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2014 AARP ANNUAL REPORT 29
Photos by Ian Cunningham
MAKING BOOMER SUPERSTARS’
DREAMS COME TRUE
AARP’s search for one undiscovered boomer with an unforgettable
singing voice attracted more than 1,000 entries. Boomer Superstar
contestants cut audition tapes in their kitchens, their garages and
even a hospital room.
The 10-week talent search culminated in a
star-studded concert held on September 5
during AARP’s Ideas@50+ event in San Diego,
California. Producer and veteran American
Idol judge Randy Jackson was the emcee.
After five finalists performed, the audience
selected two to sing a final number before
three celebrity judges: AARP Ambassador and
Grammy winner Emilio Estefan, 2006 Amer-
ican Idol winner Taylor Hicks and Grammy
winner Patti Austin.
Julian Hernandez, 60, of New Jersey,
wowed the crowd with Andrea Bocelli’s Time
to Say Goodbye in Italian.
Ká Wright, 51, a Florida grandmother of
eight, delivered rousing You Light Up My Life.
When the judges couldn’t decide between
the two outstanding finalists, both were
declared the first AARP Boomer Superstars.
AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins awarded them
each $5,000 and implored Estefan to “please
get them both recording contracts.”
“Dream the possibilities,” Hernandez told the
cheering audience. “I’m living proof.”
“Keep dreaming,” Wright said. “Never, ever give
up! You are never too old.”
VIDEO: See a
3-minute high-
lights tape from
the finale of AARP
Boomer Superstar,
powered by Ameri-
can Idol Live!