Staff Says: The Single-Gender Stars of 2025

Carmel Accents explored broad themes of freedom in its show about cages and wings. Photo: Nathan Ensley / @nensley.photography

Whether they compete on Friday or Saturday, whether they have their own set of finals or are eligible for overall finals, single-gender groups are some of the best ensembles that the show choir community has to offer. As the season winds down, here's a look at some of the newsworthy single-gender choirs this year from each major show choir circuit.

Heartland (Missouri/Kansas/Oklahoma)

Webb City “Bella Voce” - Bella Voce orchestrated a major comeback from their slightly underwhelming (albeit still fairly successful) 2024 season, making finals at six of their seven competitions and taking fifth runner-up or higher in each finals appearance. They captivated audiences with their Marilyn Monroe-themed set, entitled “Let Me Be Your Star.” Despite the group only taking two division wins all season, they managed to turn around and outscore many of their single-gender competitors in finals. Directed by Melinda Benham, and choreographed by Zachary Pettit, Bella Voce has been one of the Heartland’s leading womens choirs for the last several years, and this season certainly proved that they’re not slowing down anytime soon. – Anne Marie Wright, Heartland Contributor

Joplin “Touch of Class” - Touch of Class, although they attended fewer competitions than normal this season, managed to make finals at all but one event and even outscored their sibling mixed choir choir, Sound Dimension, at Keller Central in Texas. They took only two division wins, but they were still able to run with the big dogs at their large-scale, out-of-state competition. TOC presented a baking-themed show this year that included songs like “What Baking Can Do,” “Practically Perfect,” “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” and the song that ended up inspiring the name for the show, “Rip Up the Recipe.” Directed by Monica Reynolds-Brown and McCade Gordon and choreographed by Zachary Pettit, Joplin Touch of Class remains both a vocal and a visual powerhouse in the Heartland competition circuit. - Anne Marie Wright, Heartland Contributor

Illinois

Wheaton Warrenville South “Esprit” - While Esprit had a bumpier season than last, they still remained the class act of Illinois single-gender show choir. Esprit’s signature powerhouse vocals and choreography shined on this season as they walked through life in Paris. They swept most of the Minnesota circuit at Bloomington Kennedy to start the season, before falling to third place at Homewood, their lowest placement of the season. However, they got right back on their feet with a division sweep and a finals appearance at El Paso-Gridley, where they beat out some of Illinois’ premier mixed choirs, and a split-caption win against several national single-gender powerhouses at Glenwood. They ended the season with a second place at Mt. Zion against many single-gender powers, only losing to a surprise attack from premier Ohio group Loveland Allure. The standard is the standard, and for Esprit, that is being the best in the state. - Dylan Moss, Illinois Contributor

Mt. Zion “Les Femmes” - Mt. Zion stuck near the top of Illinois’ single-gender circuit with their sorority-themed show, and beat out some national powers while doing so. The show took audiences on a journey through college sorority life, whether that be finding boys or the ever-tense bid day, all elevated by top-notch choreography by the one and only Dwight Jordan. They started off the season with a division win and a finals appearance of Troy Buchanan, as well as placing in single-gender finals at Chesterton in a stacked field. El Paso proved a bump in the road, where they placed third against solid competition, however they placed in another single-gender finals ahead of many powerhouse groups at Glenwood, which then led into a respectable second-place finish at Wheaton South. While their season didn't end the way they wanted at Brandon, getting swept by Northwest Rankin, the sisters of Mu Tau Zeta still found plenty of success throughout their season. - Dylan Moss, Illinois Contributor

Indiana

Center Grove “Debtones” - Debtones took the single-gender circuit by storm this year, setting themselves as the clear leader in the most competitive single-gender circuit in the country, only dropping one major caption the entire year. It was a fitting way for their choreographer Andy Haines to end his tenure, as this was his last year after 18 years of service with the prestigious group. The Debtones have found a way to remain a step ahead of their competition despite facing some of the stiffest competition week after week. - Will Kaiser, Indiana Contributor

Fishers “Sound” - While they placed behind Debtones multiple times throughout the season, Sound still had an excellent season, taking two division wins and four first runners-up in a very challenging central Indy circuit. Their show was powerful, highlighting several important housewives throughout history who had pivotal roles in elevating their husbands. Sound excellently told these women’s stories, really emphasizing the inner frustration these women likely had taking crucial supportive roles away from the spotlight. They close with an energetic, fun Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl closer, showcasing their desire to include recent pop music over more traditional show choir song staples. - Nathan Ensley, Associate Editor

