Music & Arts Festival Continues Longstanding Mission to Showcase & Celebrate Las Vegas Artists Through Local Competition. 16 performances will be featured at the Rising Stars competition, with one winning set to be added to the festival’s lineup;
We’ve got exciting news for aspiring musicians in Las Vegas! Today marks the official launch of this year’s Rising Stars Competition, and one talented local performer or band is about to secure a spot on our stacked 2023 lineup. With headliners such as The Killers, Kendrick Lamar, Odesza, KHALID, and more, this competition promises to be a significant stepping stone for rising stars in the music industry.
How to Enter
Local musicians interested in this incredible opportunity can submit their entry by visiting lfe.is/risingstars before Wednesday, June 14 at 11:59 pm PT. 16 semi-finalists will then be chosen to participate in the multi-genre live competition hosted by The Space on August 4-5 and 11-12. A panel of esteemed judges will then select four performers or bands to advance to the final round on August 18.
“Providing a platform to be seen and heard has been one of our biggest missions since introducing Rising Stars in 2021.”
– Craig Nyman, Director of Music, Programming & Development at Life is Beautiful
A Longstanding Love for Local Music
Even before the Rising Stars program, Life is Beautiful quickly became a significant platform showcasing the immense talent and diversity of Las Vegas musicians. In the last nine years, an incredible range of local artists have graced the festival’s stages. Let’s take a look back at some of our favorite Life is Beautiful performers who call Las Vegas “home.” We think you may recognize a few! 😉
The Killers
One cannot discuss Las Vegas musicians without mentioning The Killers, one of the most successful rock bands to emerge from the city – and one of the headliners for the first ever Life is Beautiful in 2013. Their anthemic sound and charismatic performances have garnered international acclaim, and they have headlined Life is Beautiful multiple times. With hits like “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me,” they have become hometown heroes, embodying the spirit of Las Vegas.
Imagine Dragons
Another globally recognized band that hails from Las Vegas is Imagine Dragons, who performed at Life is Beautiful both in 2013 and 2015. With their energetic and emotive style, they have captivated audiences around the world. After their 2013 festival set, Life is Beautiful provided a significant platform for the band early in their career, helping to catapult them to stardom. Their chart-topping hits like “Radioactive” and “Demons” have become anthems of a generation.
Panic! at the Disco
Fronted by the charismatic Brendon Urie, Panic! at the Disco has become a household name. Born in Las Vegas, the band blends pop, rock, and theatricality to create a unique and infectious sound. Their dynamic performances and Urie’s vocal prowess wowed the Life is Beautiful audience in 2014, solidifying their place in the festival’s history.
Shamir
Shamir Bailey, known professionally as Shamir, is a talented singer-songwriter from Las Vegas. His eclectic style blends elements of pop, disco, and indie rock, creating a fresh and distinctive sound. Shamir brought his soulful performance to the Life is Beautiful stage in 2015, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Ekoh
Ekoh, an independent rapper and lyricist, has carved a niche for himself in the Las Vegas music scene. Known for his introspective and thought-provoking lyrics, Ekoh’s 2014 and 2021 performances at Life is Beautiful were marked by his passionate delivery and raw authenticity. He represents the thriving hip-hop culture within the city.
Sabriel
Sabriel, a rising star in the Las Vegas music scene, brought her soulful voice and poetic storytelling to Life is Beautiful’s inaugural year, and again in 2014. Blending elements of folk, indie, and alternative rock, her introspective lyrics resonate deeply with listeners. Her performances are marked by emotional depth and vulnerability, making her a cherished local talent.
Over the years, Life is Beautiful has played a crucial role in amplifying the wealth of talent within the Las Vegas music scene. From globally recognized bands like The Killers and Imagine Dragons to up-and-coming artists like Ekoh and Sabriel, the festival has provided a platform for local musicians to shine on an international stage.
Think you’re ready to join the list of Las Vegas alumni who have brought their talents to the Life is Beautiful stages? Don’t miss your chance to enter the Rising Stars competition and let your talent be discovered.