Cabaret News

Metropolitan Room Announces Winner of Its MetroStar Talent Challenge

Kristoffer Lowe took home the big prize from the annual cabaret competition.

2014 MetroStar winner Kristoffer Lowe, flanked by fellow finalists David LaMarr (1st runner up) and Joanna Morton Gary (2nd runner up).
2014 MetroStar winner Kristoffer Lowe, flanked by fellow finalists David LaMarr (1st runner up) and Joanna Morton Gary (2nd runner up).
(© Maryann Lopinto)

The Metropolitan Room crowned its 2014 winner of the MetroStar Talent Challenge on Monday, August 25. Alabama native Kristoffer Lowe bested fellow finalists David LaMarr (first runner-up) and Joanna Morton Gary (second runner-up) after two weeks of finals. Lindsey Holloway and Leah Jennings rounded out the top five finalists.

Open to performers of all ages and backgrounds who have not played a major engagement at The Metropolitan Room, "MetroStar" encourages singers to present well-rounded stage performances in which creativity, innovation, and authenticity are prized over vocal fireworks. This year marked the seventh year of the annual eight-week contest, whose jury is made up of critic Roy Sander (chairman), singer-teacher-director Gretchen Reinhagen, and the Metropolitan Room’s booking manager Joseph Macchia. Tracy Stark served as the contest’s resident music director.

"We could see Kristoffer growing before our eyes," said the evening's host Tom Gamblin after the show. "It was a very strong performance, especially considering the flashes of genius that David and Joanna kept showing us throughout the contest."

The top five finalists were selected out of an initial pool of 48 solo singers. Lowe’s victory earned him a fully produced Met Room major engagement and multitrack recording of the live show. Fellow finalists LaMarr and Gary will open for Lowe on alternating nights.