The YoungStars
The YoungStars provides an opportunity for young musicians to perform live, onstage at NashvilleNorth USA!
- NashvilleNorthUSA-2026 0:31
Youngstars 2026
The 2026 YoungStars have been selected. Details below.
Jack Willems – June 9th show
Jack Willems – Jack Willems uses his Crestliner to chase muskies, his Chevy to reach the deer stand, and a guitar and mic to light up stages across the Midwest. Rooted in the outdoors and fueled by his love for family, performing and country music, Jack blends authenticity with high-energy performance.
He started voice lessons young and picked up a guitar in middle school, honing his style playing for friends around bonfires and basements. Country music quickly became more than a genre, it became the soundtrack of his life.
In March, a house party rendition of “Wagon Wheel” filmed on a friend’s iPhone exploded on TikTok, racking up over 3.5 million views in just two weeks. The viral moment launched Jack into a wider spotlight, but he’s never lost sight of what matters: connecting with people through honest stories and unforgettable shows.
With a Midwest brand of rocking country, Jack Willems brings every crowd to life, one chorus, one story, and one singalong at a time.
Grason Reu – July 14th show
I am 18 years old and a senior in high school and have been singing and playing guitar since I was 14. I grew up watching my mom and uncle perform in a band called 8 seconds so I was always around music.
My uncle Darin Duncan said that if I learned 3 chords on guitar by Christmas he would give me a guitar for Christmas. So I did, and then a few months later I was on stage with them.
We started a different band called Leather Mustang and we have a decent sized following around where I live. 2 years ago I went to Nashville and recorded 4 songs with MC1 Nashville and they have released 2 of them on streaming platforms so far.
Esther June – Aug 11th show
Esther June – Esther June is a rising country artist whose music blends the heart of traditional Americana with the spirit of modern bluegrass. She is quickly carving her place as a fresh, authentic voice in today’s country music scene.
@estherjunemusic (Facebook and Instagram)
Esther.june.music (TikTok)
Cici Hurt – Sept 12th show
Cici Hurt – Hello! My name is Cici Hurt. I was the 2024 winner of Eau Claire Starquest and the 2025 winner of the One Voice contest at One Fest in Cadott. I am a member of the Wisconsin Honors Choir. I have sung at many venues around Northwest Wisconsin with my band, Cici and The Swell. I also opened for Anne Wilson at Hope in The Park 2025 in Wausau. I have an Instagram page and my username is sifanjayannmusic.
She has an instagram @sifanjayannmusic and a Tiktok @sifanjayannmusic
Below are other YoungStars who have previously performed at Nashville North USA.
YoungStars 2025
The 2025 YoungStars were amazing!
Ian Okamoto
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.
Ava Hanson
Ava Hanson is a 21 year old musician, songwriter, and performer from New London, Minnesota.
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.
Marlee Paine
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).
Won the Big Top Idol (Junior division), and has opened for Ricky Skaggs. Featured in the first Artist Showcase at The Park Center in Hayward!
Dylan Martinson
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.
Singles include "Someone Like Me," "Enough," “Same Mistake,” and his latest release "Hey Doc" are available on all platforms.
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.
