Thousands of energetic and talented kids auditioned for a chance at fame and fortune; 60 were brought to Los Angeles for a closer look; only 20 semi-finalists made the cut on AMERICAN JUNIORS. The bar will be raised next Tuesday, June 17 at 7:00 PM as the first group of 10 not only memorize their song, but also learn a dance routine. America will vote for their five favorites and move them into the final round. The second group of 10 semi-finalists will compete on Tuesday, June 24 and voters will be invited to again vote for their five favorites. Beginning Tuesday, July 1, America will vote for their favorite performer who will become the first member of a new musical act. After five weeks, America will have formed a five-member group who will perform together for the first time on the finale Tuesday, August 19. The semi-finalists competing on Tuesday, June 17 are: Morgan Burke, Nashville, TN Morgan got his start performing at church and in nursing homes. When he grows up he wants to be an entertainer. Kristinia DeBarge, South Pasadena, CA Kristinia has been performing for less than one year. Her first performance was at her aunt and uncle's wedding in September, 2002. When she grows up she'd like to be a professional singer, actress and model. Julie Dubela, North Hampton, NH Having done a great deal of local theater, Julie is not afraid of the spotlight. The first role she ever played was Molly in "Annie" at the age of five. Dubela would like to be a singer and go to Juilliard in New York City to study voice. It is her dream to play the role of Christine in "Phantom of the Opera." Tyler Foehr, Normal, IL Currently, Tyler plays in a percussion band at his school and his very first performance was at his church. Foehr says that when he grows up he'd just like to "be himself." Grace Leer, Danville, CA Grace got her start in show biz at a school talent show. Her favorite singer is none other than the first "American Idol," Kelly Clarkson. When Grace grows up, she hopes to be a singer. Kara Lieberman, Camarillo, CA Kara got her start performing in kindergarten. Someday, Kara would like to be a singer, actress or teacher. Chauncey Matthews, San Diego, CA Chauncey got his singing ambitions in church and his favorite type of music is gospel. When he grows up, he'd like to continue singing and possibly become an actor. AJ Melendez, New Castle, DE At the age of nine, AJ performed "My Baby You" by Marc Anthony at the opera house in Wilmington, Delaware. When he grows up, he hopes to be a pop singer just like his idol Justin Guarini (of "American Idol"). Katelyn Tarver, Glenville, GA As part of the YMCA gymnastics team, Katelyn is not afraid of a little competition. She got started singing at her church and she would like to be a performer when she grows up. Danielle White, Bradenton, FL At the age of three, Danielle's parents realized she liked to perform. When she grows up, she'd like to be a professional singer, perhaps a recording artist like her idol Mariah Carey. The remaining ten semi-finalists, who will be competing Tuesday, June 24, are: Chantel Kohl, Omaha, NE Quinton Caruthers, Antioch, TN Canyon Grove, Sherman Oaks, CA Lucy Hale, Cordova, VA Brennan Hillard, Scottsdale, AZ Lauren Klena, West Covina, CA Jordan McCoy, Mt. Vernon, IL Mercedes Ruiz, Staten Island, NY Tori Thompson, Santa Maria, CA Taylor Thompson, Santa Maria, CA   Lucy Hale is the Fourth Member of the "American Juniors" Group The votes are in and Lucy Hale from Memphis joins Taylor Thompson, Tori Thompson and Chauncey Matthews in the AMERICAN JUNIORS final group. This leaves only one position and six contestants vying for the final spot in the five-member group. The stakes get higher on Tuesday, August 5 at 7 p.m. on KPTM FOX 42. Simon Cowell will make a special guest appearance on AMERICAN JUNIORS via satellite from London with a first look at the AMERICAN IDOL auditions. Immediately following the Tuesday episode, the toll-free AMERICAN JUNIORS phone lines will open and viewers can vote for their favorite contestant(s). Viewers will call 1-877-9KIDS-01, 02, 03, 04, 05 or 06 to cast their vote(s) for their favorite performer(s). The show culminates with the first-ever performance by the newly formed AMERICAN JUNIORS group on Tuesday, August 19 at 7 p.m. The finalists still competing are: Chantel Kohl, Omaha, NE Morgan Burke, Nashville, TN Jordan McCoy, Mt. Vernon, IL A.J. Melendez, New Castle, DE Katelyn Tarver, Glenville, GA Danielle White, Bradenton, FL   Taylor Thompson is the First Member of the Group Judges critiqued, America voted and Taylor Thompson from Santa Maria, CA is the first youngster to make the AMERICAN JUNIORS final group. Now, Thompson will be able to