Miriam Gilbertson, in a pink shirt, is named the first-place winner by Lainey Donoghue (right) and Ryan Affolter during the Eden Prairie Sings! competition on Aug. 17. The other contestants applaud from the side of the stage. Photo by Jeremy Peyer
The eighth annual Eden Prairie Sings! competition, part of the city’s Arts in the Park event, brought excitement and talent to Purgatory Creek Park on Aug. 17.
Miriam Gilbertson performs “Defying Gravity” during this year’s Eden Prairie Sings! competition, where she won first place. Photo by Jeremy Peyer
Hosted by the Eden Prairie Optimist Club, a nonprofit organization that offers scholarships and other opportunities to the community’s youth, the competition featured nine young singers, ages 13 to 20, who competed for cash prizes and a chance to represent Eden Prairie at the 2025 Minnesota Sings vocal competition.
The performances were impressive, and the competition was fierce. First-place winner Miriam Gilbertson wowed the judges and audience with her powerful rendition of “Defying Gravity” from the musical “Wicked.” At just 13, Gilbertson demonstrated vocal maturity and stage presence beyond her years, earning the top prize of $200 and a spot in the 2025 Minnesota Sings competition.
Second place went to Sadie Maguire, 16, who also earned second place last year. This year, she delivered a heartfelt performance of “Snow Angel” by Reneé Rapp.
Sophia Repice, 18, took third place with an energetic rendition of “What Baking Can Do” from the “Waitress” soundtrack, bringing the audience to their feet.
Nineteen-year-old Lily Erlandson received an honorable mention for her original song “Finally.” This performance marked a historic moment for Eden Prairie Sings! as Erlandson became the first participant in the competition’s history to perform an original piece.
The judges had a tough time deciding the winners this year, given the level of talent on display.
“We were amazed by the nine singers this year, by far the most diverse vocal talent in our eight years,” said Ryan Affolter of the Eden Prairie Optimist Club, who emceed the event and served as its lead organizer. He also extended a thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers who made the event possible, including Matt McFarlane and Katie McKnight from PiM Arts High School in Eden Prairie.
The evening began with adult performances that set the tone for a night of music. A standout moment was when Lainey Donoghue, the 2023 first-place winner of Eden Prairie Sings!, returned to the stage with a rendition of “The Girl in 14G” by Kristin Chenoweth. Donoghue placed fourth in the 2023 Minnesota Sings competition in the 13-20 age division.
Participants and others at the Aug. 17 Eden Prairie Sings! competition: Back row: Noel Cruz (2023 Minnesota Sings first-place winner, age 21 and over division) and Leo Pusateri. First level: Lainey Donoghue (2023 Eden Prairie Sings! winner) and emcee Ryan Affolter. Front row, from left: Grace Hunter, Samhita Krishnamurthy, Lettie Skov, Sophia Repice (third place), Miriam Gilbertson (first place), Sadie Maguire (second place), Lily Erlandson, Lucy Juncosa, Bella Hicks, Christina Zaczkowski, Ryan Zettlemoyer, and Katie McKnight. Photo by Jeremy Peyer
This year’s winner, Gilbertson, will head to the 2025 Minnesota Sings competition, where she will compete against top singers from across the state for up to $30,000 in cash and prizes. Thanks to the Eden Prairie Optimist Club, her registration and travel expenses will be fully covered. While the 2024 Minnesota Sings in October will feature the top winners from the competition’s first 10 years, next year’s Arts in the Park event will select the second Eden Prairie contestant for the 2025 competition.
For more updates, visit the Eden Prairie Optimist Club on Facebook.
Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Rachel’s Reviews, where Rachel Engstrom, a contributor to Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN), reviews various aspects of Eden Prairie and beyond. Have ideas for reviews? Reach out to Rachel Engstrom at Rachel.Engstrom@eplocalnews.org.