Retail and shopping mall giant Simon Property Group is teaming up with former American Idol judge Randy Jackson and music A&R veteran Paula Moore‘s 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.
The “Scouting for Stars @themall” 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.
“The mall is where generations come together to have fun and make memories,” said Lee Sterling, SPG’s chief marketing officer. “We 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.”
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Beyond 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.
“I’ve been fortunate throughout my career to witness what can happen when doors open and talented newcomers get an opportunity to grow and shine. I’ve seen it and lived it as a musician, mentor and music executive,” said Jackson. “There 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.”
Moore added, “We 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.”
The 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, “brand hauls” 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.
The 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.
Scouting for Stars @themall Tour DatesFebruary 21-22, 2025 – Houston, TX – Katy MillsFebruary 28-March 1, 2025 – Oklahoma City, OK – Penn Square MallMarch 7-8, 2025 – Austin, TX – Barton Creek SquareMarch 14-15, 2025 – McAllen, TX – La Plaza MallMarch 21-22, 2025 – Knoxville, TN – West Town MallMarch 28-29, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Woodfield MallApril 4-5, 2025 – South Bend, IN – University Park MallApril 11-12, 2025 – Boston, MA – Northshore MallApril 25-26, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA – King of PrussiaMay 2-3, 2025 – Trenton, NJ – Quaker Bridge MallMay 9-10, 2025 – Woodbridge, VA – Potomac MillsMay 16-17, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Mall of GeorgiaMay 23-24, 2025 – Miami, FL – Dadeland MallMay 30-31, 2025 – Orlando, FL – Florida MallJune 6-7, 2025 – Garden City, NY – Roosevelt FieldJuly 18-19, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – Ontario MillsJuly 25-26, 2025 – Anaheim, CA – Brea MallAugust 1-2, 2025 – San Jose, CA – Great MallAugust 8-9, 2025 – Mission Viejo, CA – The Shops at Mission ViejoAugust 22-23, 2025 – El Paso, TX – Cielo Vista Mall