relax as the rest of the five-member group is formed. The excitement intensifies Tuesday, July 8 at 7 p.m. on KPTM FOX 42 as the remaining nine finalists once again compete for America's vote and a position in the group. Find out who is next to make it in the group on Wednesday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. Immediately following the Tuesday episode, the toll-free AMERICAN JUNIORS phone lines will open and viewers can vote for their favorite contestant(s). Viewers will call 1-877-9KIDS-01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08 or 09 to cast their vote(s) for their favorite performer(s). The show culminates with the naming of the fifth and final member and first-ever performance by the newly formed AMERICAN JUNIORS group on Tuesday, August 12 at 7 p.m. The finalists still competing are: Chantel Kohl, Omaha, NE Morgan Burke, Nashville, TN Lucy Hale, Memphis, TN Chauncey Matthews, San Diego, CA Jordan McCoy, Mt. Vernon, IL A.J. Melendez, New Castle, DE Katelyn Tarver, Glenville, GA Tori Thompson, Santa Maria, CA Danielle White, Bradenton, FL   Tori Thompson is the Second Member of the Group on "American Juniors" The Thompson sisters have taken America by storm as Tori Thompson from Santa Maria, CA joins her sister Taylor in the AMERICAN JUNIORS final group. Now, Taylor and Tori can really have fun without any pressure as the rest of the five-member group is formed. The competition intensifies next Tuesday, July 22 at 7 p.m. on KPTM FOX 42 as the remaining eight finalists once again compete for America's vote and a position in the group. Immediately following the Tuesday episode, the toll-free AMERICAN JUNIORS phone lines will open and viewers can vote for their favorite contestant(s). Viewers will call 1-877-9KIDS-01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08 or 09 to cast their vote(s) for their favorite performer(s). The show culminates with the naming of the fifth and final member and first-ever performance by the newly formed AMERICAN JUNIORS group on Tuesday, August 19 at 7 p.m. The finalists still competing are: Chantel Kohl, Omaha, NE Morgan Burke, Nashville, TN Lucy Hale, Memphis, TN Chauncey Matthews, San Diego, CA Jordan McCoy, Mt. Vernon, IL A.J. Melendez, New Castle, DE Katelyn Tarver, Glenville, GA Danielle White, Bradenton, FL   Ten More Semi-Finalists Compete on "American Juniors" America voted, and Morgan Burke, Chauncey Matthews, AJ Melendez, Katelyn Tarver and Danielle White have advanced to the final round of AMERICAN JUNIORS. This talented bunch impressed the American audience and secured a spot in the final round. The excitement continues Tuesday, June 24, at 7 p.m. on KPTM 42 as the second group of 10 semi-finalists compete for America's vote and the final five positions in the next round. Beginning Tuesday, July 1, America will vote for their favorite performer who will become the first member of a new musical act. After five weeks, America will have formed a five-member group who will perform together for the first time on the AMERICAN JUNIORS finale Tuesday, August 19. The semi-finalists competing on Tuesday, June 24, are: Quinton Caruthers, Antioch, TN At the very young age of two-and-a-half, Quinton's family noticed he had star potential. Now several years older, he'd like to continue to pursue acting and singing. Canyon Grove, Sherman Oaks, CA Surfing, skateboarding and singing are all at the top of the list for this California kid. Canyon got his start at a school play and he hopes to continue on the performance path. He'd like to be an actor or singer. Lucy Hale, Cordova, TN At the age of eight, Lucy got her start at a small competition in Memphis, TN. She'd like to become a professional singer and entertainer. Brennan Hillard, Scottsdale, AZ Brennan's first performance was at his sister Michelle's wedding in April, 2000. He'd like to be a singer and actor. Lauren Klena, West Covina, CA At the age of three, Lauren was in a "Wizard of Oz" dance recital. When she grows up, she'd like to be a Broadway star, but singing and dancing aren't her only passions. She'd also like to become a veterinarian or a teacher. Chantel Kohl, Omaha, NE Chantel got her start singing at the Miss Nebraska pageant in 2001. She'd like to continue entertaining and become a singer and actress. Jordan McCoy, Mt. Vernon, IL Jordan got her start performing as a child in a local production of the operetta "The King and I." She'd like to be a singer and actress. Mercedes Ruiz, Staten Island, NY At the age of three, Mercedes' parents realized she was very outgoing and comfortable performing. When she grows up she'd like to continue in the spotlight dancing and singing. Taylor Thompson, Santa