North Platte Post
North Platte, Neb. - Twelve contestants from around the area made their way to the Lincoln County Fairgrounds Thursday afternoon to compete in the "You Can Be A Star" singing competition and Eben Rosentrater took home first place.
Rosentrater is 21 years old and is a native of Paxton. He is a student at Chadron State College majoring in communications with a focus in media production. He performed Tennessee Whiskey on his guitar done in the style of Chris Stapleton.
Rosentrater has been playing guitar for around two years, but music has always been in his life in some capacity. "I have been singing my entire life.... and I have played saxophone for 10 (years)" said Rosentrater.
Earning second place in this year's competition was Nichole Schmidt who performed Misery by PINK and Steven Tyler and third place was Braydyn Hickman who performed Jayton and Jill by Zane Williams. Hickman performed the song on his guitar.
The contestants had the option of singing to a soundtrack or playing an instrument. During the competition, eight contestants sang to a soundtrack and four played an instrument. Two contestants performed their own original song.
Rosentrater will advance to the Galaxy of Stars Talent Search Finals later in 2024 where the Overall Vocalist will win a $4500.00 Nashville Recording Session!
The Galaxy of Stars Talent Search provides an opportunity for talent of all ages to perform and engage with an audience. Since its beginning in Nebraska in 1993, the program's vision is to encourage, inspire and be a platform for talented individuals to grow in ability and skill in a friendly and caring atmosphere. To "Dream, Believe and Achieve" and to enjoy the excitement of competing and connecting with others is the spirit that can be experienced as a part of the Galaxy of Stars Family.
2024 Contestants
BrookLynn Buesch – Lost Boy (done originally by Ruth B)
Randy Compton – When A man Loves A Woman (done originally by Percy Sledge)
Eben Michael Rosentrater – Tennessee Whiskey (on Guitar, done in style of Chris Stapleton)
Phyllis Knox – Turn Up The Radio (done originally by Autograph)
Elison Gaedke – Bubby (done originally by Colbie Caillat)
Oracle Guillemin – Original Song (on Guitar)
Nichole Schmidt – Misery (done originally by PINK and Steven Tyler)
Brant Miller – Lovely (done originally by Billie Eilish & Khalid)
Vidal Salazar – The Walk (on Guitar, done originally by Sawyer Brown)
Bill Satorie – Fire & Rain (done originally by James Taylor)
Tailia Gregory – Thank God (done originally by Kane Brown)
Emily Welch – The Climb (done originally by Miley Cyrus)
Braydyn Hickman – Jayton and Jill (on Guitar, done originally by Zane Williams)
Cristina Gaedke – Save Me (done originally by Jelly Roll)