Overview
Every year, NJPAC honors the legacy of Newark’s Sarah Vaughan with the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. It’s the search for the world’s next great jazz singer, and the ONLY contest of its kind — open to all genders and nationalities.
At this public performance, you’ll witness the next generation of powerhouse jazz vocalists ready to take their rightful place in the global spotlight. Many artists have started their career on this stage: Samara Joy, Cyrille Aimée, Jazzmeia Horn, Ashleigh Smith, Arianna Neikrug, Deelee Dubé, Quiana Lynell, Laurin Talese, Gabrielle Cavassa, Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim, Tyreek McDole and G. Thomas Allen.
The winner receives a $5,000 cash prize and a one-of-a-kind platform for embarking on a career in the music business. This year, the event is hosted by WBGO’s Sheila Anderson (Weekend Jazz Overnight, Salon Sessions). Our panel of all-star judges includes Christian McBride, Madeleine Peyroux, Bill Charlap, Lisa Fischer and Terri Lyne Carrington. There will be special performance by 2022 competition winner Lucía.
Finalists announced!