EP contestants shine at Minnesota Sings competition

Eden Prairie residents Lainey Donoghue and Sadie Maguire showcased their vocal abilities at the two-day Minnesota Sings State Final singing competition held earlier this month in Fairmont.

Donoghue, aged 20, sang Queen’s “Somebody to Love” and earned fourth place in the 13 to 20 age division, winning a $500 prize.

Maguire, 15, delivered a rendition of Demi Lovato’s “Anyone” and earned seventh place in the same age division. She was recognized with a prize package featuring professional music gear from Gator stands and Mogami cables.

Donoghue and Maguire secured their spots to represent Eden Prairie at the competition, which was held on Oct. 7-8 at the Fairmont Opera House, by achieving first and second places, respectively, in the Eden Prairie Sings! competition held in August.

Advertisement

This year’s Minnesota Sings competition featured a total of 63 contestants. On Oct. 8, during the Grand Finale, the top 16 singers were revealed.

In the 13-20 age division, Elaina Waggoner of Albertville secured first place, while Noel Cruz of Elk River emerged as the top vocalist in the 21 and above division. Both Waggoner and Cruz earned a grand prize of $5,000 and a recording session at The Garage recording studio in Burnsville, scheduled for later this fall. Additionally, they received a $1,000 prize to donate to their favorite local charity, along with a bonus of $500 to the city sponsor that hosted their local Sings event.

Kyle Johnson, representing Waseca County, secured second place in the adult division, while Anna Blasy of Cottage Grove earned second-place honors in the 13-20 age division. Both contestants were awarded $3,000 and received a recording session at The Garage.

This year’s competition marked the organization’s 10th anniversary and awarded nearly $30,000 in cash prizes and professional music gear throughout the event.

Besides Donoghue and Maguire, Eden Prairie residents Leo Pusateri and Christina Zaczkowski took part in the adult division.