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\n\tRetail and shopping mall giant Simon Property Group is teaming up with former American Idol<\/em> judge Randy Jackson<\/strong> and music A&R veteran Paula Moore<\/strong>\u2018s new company Greater Than Distribution to launch Scouting for Stars, a nationwide tour meant to give Gen Z a front row seat to all aspects of the music industry.<\/p>\n \n\tThe \u201cScouting for Stars @themall\u201d tour will feature performances from a revolving lineup of more than 150 rising artists, including Jules Walcott, Tealousy, Karma and Nicolas McCoppin, along with a talent search with auditions on the first day of each tour stop. One person from each city will be selected to perform on the second day of the tour stop.<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cThe mall is where generations come together to have fun and make memories,\u201d said Lee Sterling<\/strong>, SPG\u2019s chief marketing officer. \u201cWe know Gen Z loves the mall and connecting in person, just like their parents did. Since music is also about connecting, this tour is a natural fit.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tBeyond connecting signed artists with fans at Simon malls, the Scouting for Stars @themall tour also aims to elevate and educate emerging artists in each city the tour visits. The tour will provide a platform for yet-to-be-discovered artists to interact and learn directly from music industry executives through on-site educational workshops focusing on songwriting and content creation. <\/p>\n \n\t\u201cI\u2019ve been fortunate throughout my career to witness what can happen when doors open and talented newcomers get an opportunity to grow and shine. I\u2019ve seen it and lived it as a musician, mentor and music executive,\u201d said Jackson. \u201cThere is so much talent out there, and as the first music company to go on tour to discover stars city by city, this experience may very well bring about a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a budding new artist.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tMoore added, \u201cWe are glad to bring this to life with our friends at Simon as their malls are often the third space for Gen Z and others.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tThe Scouting for Stars @themall tour is scheduled to launch Feb. 22 in Houston at Katy Mills and runs through August, stopping at 20 locations total and include special retailer promotions, \u201cbrand hauls\u201d and other on-trend giveaways reflecting popular culture, fashion, and music. Trevor Andrew, aka Trouble Andrew, is developing street wear and specialty apparel and accessories to drop throughout the tour.<\/p>\n \n\tThe tour kicks off Feb. 21-22, 2025, at Katy Mills in Houston. The final stop is Aug. 22-23 at the Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas. Registration is mandatory for some events and is free, but spots are limited. All who pre-register will receive an exclusive limited edition tote bag and shirt. Pre-register here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\tScouting for Stars @themall Tour Dates<\/strong>
February 21-22, 2025 \u2013 Houston, TX \u2013 Katy Mills
February 28-March 1, 2025 \u2013 Oklahoma City, OK \u2013 Penn Square Mall
March 7-8, 2025 \u2013 Austin, TX \u2013 Barton Creek Square
March 14-15, 2025 \u2013 McAllen, TX \u2013 La Plaza Mall
March 21-22, 2025 \u2013 Knoxville, TN \u2013 West Town Mall
March 28-29, 2025 \u2013 Chicago, IL \u2013 Woodfield Mall
April 4-5, 2025 \u2013 South Bend, IN \u2013 University Park Mall
April 11-12, 2025 \u2013 Boston, MA \u2013 Northshore Mall
April 25-26, 2025 \u2013 Philadelphia, PA \u2013 King of Prussia
May 2-3, 2025 \u2013 Trenton, NJ \u2013 Quaker Bridge Mall
May 9-10, 2025 \u2013 Woodbridge, VA \u2013 Potomac Mills
May 16-17, 2025 \u2013 Atlanta, GA \u2013 Mall of Georgia
May 23-24, 2025 \u2013 Miami, FL \u2013 Dadeland Mall
May 30-31, 2025 \u2013 Orlando, FL \u2013 Florida Mall
June 6-7, 2025 \u2013 Garden City, NY \u2013 Roosevelt Field
July 18-19, 2025 \u2013 Los Angeles, CA \u2013 Ontario Mills
July 25-26, 2025 \u2013 Anaheim, CA \u2013 Brea Mall
August 1-2, 2025 \u2013 San Jose, CA \u2013 Great Mall
August 8-9, 2025 \u2013 Mission Viejo, CA \u2013 The Shops at Mission Viejo
August 22-23, 2025 \u2013 El Paso, TX \u2013 Cielo Vista Mall<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n