The YoungStars
The YoungStars provides an opportunity for young musicians to perform live, onstage at NashvilleNorth USA!
Youngstars 2025
The 2025 YoungStars have been selected. Details below.
Ian Okamoto – June 10th show
Ian Okamoto is a singer/songwriter from Northern Wisconsin. Fresh from his golden ticket win on Season 22 of American Idol, Ian brings his captivating keyboard melodies and soulful vocals to the stage. With his 2024 debut EP, ‘Virga,’ Ian is carving his own path in the music world.
Marlee Paine – July 8th show
Marlee Paine is a 12-year-old, self taught singer and songwriter from Stone Lake, Wisconsin. For the last year and a half she has been learning the guitar, receiving lessons from Karl Wallin (Bayfield).
Some of her early accomplishments have been winning the Big Top Idol (Junior division), opening with ‘Unclaimed Freight’ for Ricky Skaggs at Big Top Chautauqua, and being featured in the first Artist Showcase at The Park Center in Hayward!
Ava Hanson – Aug 12th show
Ava Hanson is a 21 year old musician, songwriter, and performer from New London, Minnesota.
Ava is a senior at Concordia College and has been singing and playing guitar since she was nine years old and playing piano since she was in kindergarten.
Ava has performed on the Minnesota State Fair Grand Stand, sang with choirs at the Sydney Opera House and Carnegie Hall, wrote and produced her own album called “Backseat,” and recorded my EP “Nashville Files” with Rob Galbraith in Nashville a year and a half ago. Ava is always writing songs and playing gigs at local bars, restaurants, and event venues in Minnesota.
Dylan Martinson – Sept 13th show
Dylan Martinson is a 26-year-old country singer/songwriter from Chetek, WI. He began his musical journey during his freshman year of college and hasn’t looked back since.
Dylan has had the honor of performing across the country, opening for renowned country artists like CAM and Chris Kroeze. Last year, he achieved a personal milestone by playing over 130 shows! Ranging from the Midwest to the coasts of Florida!
Dylan’s repertoire spans multiple genres and decades, showcasing his versatility. His singles “Someone Like Me,” “Enough,” “Same Mistake,” and his latest release “Hey Doc” are available on all platforms. His highly anticipated debut EP “NUMB3RS” is set to drop in the winter/spring of 2025!
Don’t miss your chance to experience this emerging Midwest artist!
Below are other YoungStars who have previously performed at Nashville North USA.
YoungStars 2024
The 2024 YoungStars were amazing!
Paige & Maddex
MadLee talented Pretty Paige & Maddex.
Maddex Larson
Maddex the “Marlboro Man“ smoking the country crowd!
Bryce Hedtke
YoungStar Bryce Hedtke returns for another command performance.
Jake Morley
YoungStars 2023
The 2023 YoungStars were fantastic! Their live performances at Nashville North USA were amazing to experience.
Callianna Bauer
Callianna was incredible.
Basia Olson
Basia's performance was great.
Dakota Antczak
Dakota's vocals were amazing.
Emmalee Bauer
Emmalee put on an amazing show.
YoungStars 2022
The 2022 YoungStars performances were great. The YoungStars fit right-in with the band and everyone had a great time!
Emmalia Kline – (Emm K)
Emm K sings and plays acoustical guitar. Her set was great.
Adison Eckwright – (Adi)
Adi's vocals were spot-on.
Bryce Hedtke – (Bryce)
Bryce felt right at home onstage.
Maddex Larson – (The Kid)
The Kid never missed lick.
