K12 Talent Showdown Winners Announced

The results are in! After an unforgettable debut year of the K12 Talent Showdown, we’re thrilled to celebrate the students who stepped into the spotlight and wowed us all.

From musical performances to creative showcases and one-of-a-kind variety acts, K12-powered students across the country brought incredible energy, imagination, and confidence to every stage. Most importantly, they reminded us of what happens when students are given the space to express who they are.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to every student who participated, to the families who supported them behind the scenes, and to the judges who helped guide this first-ever celebration of student talent.

About the K12 Talent Showdown

Open to students in grades K–12, the K12 Talent Showdown celebrates creativity, confidence, and self-expression across three categories:

• Musical Performances
• Creative Performances
• Variety Acts

Students began their journey with a two-minute video submission. From there, standout performers advanced through a virtual semifinal round before an elite group of finalists took the stage in a live virtual finale on June 8 before a distinguished panel of judges:

• Deb Hannah, Chief Marketing Officer, Stride, Inc.
• Megan Moura, Sr. Director, Integrated Marketing Operations, K12
• Austin Turner, Musician/Performer and Product Marketing Manager, K12

Performance was evaluated on creativity and originality; skill, technique and execution; presentation and stage presence; and overall impact and entertainment value. In addition to judge-selected winners, families and fans across the country joined in to vote live for their favorite performances in each grade band.

Prizes

Winners were recognized across every grade band (K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12) in each category, plus the People’s Choice winners were chosen by live audience vote.

• Category Winners (Creative, Musical, Variety): $500 each
• People’s Choice Winners: $250 each

Meet the Grades K–2 Winners

Creative Performance $500 Winner
Ali, 2nd Grade
Michigan Virtual Charter Academy
Talent: Speed painting

Musical Performance $500 Winner
Apollonia, 2nd Grade
Washington Virtual Academy
Talent: Improvised singing

Variety Acts $500 Winner
Ellie, 2nd Grade
Arkansas Virtual Academy
Talent: Gymnastics bars

People’s Choice $250 Winner
Jade, 2nd Grade
Virginia Virtual Academy
Talent: Dance

Meet the Grades 3–5 Winners

Creative Performance $500 Winner
Hayven, 3rd Grade
Iowa Virtual Academy
Talent: Dance

Musical Performance $500 Winner
Josiah, 3rd Grade
California Virtual Academies–San Mateo
Talent: Drum tricks

Variety Acts $500 Winner
Ollivander, 3rd Grade
Ohio Virtual Academy
Talent: Comedy

People’s Choice $250 Winner
Landon, 4th Grade
Virginia Virtual Academy
Talent: Dance

Meet the Grades 6–8 Winners

Creative Performance $500 Winner
Claire, 7th Grade
Ohio Virtual Academy
Talent: Dance

Musical Performance $500 Winners
Hudson, 6th Grade
Ohio Virtual Academy
Talent: Piano

Leylani, 8th Grade
Digital Academy of Florida
Talent: Singing

Variety Acts and People’s Choice $750 Winner
Francesco, 7th Grade
California Virtual Academies–San Diego
Talent: Juggling

Meet the Grades 9–12 Winners

Creative Performance $500 Winner
Bentlieh, 12th Grade
Texas Online Preparatory School
Talent: Color guard flag routine

Musical Performance $500 Winner
Leilani, 10th Grade
Arkansas Virtual Academy
Talent: Original song

People’s Choice $250 Winner
Gerald, 10th Grade
Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy
Talent: Baritone ukulele

Watch the Performances

Missed the live finale? You can relive the creativity and excitement here: Watch the K12 Talent Showdown performances

A Celebration That’s Just Getting Started

What made this first-ever Talent Showdown so special wasn’t just the performances — it was the courage behind them. Every student who submitted a video, stepped on a virtual stage, or cheered someone else on helped build something new and unforgettable.

To our families and educators — thank you for the encouragement, time, and belief it takes to help students share their voices with the world. These moments don’t happen without you.

And to our students: this was your stage. You made it shine!

We can’t wait to see where your creativity goes next — and we hope even more students join us in the next K12 Talent Showdown.

Until then, keep performing, keep creating, and keep showing us what’s possible when you step into the spotlight.

Follow us on Instagram (@K12.student) for future competitions, student opportunities, and more inspiring stories from the K12 community.