Maria, CA At the age of five, Taylor performed at a strawberry festival. She'd like to continue singing and dancing or become a veterinarian. Tori Thompson, Santa Maria, CA In pre-school, Tori sang a solo in a Christmas play. Someday she'd like to be a star singing, dancing and acting with her own line of clothing. Go to americanjuniors.com for more information. Omaha performer gets last chance on "American Juniors" BY KIM ROBERTS   WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER "American Juniors" judge Gladys Knight told 13-year-old Chantel Kohl that she was "special" after her singing performance Tuesday night. But once again it wasn't enough to gain the Omaha singer the prize - a spot on a five-member musical group. Instead, viewers voted Lucy Hale into the group Wednesday night. Chantel has been a top runner-up in the competition three out of four final rounds so far. "American Juniors," which airs on Fox, is a singing and dancing competition for children ages 6 to 13. Four contestants have already been picked for the group. On Tuesday, Chantel sang the Pretenders' classic "Brass in Pocket." Guest judge Monica, an R&B star, praised her voice and her style. Chantel will compete for the final slot in the quintet at 7 p.m. Aug. 5. The winner will be announced at 7 p.m. Aug. 12. The series will end with a performance by the newly formed group on Aug. 19.   Published Thursday July 24, 2003 Omaha girl continues in 'Juniors' contest   For the second time, Chantel Kohl of Omaha placed in the top three in the final rounds of Fox's "American Juniors" talent competition Wednesday night. And for the second time, the 13-year-old singer saw the prize - a spot on a five-member musical group - slip through her fingers. This time, Chauncey Matthews of San Diego was voted into the group. Chantel was sent back to the couch to sit with the six other remaining contestants. "American Juniors," a spin-off of "American Idol," is a singing and dancing competition for children ages 6 to 13. Chantel's performance of a Burt Bacharach song, "Don't Make Me Over," received rave reviews from the judges. Gladys Knight again said Chantel would make a good addition to the group. Guest star Jordan Knight said he was "blown away" by her voice. The remaining contestants will vie for the final two spots in the next weeks.- Kim Roberts   Published Thursday July 17, 2003 Omaha girl still vying on 'Juniors' BY KIM ROBERTS   WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER Chantel Kohl will return to compete on "American Juniors" for at least one more week. The 13-year-old Omaha vocalist, who formerly attended Andersen Middle School, was not the TV audience's top choice Wednesday to become part of a five-member music group. Two group members have now been determined. The eight remaining contestants will compete on the Fox talent show in the next few weeks for the final three spots. During the latest round of competition, she sang "Stoney End," originally performed by Barbra Streisand. She received positive reviews from the judges - Gladys Knight, Deborah Gibson and Brian McKnight - though Gibson thought the song didn't suit Chantel as well as her other selections.   Published Wednesday August 13, 2003 Fifth time no charm for Omaha teen BY JAN DEKNOCK   WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER The fifth and final member of the new "American Juniors" singing group was announced Tuesday night on the Fox TV show - and it wasn't Chantel Kohl of Omaha. Once again, the 13-year-old singer was one of the leaders in call-in votes by viewers of the summer TV series, a singing and dancing competition for children ages 6 to 13. This time, she was edged out by Danielle White of Florida. But the show biz life isn't over yet for Chantel, the daughter of Todd and Brenda Kohl. Todd Kohl, who is back in Omaha after making repeated trips to Los Angeles over the past few months, said Chantel and her mother are part of an "American Juniors" entourage being treated this week to a trip to Disneyland, then Las Vegas. Chantel's rendition of the Journey hit "Open Arms" is part of a newly recorded CD featuring all 10 of the "American Juniors" finalists. The Kohl family has been told by Fox TV officials that other opportunities may be offered to some finalists who did not make the "American Juniors" quintet. The TV series will end Tuesday with a performance by the newly formed group. Todd Kohl said even though Chantel wasn't chosen for the new group, the experience was priceless for her parents. "It was like 20 years put into three months on how show business works," he said. "I'm so grateful that I've been given such a good education on how it all works behind closed doors."