From Alumni Stage to Public Platform: “Just Sing” Finals Spotlight Youth Power and Cultural Diversity in Los Angeles

LAPost / Arcadia, CA (May 9, 2026) — The Grand Final of the 7th “Just Sing” Vocal Competition, hosted by the Chinese University Alumni Association Alliance of Southern California (CUAAASC) and title-sponsored by the Clairina Foundation, was successfully held on May 9 in Arcadia. Marking its seventh year, the event introduced a major this year by opening participation to the broader public, while showcasing a distinctly younger generation of performers—signaling a significant evolution of the platform.

（Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

This year’s competition featured contestants from diverse ethnic backgrounds and age groups, with performances spanning pop, opera, and multilingual repertoire. A clear trend emerged: youth-led, diverse, and expressive. In the pop category, 15-year-old high school student Tiger Herda won first prize with a powerful rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody. In the opera category, Juliana Wang claimed first place with Stride La Vampa. The youngest finalist, 10-year-old Julie Guo, earned second prize with her performance of Jun.

Chen Yong, President of CUAAASC and Chair of the Organizing Committee, noted in his remarks that the alliance celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, while “Just Sing” marks its 7th edition. “This competition has grown from a platform for alumni engagement into an important cultural stage in Southern California. Through music, we aim to connect communities, inspire talent and dreams, and foster stronger collaboration within the Chinese American community,” he said.

（Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

A defining feature of this year’s event is its openness. Director Li Shan emphasized that the competition has expanded beyond the alumni network to welcome participants from all communities and ethnicities. “We hope to break the stereotype that Chinese Americans are ‘quiet and reserved,’ and instead showcase passion, creativity, and artistic expression. We also want society to see that we are not only contributors to the economy, but also builders of culture and community,” she said. “Through music, different cultures can truly connect. When people from different backgrounds are moved by the same song on the same stage, prejudice can dissolve.”

（Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

The title sponsor, Clairina Foundation, further underscores the event’s youth-driven vision. Founded by Chinese American high school student Carina Wu, the nonprofit focuses on youth empowerment and social responsibility, with multiple initiatives across education, equity, and public health. Foundation representative David Wu shared, “Over the past seven years, ‘Just Sing’ has brought more than 1,000 contestants to the stage, many of them second- and third-generation Chinese Americans. We hope that by supporting this platform, more young people can express themselves through music and connect Chinese culture with the global stage.”

（Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

The judging panel reflected both professionalism and international perspective. Jury Chair Sophia Wen praised the 24 finalists, stating, “Their vocal quality, natural tone, and stage professionalism are truly impressive. They are young, but already show great potential and a promising future.” She noted that compared to earlier years, the contestants are now younger yet more refined in performance.

（Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Music industry veteran Michael Mickey Duriel, who has worked within the Motown system, offered insight into today’s evolving music landscape. “With the rise of AI, it’s becoming harder for singers to stand out. But if they sing from the heart and tell meaningful stories, they can still rise above,” he said. He encouraged contestants to persevere: “Like the Olympics, you keep trying—and eventually, your moment will come.”

Michelle Patzakis, a teaching artist with the Los Angeles Opera and a member of the judging panel, described the competition as a platform of “world-class emerging talent.” She added, “Everyone who made it to this stage is already a winner. They have ‘golden voices’ and are learning how to communicate and connect with audiences through music.”

（Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

The event also served as a bridge for cross-cultural exchange. Award recipient Bob Ampe, a non-Chinese speaker, performed a Chinese song and shared his experience: “Music helps me overcome language barriers and connect more deeply with the Chinese community.”

（Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Since its launch in 2020, “Just Sing” has evolved from an alumni-centered gathering into a public-facing cultural brand. This year’s transformation marks a new chapter—one defined by inclusivity, diversity, and youth leadership. Driven by a new generation of voices, the stage is becoming a vibrant cultural bridge that connects communities, tells stories, and inspires shared understanding.

(By：Richard Ren / LAPost)