Findlay Teen Competes as Kean Quest Finalist

A Findlay Township teen has advanced to the finals of the 2013 Kean Quest Talent Search.

Keirsten Kelly, a junior at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, was among the 27 performers chosen to move onto the finals Friday night at the Kean Theatre in Richland Township. 

During the second semi-final round, Kiersten of Findlay received the Audience Choice Award. She sang “One and Only” by Adele, but has even more to brag about. She generated much attention last month when her video performing “The Cup Song” from the movie “Pitch Perfect” went viral on YouTube.

Not only is she singing in the video, she is also drumming a beat by clapping and hitting a cup on a table in a performance, which many have found inspiration due to the fact that Keirsten was born with only one hand.

Kiersten's hobbies include playing the guitar, reading, singing and competing in pageants.

Kean Quest, formerly Kean Idol, was scheduled to have Jackie Evancho give the third annual “Jackie Evancho Award.” The award is presented to a contestant who, like Jackie, has competed in Kean Quest for two or more years, works hard, never gives up and continues to follow his or her dreams no matter the outcome. 

Jackie first appeared in the Kean Idol talent contest herself when she was only 7 years old and was first runner-up in 2008 and 2009. She received international attention when she was runner-up in the popular TV show “America’s Got Talent.” Her resume includes platinum records and sold-out concerts.

Check back with Patch for an update on the Kean Quest finals.

The finalists:

• Kiersten Kelly, Findlay, Audience Choice Award 
• Shane Treloar, North Fayette, Audience Choice Award
• Hope Albert, Apollo
• Ashlyn Beatrice, New Brighton
• Christina Dantam, Poland, OH
• Madeline Dick, O’Hara
• Brittany Dlliott, Arnold
• Arianna Ranallo, Venetia
• Grace Rusnica, Hempfield Twp.
• Kolette Tetlow, Mt. Lebanon
• Morgan Traud, Whitehall
• Sabrina Knox, Valencia
• Karac O’Brien, Valencia
• Jordann Versaw, Mars
• Paige Hurbanek, Cranberry Township
• Marlee Manuel, Connoquenessing
• Amanda Bishop, Butler
• Morgan Engle, Gibsonia
• Abbey Evanko, Scott Twp.
• Sarah Fair, Allison Park
• Jane Fusco, Ross Twp.
• Sara Hopkins, Avalon
• Ashley Irwin, Canonsburg
• Carmen LoPresti, Jefferson Hills
• Allison Mizgorski, Butler
• Christina Trocchio, Oakdale
• Maura Yates, Franklin Park

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