October 1, 2020 – The seventh annual Minnesota Sings Amateur Vocal Competition State Finals , a competition between cities designed for amateur vocalists, took place with a virtual livestream event on YouTube , Sept. 29th. Typically, the event is held live, but state social distance regulations required a drastic change in this year’s protocol. Forty-seven amateur singers each submitted an audition video to the production in the weeks prior to the finals event. Those videos were then judged online by professional vocalists – Terry Klein based in Okoboji, Iowa, and Rusty Davis, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The awards program, which was based in Hastings, Minnesota, provided the results of the judging with winners finding out who won in surprise announcements made by RBC representative and head Minnesota Sings volunteer, Chuck Spavin and co-emcee, President of the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce, Kristy Barse.

Twelve thousand dollars in cash was awarded to the top three singers in each division as well as (2) $500 checks that will be given to the sponsors of the first-place winners. Fourth and 5th place winners were awarded recording sessions at The Garage Recording Studio in Burnsville.

The top three winners in the 21+ division were, first Molly Hendrickson singing for St. Paul, second Beth Brennan, singing for Aitkin and third Alyssa Crum who sang for St. Cloud.

In the 13-20 age division, top three were, first Joseph Kotiranta singing for Cromwell, second Elijah Hager singing for Roseville and third, Reuben Carbajal singing for West St. Paul.

Locally, Hastings Singers Eva Storkamp, Nate Schlindler and Lucia Weinhandl, all sponsored by the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce, unfortunately, did not advance to the winner’s bracket. Cottage Grove contestant Cassie Klinga placed 5th in the 21+ division and will receive a session at The Garage Recording Studio in Burnsville.

Find out more about plans for the 2021 event at www. minnesotasings.com. View a replay of the event at https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vJ99Rf7dy0