(Submitted Photo)
KENOSHA, Wis. — A Wilmot Union High School student claimed the top honor at the Diva Quest 2026 vocal music scholarship competition Saturday night, earning a $1,750 scholarship after a live finals performance in Kenosha.
(Submitted Photo)
Elle Kinney, 17, of Wilmot Hight School took first place in the annual competition, which featured 10 high school vocalists from Southeast Wisconsin and Northeast Illinois. The finals were held Jan. 31 at Journey Church, where finalists performed both as soloists and as part of group numbers in front of a live audience and a panel of judges.
(Submitted Photo)
“It felt really good, I was very excited about it,” Kinney said after the event. “I chose this song a year ago and had a vision for what my performance would look and sound like, so I was really satisfied that my work and vision paid off.”
Kinney previously competed in Diva Quest in 2025, placing second, and returned this year with the goal of winning during her senior year.
“A couple of my friends encouraged me to join last year, and I placed second, so I was hoping to come back and try to win it my senior year,” she said. “My favorite part was the growth throughout and working alongside other girls my age who shared the same love of music.”
Second place and a $1,000 scholarship went to Avery Meachum of Tremper High School. Amareli Arias of Westosha Central High School placed third and received $750, while Scarlett Towry of Wilmot Union High School finished fourth, earning $500.
Two special awards were also presented. The Longevity Award, recognizing three years as a top-10 finalist, was awarded to Kendra Meyer of Waukesha South High School and Emma Robers of Elkhorn Area High School. Meachum received the Spirit Award, voted on by fellow finalists.
The event included performances by guest musical groups and past Diva Quest winners, and finalists received coaching and mentoring in song selection, vocal presentation, and stage performance in the weeks leading up to the show.
(Submitted Photo)
“The Diva Quest team is proud of all of our 2026 finalists,” said co-founder Lisa Mushel. “It was a wonderful show with a super turnout, and the contestants performed very well.”
Founded in 2007, Diva Quest provides vocal music scholarships to high school girls in grades 9 through 12, helping support arts education and future music careers. The program is presented by Riverport Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International.
Kinney said she plans to use the scholarship toward college tuition as she pursues a degree in music education.
“My hope is to use the scholarship money toward college tuition, where I will study music education and someday become a music teacher,” she said. “I want to help guide kids in their music journeys the way my music teacher, Miss Ivan, did for me.”
Diva Quest organizers credited sponsors and volunteers for making the event and scholarships possible and said the program will return again next year.
3 Responses
This organization has done an amazing job of strengthening these girls. Not only with their ability to sing and perform but also boosting their confidence and self esteem. It is highly recommended that girls send in their auditions and give it a shot!
Congratulations to all the young ladies that participated in this performance. Best wishes for the coming years and dreams come true.
Congratulations Elle