The stage is set for Auckland Council’s Stand Up Stand Out Finals Showcase

Get ready for an electrifying display of talent as the Finals Showcase of Auckland Council’s Stand Up Stand Out kicks off on 23 September at Auckland Town Hall!

Stand Up Stand Out (SUSO) is Auckland’s premier music, and dance competition, featuring secondary-school talent from across Tāmaki Makaurau competing in five categories: dance, solo instrumental, group vocal, solo vocal and bands.

Over 1200 students from 25 schools have competed in a series of heats and semi-finals over the past six weeks. Now, the spotlight is on the final 26 performers who have one last chance to impress the judges, captivate the audience, and take home amazing prizes.

Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, is pleased to see so many rangatahi celebrating their talents on stage.

“Congratulations to all the finalists! We have so many creative and talented young people in Tāmaki Makaurau, and SUSO gives our rangatahi the opportunity to step onto one of Auckland’s oldest stages in a celebration of their talent, hard work and passion.”

From soul-stirring solo performances, high-energy dance pieces, and amazing vocal groups, choirs and bands, the Finals Showcase profiles the finest young artists in Auckland.

SUSO judge and recent Pacific Music Awards winner Sam V is looking forward to seeing the new talent that is unearthed as part of the competition’s evolution. This year, there are two new prizes awarded – ‘Best Artist’ and ‘Best Original Composition’.

“‘These categories encourage our young people to be innovative and bold in their creative decisions”, he says.

“We have some incredibly exciting talent involved across this year’s competition and I can’t wait to see how they express themselves at our Finals Showcase.”

Stand Up Stand Out is an Auckland Council initiative, in partnership with Auckland Live, Rockshop and Auckland UNESCO City of Music. The programme is an important development pathway, promoting songwriting, dance performance excellence and a culture of music within Auckland schools.

The total pool of prizes will be split between acts placing first and second in each of the five categories and the ‘Best Artist’ and ‘Best Original Composition’, as decided by a panel of judges. The prize pool consists of gear and vouchers from Rockshop, mentoring from industry professionals, studio hire, and time with music producers to record a track. 

The Finals Showcase takes place on Saturday 23 September at Auckland Town Hall from 3pm and is open to the public. Tickets are available through Auckland Live.

The full list of Finalists for Stand Up Stand Out 2023:

Solo Vocal Finalists

Band Finalists

Dance Finalists

Solo Instrumental Finalists

Group Vocal Finalists