You may recognize Amanda McGovern from her performances with the Wheeling Symphony, her theatre performances at Wheeling Park High School and West Virginia University, or from singing at Our Lady of Peace Church. Beyond her local recognition, Amanda has now gained national attention as the most recent winner of the NextGen National Singing Competition. Let’s take a look at Amanda’s journey and how she has reached this milestone.
Early Years
Amanda has loved singing for as long as she can remember. As soon as she could talk, she was singing. She began performing publicly in third grade as a member of the choir at Our Lady of Peace. In middle school, her parents noticed her growing passion for music. Around seventh grade, she began taking voice lessons with Joyce Jingle. Her first theatre performance was as the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland at the Strand Theatre.
High School Years
When deciding where to attend high school, Amanda chose Wheeling Park High School due to its excellent theatre program. During these years, she truly began to grow as a singer and actress. In her junior year at WPHS, she took a theatre trip to New York City—just before the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During that trip, she had the joy of experiencing four Broadway shows.
“I remember watching the shows and realizing that this could be a job. I need to be doing this,” Amanda shares.
NextGen Singing Competition
She first heard about the NextGen competition as a freshman at WVU but was too nervous to audition for two years. In her junior year, she finally decided to audition and advanced to the semifinals.
Determined to go further, Amanda auditioned again during her senior year and made it to the finals. To enter, all contestants submitted a self-tape performing a piece from before the 1970s. Amanda loved the challenge of selecting music published prior to 1970. “It paved the way for the music we have today, and it’s cool to see how it influences what we listen to now,” she shared.
After the initial audition, she advanced to the semifinals, where she performed virtually. From there, she secured a spot in the finals, leading to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Amanda was flown to New York City—all expenses paid—to compete as a finalist. Throughout the competition, she had access to mock interviews, masterclasses, a rehearsal with Kate Baldwin, and numerous other resources designed to help young artists grow.
It never felt like a competition. It was just a group of artists coming together and performing.
Amanda’s final performance was breathtaking. Her mom and grandma were able to attend and watch her perform—culminating in her winning the competition.
Her Father’s Legacy
Many people also know Amanda through her father, Matt McGovern, who worked for the Wheeling Fire Department for 23 years. Sadly, Matt passed away in January 2023 from work-related cancer.
McGovern was a husband, a father, a friend, a firefighter, and so much more to so many people. But to Amanda, he was also her first connection to music. Her earliest memories involve her dad singing and dancing with her before bed. As part of her nightly routine as a young child, she would dance to three songs with him. One of their songs was I Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You, which she sang for the semi-finals of the NextGen Competition.
“My dad was always singing, and he would be the first to say that he wasn’t good at it… but that was the thing—he showed me that music is all about connection, expression, and releasing emotions regardless of how well you do it,” Amanda shared. “Keeping that sense of wonder is the most important thing. He shaped every little bit of me.”
Her father always encouraged her to be her best and instilled a strong work ethic in every aspect of her life. He was always in the audience, supporting her, and he was the first person she would turn to after a performance for feedback. Receiving his embrace, encouragement, and feedback after a performance was the most important part of the night.
I still think that he’s here and that he’s watching. This makes the story that I am telling that much more special.
Remembering her Wheeling Roots
Amanda will always cherish the people from her hometown who helped her reach her potential.
Joyce Jingle was the first person outside of her parents to recognize her as a singer. “Joyce never doubted me and always saw my potential—even in moments when I couldn’t,” Amanda shares with gratitude.
Bill Cornforth was the first person to see Amanda as an actor. “I believe singing is storytelling, and he is the person who taught me that.”
Both Joyce Jingle and Bill Cornforth played significant roles in Amanda’s journey. “They are two of the greatest people I know.” She thinks of them before every performance.
Amanada is also grateful to John Devlin, the maestro of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, for the opportunities that he has given to Amanda to learn and grow her craft. Devlin has given her the opportunity to perform with the Symphony Orchestra on two occasions and has been an incredible mentor and friend. “Devlin cares so much about giving young artists in Wheeling the platform to share their artistry.”
Justin Jones, the Strings Director at John Marshall High School, has also played a role in supporting and encouraging Amanda along her journey. Amanda met him through auditions at the Strand Theatre and he has become a wonderful mentor and friend ever since.
Amanda’s family is a huge reason she is where she is today. They have always supported her and encouraged her to do what she loves. “You must do what you love” was the phrase she was always told.
One of the most remarkable qualities of the people in Wheeling is their willingness and excitement to be supportive and helpful. This is evident in the many people who have contributed to Amanda’s success.
We Wish you all the best, Amanda!
If there’s one thing I know about the people of West Virginia, it’s that we love to see one of our own succeed.
After graduating from WVU in May, Amanda plans to move to New York City and begin auditioning for theatre roles. “There is nothing more inspiring than being surrounded by great art and great work,” Amanda shares, which is one of the reasons she is so excited to move to NYC.
We are rooting for you all the way, Amanda—best of luck!
