Future Rock Superstar Predictions: Anticipated Artists of 2025
In the heart of Illinois, amidst the picturesque Starved Rock, the grand finale of Rock Star 2025 took place, with Ariel Goetsch taking home the coveted $500 grand prize. This year's competition was a showstopper, boasting a remarkable bunch of vocalists that had the judges and audience on the edge of their seats.
Kicking off the night, Seth Edwards serenaded the audience with "When She Loved Me" from "Toy Story 2," followed by Ariel Goetsch, who belted out "She Used to be Mine" from the Broadway musical "Waitress." Jim Cox kept the momentum going with a rocking rendition of "Blaze of Glory," while Larry Kohr delivered a dynamic "Ticket to Ride." Kelly Peacher captured the hearts of many with her mesmerizing performance of "Shallow" from "A Star is Born." Monica Archie set the stage ablaze with "Lady Marmalade" from "Moulin Rouge," leaving the crowd in a frenzy.
Jaimie London, the host from Starved Rock Media, chatted with each performer before they took the stage. The competition was fierce, but as the night progressed, it became clear that Ariel Goetsch was the one to beat. She got the crowd going with her lively freestyle, a trip to the "Pink Pony Club," and later gave a stirring performance of "Lights" by Journey.
Jim Cox took the crowd to "Heaven" with his Warrant-styled freestyle, while Larry Kohr rocked out his freestyle without missing a beat. Kelly Peacher arranged her freestyle lyrics to her favorite artist, Jewel, and Monica Archie lit up the stage with her captivating freestyle.
In the final round, Seth Edwards delivered a soulful rendition of "House of the Rising Sun," Ariel Goetsch electrified the crowd with her personal favorite "Lights" by Journey, Jim Cox brought everyone along to "Panama," and the competition wound down with Larry Kohr's old favorite from Jude Cole and Kelly Peacher's heartwarming "Suds in the Bucket."
In the end, Ariel Goetsch, with her powerful voice and captivating stage presence, emerged as the winner. Jim Cox took home second place, and Seth Edwards claimed third. The competition was fierce, but it was Ariel who stole the show. Thanks to the talent, support, and hospitality of Starved Rock, we look forward to next year's Rock Star 2026!
Rules & Regulations:- Any legal U.S. resident aged 21 or over is eligible to enter and win.- Performances must be individual, with only the first 15 acts guaranteed the opportunity to perform.- Musical accompaniment must be prerecorded, and lyrics must be memorized.- Contestants may not perform original compositions outside of the freestyle round, and some weeks may feature theme-based song selections.- Contestants will not be allowed to rehearse or perform on stage ahead of their scheduled performance.- Judges will rate contestants based on vocal quality, intonation, interpretation, stage presence, appearance, and appropriateness of musical selection. The audience will also vote for their favorite contestant each week, with the top audience vote-getter receiving $100. The grand prize is $500, with $250 for second place and $150 for third.- Decisions of the judges are final. In the event of a tie, the contestant receiving the least number of "10's" will be eliminated.
Disclaimer:- Entry and participation in the competition does not entitle contestants to any form of remuneration. Starved Rock Lodge and 99.3 WAJK/96.5 The Wolf may use contestants' names, performances, and likenesses for promotional purposes. Winners may be responsible for taxes. There's no purchase necessary to enter or win.
The competition at Starved Rock for the Rock Star 2025 title was not just about votes, but also entertainment, as each contestant showcased their unique style and talent through a variety of music performances. Next year's elections for Rock Star 2026 might also witness promising entertainers presenting their love for music on the stage, following the rules and regulations set for the competition.
