Daily Voice
By Michael Mashburn From Daily Voice
A New Jersey high school choir just got the kind of early Christmas gift you can’t wrap.
Franklin High School’s GoldN’Blues choir in Somerset was named this year’s “Star Choir” winner, earning a coveted performance slot on NBC’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” broadcast.
Students were surprised with the news by none other than Kelly Clarkson during a special segment on the singer’s talk show Tuesday, Nov. 25.
Clarkson joined NBC 4 New York anchor Natalie Pasquarella and Telemundo 47 anchor Rosarina Breton to inform the members that they’ll perform “Joy to the World” live on national TV beneath the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
This year’s contest drew a record number of submissions from schools across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, according to organizers — but the GoldN’Blues stood out.
Led by choir director Kiera Radvanski, a Franklin alum who has taught in the district since 2015, the GoldN’Blues perform contemporary a cappella, while their sister group — the Madrigals — keep alive the school’s long-running tradition of Renaissance-style music.
Both ensembles have been fixtures in the Franklin Township community for decades, bringing holiday cheer to local events and senior living facilities.
Superintendent Dr. John Ravally praised the group’s dedication: “I couldn’t be prouder of our incredible GoldN’Blues vocal group and the proud Warrior tradition they embody,” he said. “Their performances are nothing short of inspiring.”
Radvanski said the win is “beyond their wildest dreams,” especially for students who will be seeing the Rockefeller Center tree for the first time — let alone performing beneath it for a national audience.
To support their big moment, NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47 are giving Franklin High School a $5,000 donation, with another $5,000 provided by sponsor Bulova, which will also gift each student a watch.
The GoldN’Blues will take the stage during NBC’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center,” airing Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m.
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