Kelly Clarkson Chooses New Jersey High School Choir for Iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Performance

Franklin High School in Somerset celebrates a milestone this Christmas. At the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, the school’s GoldN’Blues choir will gain national exposure. The choir won the annual NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47 Star Choir competition.

On December 3, NBC’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” will include GoldN’Blues performing “Joy to the World.” Kelly Clarkson and local news anchors surprised the kids, enhancing their win.

We were immediately drawn to Franklin High School’s GoldN’Blues Choir, said NBC 4 New York president and general manager Eric Lerner. This year’s regional competition saw record entries. “Their energy and spirit instantly brought everyone into the holiday mood, standing out among talented competitors.”

The event this year has over 100 choirs from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Franklin High School joins Bronx, Queens, Hudson County, and Neptune choirs as champions.

The GoldN’Blues chorus is led by 2015 Franklin High School graduate and district teacher Kiera Radvanski. The Madrigals sing Renaissance Madrigals and GoldN’Blues a cappella modern pop. The choir brings joy to neighborhood and senior living facility events after school.

Radvanski loved her students’ once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is foreign to many pupils. Nationwide performances will be remembered. That’s beyond their wildest imaginations, she said.

Franklin High School will get $10,000, $5,000 from NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47, $5,000 from Bulova, and national exposure. Choir members will get Bulova watches for their accomplishments.

This decision emphasizes students’ dedication, their director’s leadership, and local arts programs’ youth development. New Jersey high school talent will shine in GoldN’Blues’ NYC holiday show.

Sources:

• NBC 4 New York

• Telemundo 47

• Franklin High School Official Announcements