an acclaimed performer, audition magician, vocal coach, and founder of Sing City Vocal Studio in Las Vegas. Her students are young singers,
aspiring professionals and established industry performers who get mentoring and training for long and healthy careers in the entertainment business. Originally from Coeur D’Alene, ID, Amanda attended The Boston Conservatory to study musical theater and has travelled all over the world entertaining audiences in theaters, ships and theme parks.
Matthew Wautier-Rodriguez
Matthew Wautier-Rodriguez is a New York City based actor, originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin. He received his BFA in Musical Theatre, but has also found a passion for TV/Film. Matthew will be a part of the Upcoming 2026 Music Man tour. Regional Theatre Credits: Waitress, Come From Away, South Pacific, Oklahoma!, Kiss Me, Kate, Annie Get Your Gun, Paint Your Wagon. TV Credits: FBI, Law and Order. Matthew is grateful to be a mentor to young performers looking to dive further into the craft. He wishes he had this opportunity as a child, and is glad to be sharing what he’s learned.
Elisa Fiorillo
Elisa Fiorillo is a powerhouse vocalist whose career has spanned Broadway, pop charts, and international stages. She began performing in musical theater at 13, sharing the stage with Broadway legends before landing a role in The Three Musketeers on Broadway at just 15. Shortly after, she won Star Search and signed with Chrysalis Records, scoring a #1 dance hit with Jellybean Benitez and co-writing music with Prince at Paisley Park—including her Billboard Top 40 single “On the Way Up.”
Tracy McGee
Tracy McGee is an accomplished minister, vocalist, and educator. A graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College, he has a strong performance background that includes collaborations with Hugh Jackman and The Clark Sisters, international appearances, and winning the 2021 Get Launched Las Vegas competition. In addition to his versatile musical talents, he is an active leader at Tabernacle of Praise Church of God in Christ.
