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6 Up-and-Coming Utah Singers You Should Know About

6-Up-and-Coming-Singer

Those of us from Utah know that there are a lot of talented people in this state drawing the attention of national talent competition TV shows such as The Voice, American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. Utah was even a stop of last year’s American Idol audition tour!
So, with all this talent here are few names that you should know about that are up and coming singers.

1. Nephi Allred

Nephi Allred comes to us from Genola, Utah. A true cowboy, Nephi is a regular on the senior pro rodeo and just recently competed in Montana where he drew 6 bulls! Nephi says his inspiration to sing comes from hearing his grandmother and aunts singing in church. Nephi can be found gigging around Utah and Nashville – singing songs by some of his favorite artists – Marty Robbins, Chris Ledoux and Jim Croce. When he’s not singing – he’s bow hunting. Nephi is ready for the competition and says he’s really just looking forward to the ride!

2. Missy Lynn

 

Missy Lynn is a pop/rock vocalist whose musical influences include Adele, Etta James, Norah Jones & Billy Joel. A regular at The Piano Bar in SLC, Missy performs most weekends as a vocalist and a pianist. She’s come a long way from singing “It’s Not Easy Being Green” dressed as a cactus in 3rd grade (true story). She is passionate about what she writes and what she sings. You’ll see that passion on stage!

3. KayS

Kay S (Kenya Simmons) comes to the Salt City Superstar competition by way of Tampa, Florida. She is a recent transplant to Utah and is looking to make a name for herself here. This R&B/Soul singer loves performing and is excited to share her gift with as many people as possible. She has sung for most of her life and gets her inspiration from artists like Luther Vandross, Beyonce, the late Whitney Houston and Chaka Kahn, just to name a few. A gifted power vocalist, Kay S also sings more dynamic songs with ease. Kay S will bring the passion she has for music to the stage with every performance.

4. Mallory Ownbey

A native of Boise, Idaho – Mallory Ownbey moved to Utah when she was young – and when asked which place she likes best she says, “neither – because I hate the cold.” Mallory’s goal is singing songs that help the audience feel something. Her vocal inspirations are Cold Play and Carrie Underwood. Her power vocals energize crowds – and her diversity is set to impress.

5. Morgan Whitney

 

Morgan Whitney is originally from Riverton, Utah. She found out about the Salt City Superstar from one of her friends – and not from her sister – who is actually in the Salt City Superstar competition as well! (Missy Lynn). She has been singing for most of her life – and she says she officially wanted to be a singer when she was singing on stage in 1st grade. Morgan loves R&B music – but enjoys other genres as well. Her music influences are Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran and Katy Perry. She’s excited to be able to share her talent with a larger audience – something she feels the Salt City Superstar competition will allow her to do.

6. Whitney Lusk

I’m a fragile scar, a work of art. You’re looking at the dark side of my heart.

A photo posted by Whitney Lusk (@whitneyluskmusic) on

Whitney Lusk is one of the youngest vocalists in the Salt City Superstar competition – but she comes with singing and performing experience from someone twice her age. She has already recorded various EPs – which are on iTunes – and has dozens of music videos to not only cover songs, but original songs on her YouTube channel. She has been invited to audition for NBC’s The Voice on 3 occasions. Whitney has performed with a national touring country cover band and has opened for major artists at national music festivals. Her music influences are Jessie J, Kelly Clarkson, Pink and Avril Lavigne.

All of these singers are entering the semifinals of the Salt City Superstar Vocal Completion tomorrow night. You can see more of their performances at SaltCitySuperstar.com or come on down and watch the semifinal competition at 50 West (50 W Broadway, SLC) in downtown SLC. Doors open at 6:30 with the show at 7:30 PM and tickets are just $7.

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