Future Rock Icon Set to Rule Music Scene in 2025
Rock Star 2025 Wrapping Up
In a battle of talent, Ariel Goetsch claimed victory at the Rock Star 2025 finale held at Starved Rock Lodge. The crowd cheered as she belted out "She Used to be Mine" from the musical Waitress. Jim Cox earned second place with his powerful rendition of "Blaze of Glory," while Seth Edwards grazed the third spot with tunes from Mama Mia! and Toy Story. 🎤
More than a dozen hopefuls showcased their vocals through three rounds, each singing a song from a soundtrack, an original tune, and a song of their choice. The finalists included Monica Archie, Larry Kohr, and Kelly Peacher, all delivering captivating performances hailing from various genres such as Moulin Rouge, A Star is Born, and Journey. 🌹
SRM's Jaimie London hosted the event and was joined by judges Shawn Brown, Andrew Pypno, and 2024 Rock Star winner, Savannah Sondgeroth. They scored the contestants based on vocal quality, intonation, interpretation, stage presentation, appearance, and appropriateness of musical selection in relation to ability. A combination of audience votes and judges' scores determined the winners. 🏆
Congratulations to Ariel Goetsch, the new Rock Star 2025 champion! Thank you to Starved Rock Media, Starved Rock Lodge, and everyone who supported these talented musicians throughout the competition. We'll see you next year for Rock Star 2026! 🤘
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Ariel Goetsch Takes the Crown 👑
Soundtrack song: "She Used to be Mine" from the Broadway musical Waitress
Jim Cox's six-shooters roared with "Blaze of Glory"
Larry Kohr rocked "Ticket to Ride" for his opening number
Kelly Peacher created an epic moment with "Shallow" from A Star is Born
Monica Archie poured passion into "Lady Marmalade"
Seth Edwards' first tune was "When She Loved Me" from Toy Story 2
Freestyle Frenzy
Ariel: Pink Pony Club
Jim: Heaven with Warrant-styled freestyle
Larry: Rocking it out!
Kelly: Set her lyrics to Jewel's style
Monica: Energetic freestyle performance
Seth: "Mamma Mia" freestyle tunes
Final Rounds
Seth: "House of the Rising Sun"
Ariel: "Lights" by Journey
Jim: "Panama" with the crowd
Larry: Oldie but goodie from Jude Cole
Kelly: "Suds in the Bucket"
Rules for Contestants
- Must be a legal U.S resident, 21 years or older
- No duos or groups are allowed
- Only first 15 acts are guaranteed a spot. After that, contestants will be placed on a waiting list
- No employees of Starved Rock Media or Starved Rock Lodge and their immediate family members are eligible to enter
- Musical accompaniment must be prerecorded; lyrics must be memorized
- Contestants must sign-in before performing, and anyone unable to perform forfeits their rights to prizes
- Performance is a family event; no original compositions are allowed outside of the final freestyle round
- No video monitor provided
- Contestants are not allowed to rehearse or perform on stage ahead of their scheduled performance
- Judges will rate on a scale of 1-10 for six categories. Audiences will also be given ballots to vote for their favorites
- The top vote-getter will receive $100, and the overall grand prize is $500
- In the event of a tie, the contestant receiving the least number of "10's" will be eliminated
- The competition will be held on four consecutive Wednesdays
- All contestants must be ready to perform by 7:00 P.M on their performance night and sign-in between 6:30 and 6:45 P.M
- Winners may be responsible for taxes
- In no way does this represent a contract between 99.3 WAJK/96.5 The Wolf, Starved Rock Lodge, and contestants, nor does it entitle the contestant to remuneration
- Contestant's name, performance, and likeness may be used for promotion purposes.
- Ariel Goetsch took the crown at Rock Star 2025 with her rendition of "She Used to be Mine" from Waitress.
- In the Freestyle Frenzy round, Jim Cox adopted a Warrant-inspired style for "Heaven," while Kelly Peacher mixed Jewel's style with her lyrics.
- For the final rounds, Kelly Peacher performed "Suds in the Bucket," while Ariel Goetsch chose "Lights" by Journey.
- In case of a tie in the competition, the contestant with the least number of "10's" will be eliminated.
