Cedar City Celebrates Local Talent At Star Search Competition

Cedar City’s annual Star Search returns Saturday night, promising an action-packed showcase of local talent while raising support for one of the community’s most vital nonprofit organizations.

Brandon Burk, Cedar City’s events coordinator, recently told listeners on the Big Picture Morning Show on KSUB radio, “Yeah, we are just a few days away from Cedar City Star Search this Saturday.” Now in its sixth year, the event has become a fixture among the city’s community-centered gatherings.

While larger city-run events such as the half marathon and downtown lighting ceremony are designed in part to draw tourism and boost economic activity, Star Search focuses squarely on local engagement. As Burk explained on that broadcast, “It’s really about community engagement. It’s about getting people all together in one place, creating a space that’s a positive environment for the family, and highlights our local talent. It’s just getting people involved here in the community and giving them something fun to do.”

Fifty Auditions Lead To Twelve Finalists

This year’s competition features 12 finalists selected from roughly 50 audition submissions. A committee reviews and scores video entries before narrowing the field to youth, teen, adult and group categories. Winners in each category will receive $250, with champions chosen by a panel of three local judges, including longtime arts leader Melinda Pfundstein, former events director Brooke Twitchell and Cedar City Attorney Randall McCune. An Audience Choice Award will also be decided through a live text-to-vote system.

Attendees can expect an evening lasting between 90 minutes and two hours, with one intermission for concessions and score tabulation. In a change from previous years, judges will offer feedback from the stage but withhold their scores until the final reveal, adding an element of surprise to the awards.

Cedar City Star Search also serves as a fundraiser for Canyon Creek Services, which provides shelter, advocacy and support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Iron County. For the first time, the event will charge a modest $3 admission, with proceeds benefiting the organization. Canyon Creek will also offer concessions and participate in a raffle featuring prizes such as tickets to the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

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“They are dependent on people in the community helping this way,” Burk said on KSUB. “And they do a great service for us. I don't know what we'd do without a place for people to go when they're in trouble.”

With singers, specialty acts and even returning performers like a teacher-led Chinese dance group, Saturday’s show promises variety and heart. More than a competition, Star Search stands as a celebration of local courage, creativity and community spirit.

You can get more information about the Cedar City Star Search here.

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The podcast below has our entire interview with Brandon Burk