(David Beckman Photo)
KENOSHA, Wis. — Southeast Wisconsin and Northeast Illinois high school singers are invited to audition for Diva Quest, a nonprofit scholarship program that showcases young women’s vocal talent and awards college-bound scholarships. The program, created in partnership with Riverport Chorus, is open to girls in grades 9–12 and emphasizes performance growth, confidence, and musicianship.
Co-founder Susan Nelson said the goal since 2007 has been to help young singers become stronger, more confident performers, a vision made real through the annual Diva Quest program with Riverport Chorus. Co-founder Lisa Mushel noted last year’s winner received $1,750 in scholarship funds, with additional awards to runners-up.
How to audition
Applicants may submit video auditions now through October 31. Each audition must include two songs from two different musical genres. Videos should be emailed to [email protected]; clear audio is required, but professional studio quality is not necessary. An online application and a list of mandatory rehearsal dates are available at riverportchorus.org/divaquest.
Selection and coaching
Auditions will be reviewed by a panel of experienced judges who evaluate sound, music, expression, and showmanship. Ten finalists will be chosen for the live show. In the lead-up to the event, finalists receive mentoring from musicians and music educators in song selection, vocal presentation, and stage performance. They will also learn a four-part a cappella piece to perform with Riverport Chorus. Most rehearsals are held Monday evenings at Wilmot Union High School, 11112 308th Ave., Wilmot.
Finals night
The Diva Quest Scholarship Program finals will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Journey Church, 10700 75th St., Kenosha. Finalists will perform for a judging panel and a live-voting audience, alongside Riverport Chorus and other entertainers.
Recent finalists have represented schools across the region, including Alden Hebron, Antioch, Badger, Burlington, Carmel Catholic, Christian Life, Crystal Lake Central, Elkhorn, Indian Trail, Libertyville, Mundelein, Racine Horlick, Round Lake, Shoreland Lutheran, Stevenson, Tremper, Union Grove, Vernon Hills, Waterford, Waukesha South, Westosha Central, Whitnall, Wilmot Union, and others.
Riverport Chorus—a Sweet Adelines International chapter that marked its 60th anniversary in 2024 and earned the Region 3 2025 Audience Choice Award—rehearses Mondays at 7 p.m. at Wilmot Union High School. Guests are welcome.
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