Carmel “Accents” - Accents continued their tradition of thoughtful, message-driven shows with their 2025 production, “Cage or Wings.” The show posed the symbolic question: would birds choose to remain in a cage or to fly free? The Accents open the show in cage skirts before shedding the cage and flying in beautiful yellow, blue, and pink dresses. The Accents took three grand championships across the season and closed with a strong first runner-up performance behind Los Alamitos Soundtrax at Show Choir Nationals. - Nathan Ensley, Associate Editor

Iowa

Ankeny Centennial "Vortex" - In Iowa, it’s not uncommon to see mixed prep groups be second in the spotlight to their varsity groups. Ankeny Centennial, on the other hand, took a unique approach for the state with their varsity womens ensemble, Vortex. Vortex saw yet another highly successful season with their show entitled “The Vault” (which, no, is not a Taylor Swift themed set). In the group’s second year of existence, they competed against many of Iowa’s best varsity groups this season and consistently gave choirs a run for their money. Their powerful message and rich choral tone set them apart from their mixed counterparts. Vortex had an outstanding competition season all around but certainly reached their peak at the end of their season. Vortex took first in the womens division at Millard North above Millard West Uptown, a seasoned Nebraska choir who had previously gone undefeated. Their momentum didn’t stop there, as Vortex took the trip to Heart of America Orlando last month and swept the womens finals during the group’s debut nationals outing. It’s safe to say that Ankeny Centennial Vortex isn’t slowing down anytime soon. - Ava Sammons, Iowa Contributor

Minnesota

Hastings "Dynamic Edition" - On paper, it does not look like as successful of a season for Dynamic as in past years, with no finals appearances. However, in a Minnesota single-gender scene that was more questions than answers this year, Hastings was a constant. They did not lose to a single in-state single-gender group this season and defeated almost every other single-gender group in the state, including Waconia, both Totino groups, Bloomington Jefferson, Bemidji, and Aspire. - William Soquet, Editor-in-Chief

Nebraska

Millard West "Uptown" - Fashion design was on point throughout Millard West Uptown’s season this year. Uptown had a near-perfect run in the single-gender division, placing first at all competitions except Millard North. They faced a wide variety of strong competitors including Westside, Johnston, Papio South, and Lincoln East. Two additional sixth-place finishes in overall finals were added to their record at the very start and the very end of their season. Uptown is one of the best Nebraska single-gender groups and is definitely one to not sleep on. It is clear that they have proven they are a giant and will likely continue this pattern seasons ahead of them. - Arte Reed, Nebraska Contributor

New England

Shepherd Hill ”Illusion” (Massachusetts) - Illusion had an excellent 2025 season. With a pair of wins and a second place under their belt, they showed up and showed out. Their Nancy Drew theme was very fun and full of exuberant moments. From the song selections to the choreography, every part of the show was well designed and executed. The additions of Tara Tober and JJ Jones to the creative team was an excellent choice. With this momentum, Illusion is on track rise back to where they were pre-pandemic. - Michael James Breen, New England Contributor 

Scranton “Glitter and Gold” (Pennsylvania) - This year was an unexpected successful season for the newly-reformed single gender group. Glitter and Gold, small but mighty with 15 members, produced fabulous vocal quality and made the group feel as though they never had a five-year hiatus. Their set was quick hitter after quick hitter and just made sense in every way. The energy throughout their show never ceased and audiences could tell that they were always putting in their all. - Michael James Breen, New England Contributor

Ohio

Though there aren’t many nationally-known single gender groups in Ohio, there are several hidden gems. One of the best Ohio single gender groups is Loveland’s womens group Allure, who took their Dolly Parton show to seven competitions and made overall finals at three of them, including a national showdown at Mt. Zion. Allure’s main rival throughout the season was Fairfield’s womens group, Pure Elegance, whose show about famous women through history made overall finals twice this season, including a podium finish at South Dearborn. A final notable Ohio single gender group is Marysville Swingers Select, a group that was new for the 2025 season. Though they didn’t take home a win in a single gender division, they did make overall finals twice, including in tough fields at Marion Harding and Ross. Again, they just completed their first season; as Marysville grows more comfortable with Single Gender show choir, Swingers Select will certainly rise to the top of Ohio single gender show choir. - Simon Zimmerman, Ohio Contributor

South Dakota

While South Dakota doesn’t have too many single-gender groups, there are a few notable standouts. For starters, Sioux Falls Washington Stage Lights beat Aberdeen Central Special Request for the first time since 2022, claiming the top spot in the state. Stage Lights claimed multiple division wins, including a finals placement at Lincoln Southwest. Sioux Falls Jefferson Revelry did pretty well for themselves, most notably taking second place in finals at Vermillion. A special shoutout goes to Sioux Falls Roosevelt Capital Harmony for also winning a few divisions, AND making finals at Emmetsburg. - Quinn Masek, Siouxland Contributor

