Out of more than 300 kids from across the country who submitted audition tapes, the rising ninth grader from Zion was chosen as one of just five young performers to earn a coveted spot to perform at the legendary New York City restaurant. After advancing to an in-person audition before a panel of theater professionals in July, she’ll return to Times Square on Aug. 19 as a “junior Starduster” for the day, sharing the mic and the stage with the diner’s famously talented singing waitstaff.

The celebrated diner–beloved by New Yorkers, celebrities and tourists alike–has launched the careers of many “Stardusters” who have gone on to act on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in film and on television. Former Stardusters have appeared in nearly every recent major stage production, with success stories including stars Brandon Ellis, Eric Michael Krop, Stephen Tyler Davis and Alysha Umphress.

The August performance coincides with Kids’ Night on Broadway, a Broadway League program that introduces young people to live theatre.

When a friend told her mother, Jackie Wynkoop, that the “Junior Starduster for a Day” contest sounded perfect for Addison, she didn’t hesitate to submit an audition tape. The 30-second clip featured Addison belting “Gimme Gimme” from the musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” where she nails one of the song’s most challenging, sustained notes.

PHOTO PROVIDED Addison Wynkoop listens as Penn State alumni and “Beetlejuice the Musical” star Gilbert Bailey II, far right, commends her performance. From left are Ellen’s Stardust Diner’s artistic director Scott Barbarino, founder and owner Ellen Hart, Bailey McCall who currently stars as Rachel in “MJ the Musical” and Jessie Hooker-Bailey who has appeared in “Waitress” and ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.”

Addison Wynkoop explained, “They even had to shut down submissions early because so many people were auditioning.”

While abroad on a BASD school trip, Jackie got the exciting news that Addy had progressed to the next round.

“We know she’s really great, but the talent is next level, so we knew it was going to be a tough competition,” Jackie said.

A week before her big audition, Wynkoop faced another tough competition at the National Association of Teachers of Singing’s National Student Auditions in Philadelphia. After taking home the top title in Knoxville last year, Addison fell short in the final round, making for a humbling moment just ahead of her next judged performance.

After the disappointing loss, the Wynkoop family decided to stop in New York on their way home to scout out the diner and catch a show. After scoring last-minute tickets to “Gypsy,” starring Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, they capped the night with milkshakes at Ellen’s just before closing — giving Addy a taste of what was to come and where she might one day be.

A few short days later, she put that perspective into practice, stepping into her audition at Ellen’s Stardust Diner determined to make the most of the moment.

“You never know what’s going to happen,” Addison said. “All you can do is go out there and do your best.”

On July 8, she joined 29 other finalists in New York to vie for one of the five promised spots. The competition took place live at the restaurant in front of a panel of Broadway professionals — including stars Jessie Hooker-Bailey, Gilbert L. Bailey II and Bailey McCall; Ellen’s founder and owner, Ellen Hart; and the diner’s artistic director, Scott Barbarino.

“Talking to all the girls before my audition was really cool, and it settled my nerves because everyone was so nice,” Wynkoop said. “It’s just really cool to think that they’re all here for the same reason I am. And everybody was, like, incredibly talented.”

“It’s kind of like meeting my future costars,” she quipped.

For the judges, Addison once again performed “Gimme Gimme,” a number selected by her vocal coach, Kelly Scott, to showcase her vocal range, belting ability and natural stage presence.

“Addy has a very strong stage presence… She is really able to captivate an audience, so her voice coach always tries to select songs that let that strength shine,” said her mom, Jackie. “This song has a lot of her personality.”

After giving it her all on stage, the moment of truth arrived. In a dramatic reveal, winners were announced by flashing their headshots on screen one by one. When Addison saw her face appear, she could hardly believe it.

“I was super excited,” said Wynkoop, adding that the moment made her feel both special and optimistic about her future in showbiz.

And, of course, her family couldn’t be prouder.

“My grandma said that she was even tearing up,” Addy said.

After her performance, judge Gilbert Bailey II, a graduate of Penn State’s musical theatre program, personally commend her stage presence and commanded of the song.

“That control that you had — to really eek all of that out and to hold it and stand in yourself — beautiful! That was masterful, the way you took us on that ride,” said Bailey, who encouraged her to come to Penn State when she’s ready.

The encouragement she received made a lasting impression, and now Addison is heading back to Ellen’s in August with no jitters at all.

She joins fellow winners Clara Bishop, of Philadelphia; Ava Gallo, of Staten Island, N.Y.; Benjamin Law, of Massapequa, N.Y.; and Ashley Bowling, of Scotch Plains, N.J.

“I feel like I got past the important part,” Wynkoop said. “Now I just get to go there and have fun.”

And if there’s one thing she’s sure of, it’s that fun and doing her best go hand in hand.

“I always do my best whenever I’m having fun,” Addison said.

Like any rising star, Addison hasn’t limited herself to just one opportunity. Since The Express last caught up with her in July when she was named the inaugural winner of the Youth Musical Theatre category at the National Association of Teachers of Singing’s (NATS) National Student Auditions, Wynkoop has been steadily honing her craft.

Shortly after her NATS win, she placed first in the prestigious Hammerstein International Youth Vocal Solo Competition in the middle school age category. That October, she was invited to perform at a benefit dinner for the Hammerstein Foundation, supporting the restoration of Highland Farm — Oscar Hammerstein’s historic home in Doylestown, Bucks County. There, Addison met and shared the stage with industry icons Justin Guarini, runner-up on the first season of “American Idol,” and Christy Altomare, who originated the role of Anya in Broadway’s “Anastasia.”

“I thought it was really cool and really fun. It was a great experience,” said Wynkoop.

That performance was just one of many highlights in a busy year for Wynkoop. In February, she starred as Ariel in Bellefonte Area Middle School’s production of “The Little Mermaid.” On Halloween, she took on another iconic role, making her debut as Wednesday Addams in the Millbrook Playhouse Youth Ensemble’s “The Addams Family: A New Musical.” Then, on May 31, she joined fellow performers for Millbrook’s one-night-only concert, “Broadway, OUR Way!,” celebrating 10 years of the Youth Ensemble.

Most recently, she auditioned again for the 2025 Hammerstein International Competition, this time competing in the high school age bracket.

“Obviously, I really wanna focus on (musical theater) because I am excited for my future and I do want that in the future,” said Addison. “But also I think I do need to learn to have fun and just, like, do some things that I enjoy.” That’s why she also has plans to join the BASD marching band as a singer and alto saxophonist.

As if she weren’t busy enough, Wynkoop has also suggested that track and dance lessons may be on the roster as well.

“I really want to work on my dancing so I can be a triple threat,” said Addy, with a smile.

To follow Addy’s journey to stardom, you can follow her professional account on Instagram @addywynkoopsings.

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