Three Winners Celebrated in HJ Stars Finals

“We went from 56 auditions down to 19 semifinalists, then nine finalists, and everyone that made it through was just incredible,” said Resfred Arthur, co-host of HJ Stars alongside Issac Jeong. “But the audience voted for the top three winners, and congratulations to all of them! Thank you to all the performers and everyone who was a part of HJ Stars, this wouldn’t have been possible without each and every one of you.”

On Aug. 12, the HJ Stars finals streamed live online with nearly 1,300 viewers. The virtual talent show and fundraiser benefits YAYAM and its regional chapters, with $7,800 in proceeds going toward scholarships for various workshops and events. Judges Jonathan Gullery, Sunhwa Reiner, and Sun Shim Santos said the many talented acts were challenging to evaluate throughout the show. “I didn’t know what a difficult job it would be,” said Gullery. “I’m just impressed with the talent and sincerity of heart that all the contestants have had.”

In first place, with a grand prize of $1,000, was the duo Yoshiha and Manny, from Minnesota and Las Vegas. “They received a lot of votes, with an outstanding score of 91.67 percent,” announced Arthur. “They are crowned the champions of the very first HJ Stars, [and] they’re really a sensation, putting together videos that look like they took months.”

The creative duo wowed the audience and judges each round with unique storytelling in their songs and music videos. “I think Yoshiha really carried it, and he’s the mastermind behind it,” said Manny. “Without his determination this wouldn’t have happened; I really appreciate that. Getting first place is crazy.”

Yoshiha commended Manny, too, saying HJ Stars was quite the journey for them both. “We were so crunched on time [for the competition rounds], and we didn’t know if we were going to make it,” said Yoshiha. “As a creator working a lot on a project, you kind of get numb to it and whether the work is good or not, and so that was my biggest fear.”

Yoshiha said their music video featured in the final round was inspired by his biological sister, an offering child, whose father passed away when she was very young. “Initially I was thinking we could share about our own childhoods, but then one night while I was sleeping this inspiration hit me,” said Yoshiha. “Losing a parent is not easy. I wanted to tell the story of my sister ... and she was happy and okay with it.”

The singing sister ensemble, Goldyn Avenue, from Alpharetta, Georgia, placed second with a prize of $500. “They have consistently delivered throughout the rounds, listening to the judges,” said Arthur. “Their performances just got better and better every time.” 

The foursome delivered soulful, beautiful performances as they harmonized their voices. “We had a lot of fun and really appreciate everyone who voted for us,” the group said. “All of our friends and family who really supported us, we thank you guys. It was a lot more difficult and challenging than expected, especially the final round, but we are grateful that we got votes ... and for the opportunity.”

Energetic dance crew, Rice Paddy Heroes, from Worcester, Mass., came in third place with a prize of $250. Round after round, the dancers impressed the viewers and judges with their original choreography and skilled dance moves. “We’re so speechless,” said the group as they were announced as winners. “We’re really happy. All of the other performers were doing so well, so we were kind of scared [we wouldn’t win]. Everyone was so great, and all the finalists were so good. Thank you so much everyone!”

Arthur described the group as “ninjas dancing on the streets,” likening them to the popular Korean boy band BTS. “I was blown away,” said Arthur. “The finals were their best performance throughout the entire competition.”

The six other finalists received HJ Stars t-shirts, as viewers applauded the talent and performances of all the contestants. “This has been really exciting,” commented Irmgard Baynes about the show. “Hard work pays off,” added Jorge Cuello Espinosa in an online comment. “This was really an incredible show,” said Arthur, “and we just hope to be able to see more talent in the coming months and years.”

You can watch the HJ Stars finals in full here.