The results are in, and the top 12 Lancaster Headliners finalists have been chosen. More than 3,400 votes were cast in July on the Lancaster Headliners' Web site, and the talented teens are preparing themselves for the finale show.
The finalists will perform at the live finale 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, at American Music Theatre. The finale will include three rounds of competition judged by a three-member panel of music professionals.
The top Headliner will receive a digital résumé package from Mithik Media Group valued at $800; 10 hours of studio time from John's Sound Design Music Studios valued at $600; the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at a Lancaster Barnstormers game; ITS Model and Talent Management Representation; an entertainment seminar from ITS Model and Talent Management and pictures to appear in ITS Model and Talent Management's Talent catalog for a year.
The second-place winner will receive four hours of studio time from John's Sound Design Music Studios valued at $240 and a media package from ITS Model and Talent Management.
The third-place winner will receive two hours of studio time from John's Sound Design Music Studios valued at $120.
This is the fourth year for the Lancaster Headliners competition. Last year's winner, Amanda Ackerman, will also perform during the finale.
Here are this year's Lancaster Headliners finalists:
Casey Barninger, 16, is a student at Columbia High School and is involved in chorus, band, drama productions, bowling, cheerleading and softball. The daughter of Leo and Beverly Barninger of Columbia, Casey's musical influences are Céline Dion, Steve Perry and Carrie Underwood.
Josh Bellamy, 17, draws on a variety of sources for musical inspiration including Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Emmy Rossum, Josh Strickland, his uncle James and his father. A student at J.P. McCaskey High School, Josh plans to go to college and major in musical theater with the goal of performing on Broadway. He is the son of Ron and Joan Bellamy of Lancaster.
In addition to singing, Laura Deets, 18, dances and plays the clarinet, saxophone, piano and guitar. The daughter of Sheri and Steven Deets of Columbia, this Columbia High School student also enjoys playing tennis and shopping. Laura is inspired by the music of Mariah Carey, Céline Dion, John Tesh and Alicia Keys. She hopes to go to Temple University to go into music and performing or dentistry.
Naomi Gillies, 18, is the daughter of Mike and Renee Gillies of Akron and is a student at Lancaster Catholic High School. Her interests include acting, theater (performing and reviewing) and fitness cooking. Naomi lists her musical influences as Linda Eder, Imogen Heap, Mariah Carey, Lesley Gore and Christina Aguilera. She plans to attend Florida State University for musical theater.
Abbey Guzenhauser is influenced musically by her dad and would love to meet John Mayer and Aretha Franklin someday. Abbey, a 17-year-old Lampeter-Strasburg High School student, hopes to continue her education at Temple for Jazz Vocal Performance. Abbey is the daughter of Bruce and Melanie Guzenhauser of Willow Street.
Music has been a part of 16-year-old Stephanie Hallett's life since she was a child. She cites her elementary school music teacher Mrs. Stewart as a major musical influence. In addition to singing, the Penn Manor High School student enjoys dancing, musicals and swimming. Stephanie is the daughter of Ron and Beth Hallett of Willow Street.
Millersville University student Leann Hart is the daughter of Randy and Debbie Hart of Quarryville. The 20-year-old enjoys horseback riding, reading, singing and acting and is influenced by Josh Groban, Hayley Westenra and Michael Bublé. Leann aspires to perform on Broadway one day.
Courtney Hollinger, 19, is a graduate of Lititz Christian School and attends Penn State Berks. She loves singing, baking, hanging out with friends and watching sunrises and sunsets. She plans to open a café someday and to meet Natalie Grant and Rachael Lampa, her main musical influences. She is the daughter of Brian and Carol Hollinger of Denver.
Brandon Kreider, 18, is a student at Manheim Central High School and the son of Kevin and Kathy Kreider of Manheim. Brandon is influenced musically by Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Lifehouse, The Fray, Beyoncé, Shakira, Justin Timberlake, Fall Out Boy and Daughtry. His future endeavors include being in a production on Broadway, producing his own music or starring in his own sitcom on TV.
Alyssa Lapp, 16, is a student at Solanco High School and the daughter of Mahlon and Judy Lapp of Peach Bottom. Alyssa's hobbies include singing, soccer, listening to music, shopping and watching high school football games. She is influenced by Carrie Underwood and would someday like to meet Zac Efron and Kelly Ripa. Alyssa plans to audition for "American Idol" someday and go to school and study music.
Shaun Ressler, 19, is a student at Millersville University who enjoys singing, working with computers, playing the clarinet and piano and playing games. His musical influence is Erik Welchans, his high school choral director. Shaun is the son of David and D'Ann Ressler of Lancaster.
Kalyn Zeswitz, 19, likes singing, playing sports and being outdoors. A Harrisburg Area Community College student and Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Eagles fan, Kalyn cites Jodi Benson and Faith Hill as musical influences. She plans to work in elementary education or dental hygiene. Kalyn is the daughter of John and Chrissie Zeswitz of Lititz.
Tickets for the show are $7 and can be purchased online. Proceeds from the show will benefit Milagro House.