iHeart supports young talent with $1,000 Teen open mic contest (includes video story)

Participants from ages 4 through 19 from all around South Florida showed their talents for a chance to win $1,000. Despite all the amazing talent in one room, only 1 out of the 15 was crowned the winner.

“I’ve always wanted to create a safe space for students because growing up there were places I really shouldn’t have been at my age,” said host “Stiches” from 103.5 the beat, “I hope Teen Open Mic is something that accomplishes that; to be a place for them to grow and not fear.”

All the talent was matched by a very special panel of judges; Personalities like Drew from Y100, Kimmy B from the “DJ Laz Morning Show,” and State Representative Dotie Joseph were among those present. “If I’m a teenager with $1,000 I’m investing in myself, and I hope that these talented teens will do the same,” said Drew from Y100.

Last night’s winner was 19-year-old singer/songwriter Chelsea Luv, who gave the judges a heartfelt and passionate performance of one of her original pieces. “A thousand dollars means to me just one step closer to being able to put out a message … to inspire other people,” said Chelsea Luv.

This Teen Open Mic event takes place every third Thursday of each month. For more information, please visit their Instagram @TeenOpenMicFTL.

Lauren Wurts is a Latina Junior at FIU majoring in Journalism/ Communications. She hopes to work as a news reporter and work her way up to Producing. She is bilingual and enjoys covering entertainment, sports and activism stories.

Valeria Ulmos is a Junior at FIU majoring in broadcasting and communications. She hopes to pursue her career in having her own talk show in entertainment and is a women activist. She is a bilingual podcaster and likes covering entertainment and world trends.

Samantha Gutierrez is a student journalist majoring in Digital Communication and Media. As a bilingual reporter, she enjoys covering stories about her diverse Miami community. With a strong passion for broadcasting, she aspires to pursue a career as a multimedia journalist in South Florida.