BW student named semifinalist in national NextGen Vocal Competition

Aidan Eddy '26 stood out as one of the best collegiate vocal talents in a nationwide pool of applicants vying to be recognized for their "exceptional promise" as performers.

Baldwin Wallace University vocal performance major Aidan Eddy '26 has been named a semifinalist in the American Pops Orchestra's (APO) 9th Annual NextGen National: Finding the Voices of Tomorrow collegiate vocal competition.

According to an APO news release, "Eddy was selected from a highly competitive national pool of applicants for the competition, which recognizes and nurtures the next generation of vocal talent."

Eddy and the other semifinalists were chosen based on "vocal technique, stage presence, and unique interpretive abilities."

"I would just like to thank Dr. J.R. Fralick, Scott Skiba, Jason Aquila, and the rest of the BW Conservatory faculty for creating a great environment for young artists like myself to really develop," Eddy says. "I truly credit them for all of the success I have been able to find as a young performer thus far." 

Mastering the classics

NextGen National, founded by APO Music Director Maestro Luke Frazier, recognizes college students who "show exceptional promise in the performance of popular song, musical theatre, and jazz."

"I wanted to make sure that this next generation of outstanding young vocalists knew the breadth and depth of classic American music," Frazier says in explaining why he started the competition. "I want to make sure that every culture, every lived experience is represented through popular music that we've created together,"

To meet that goal, the competition focuses on American Popular Music written before 1970.

'Sharing my voice'

Eddy will submit a new performance video for judging as the semifinalist competes for a spot in the final round.

"This experience to me is a great opportunity for artistic development. I am in the process of pre-screening and then auditioning for grad schools, so any chance I get to get in front of people and receive feedback, I try to take," Eddy says. "This is also important to me because I just enjoy being able to share my voice!"

Finalists are expected to be announced later this year. If chosen, Eddy will perform at the Lincoln Center in New York City during the final competition in January 2026. The winners receive a cash prize and the opportunity to perform with the American Pops Orchestra in upcoming concert seasons.