The South

The South has a handful of strong single-gender groups, but none truly stand out like the ladies of Tupelo ‘Synergy’. Tupelo has stood as the premier single-gender group of the south for a few years now, handily crushing any in-region competition they face. They are still on the hunt for their first ever Grand Championship as their school’s standalone group, but they have the entire support of the South behind them. Following behind Tupelo, Oak Mountain’s own womens group, The Muses, has risen to the status of second-ranked single-gender group in the South. Don’t let this “recent” rise fool you, though - Oak Mountain has a history of being a single-gender powerhouse in the southern show choir circuit, especially prior to the rise of Tupelo. These two stand atop the southern single-gender podium, but there are a handful of other groups with the potential to make some changes atop the throne in the upcoming years. - Tony Holeman, Southern Contributor

Texas

Keller "Lumina" - Lumina's show “A Leauge of Their Own” hit multiple home runs this season, placing atop its division at both Cowtown Classic and Lone Star Invitational. This second-year ensemble competed at the Omaha South Classic as well, placing second out of competitors such as Millard North, Pius X, and Sioux Falls Roosevelt. Lumina is directed by Erin Schmidt and choreographed by Dalton Myatt. Lumina outscored other Texas single-gender groups such as Keller Central Voltage and Fort Worth Southwest Sound Machine throughout their season. This was an outstanding first season for Keller Lumina and all eyes are on them for next season. - Kortney Minnick, Texas Contributor

Virginia

Cosby "Rhapsody" - While Cosby Spotlight was busy battling it out with Manchester in close calls to see who Virginia's best was this year, Rhapsody faced no such problems. Across its Virginia competition slate, the ensemble never dropped Best Vocals, Best Choreography, Best Show Design, or any placements. Cosby handily dispatched other large single-gender groups like Manchester Touch of Swing and Midlothian City Lights to clearly be the class of the field in the Commonwealth this year. - William Soquet, Editor-in-Chief

West Coast

John Burroughs "Sound Sensations" - There's something in the water over at Burroughs, quite literally. John Burroughs Sound Sensations is arguably the strongest single-gender choir west of the Mississippi. A massive group with dazzling vocals, fierce choreography, amazing show concepts, and top notch tech, Sound Sensations checks every box when it comes to a spectacular advanced group. These ladies are nothing short of perfection. Their second consecutive undefeated season just concluded featuring their killer competition show, Siren Sound. This beautiful nautical-themed show entranced audiences with raw talent and grace, telling the choices one must make to stay true to themselves. One of their best show concepts, one should consider themselves lucky to witness Sound Sensations this season. - Andrew Estrella, Western Contributor

Los Alamitos "SoundTrax" - Trax brought home the hardware this year. Their “Betty Boop”-themed show was good for the grand champion spot at Show Choir Nationals, and is certainly one of the best single-gender groups that show choir has to offer. Their show is presented in such a professional way, with vibrant colors and a very strong aesthetic. The singer who portrays Betty Boop looks so similar to the character in her stage makeup and costumes that it’s uncanny, and that's not to mention the on-point voice acting. Despite playing second fiddle to Sound Sensations, SoundTrax had their best season since 2022. - Andrew Estrella, Western Contributor

West Virginia 

Winfield "Emerald Elegance" - It's not every week that a single-gender choir takes the overall win at a competition - in fact, it happens once a season, maybe less. That's why Winfield Emerald Elegance's run this year was so special. There were signs early on that it would be great, placing second overall and beating Hurricane Heat Wave at Nitro in January. At Cabell Midland on March 1, Elegance beat its sibling mixed choir General Admission for the overall win, marking a truly special day. The month of March was especially good for the group, as they swept small single-gender finals in a big trip to Brownsburg and beat Heat Wave again at the state championships. - William Soquet, Editor-in-Chief

Wisconsin

Sparta "Rise of Adrenaline" - There was no such thing as a sophomore slump for Rise of Adrenaline this season. The group parlayed a Rosie the Riveter-themed show into division wins at four of the five competitions it attended. From the first win on January 4 to the last win on March 8, this was a strong show throughout. Rise of Adrenaline beat several other Wisconsin single-gender groups, including Sauk Prairie, Monona Grove, Fort Atkinson, and Preble, and only fell to out-of-state competition - Vivant from Naperville North in Illinois. In addition, the choir notched an overall finals appearance at the La Crosse Grand Showcase, the first of the group’s young history. - William Soquet, Editor-in-Chief