Rock Showcase Kicks Off Showcase Series 2025

Bassist for Velvet Mirage playing as the stage lights illuminate them, Colton Sanborn

Not even the rain could drown out the four bands going note-to-note at this year's Rock Showcase. 

Originally slated for the main lawn, the event was moved to the Massey Performing Arts Center due to rain, Belmont’s Rock Showcase featured four student groups battling for a spot in the year-end Best of the Best Showcase. 

The night was made special as it kicks off the 2025-2026 Showcase Series and served as the host of special news. 

Dean Britney Schaffer announcing the Belmont and American Idol collaboration, Colton Sanborn

Curb College Dean Britney Schaffer took the stage to announce that season 24 of “American Idol” will be filming in the Fisher Center later this year. Belmont students and alumni will also have their own online audition day, Sept. 23, for the chance to make it on the show.  

This year’s Rock Showcase lineup included The Hypocrites, Rocky Leroe, Soupless and Velvet Mirage. 

The Hypocrites kicked off the night with garage-band grit and powerhouse vocals that fired up the crowd to sing along.  

The Hypocrites lead singer, Colton Sanborn

Next up, Rocky Leroe hit the stage with a retro-inspired set, complete with a light-show intro and throwback sound. Leroe described her music as a “trip back in time,” citing Black Sabbath and Fleetwood Mac as her biggest influences. 

The band’s tight musicianship stood out; polished without ever feeling overproduced. 

Alternative rock duo Soupless followed, bringing their experience as an established band with them.  

With more than 45,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, the pair delivered a confident, high-energy performance that kept the audience engaged from start to finish. 

Rocky Leroe getting into the grit of her music, Greer Patten

Velvet Mirage closed the showcase with a genre-bending performance, bringing the crowd to its feet for the night’s final singalong. 

As the judges deliberated, DJ Kewl Kat kept energy levels high, playing songs that kept the audience engaged during the break. 

Finally, Showcase producer Angelina Turner announced Soupless as the 2025 Rock Showcase winner.  

Soupless standing in the spotlight, Greer Patten

Velvet Mirage lead singer, Colton Sanborn

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This aricle was written by Zach Watkins and photographed by Greer Patten and Colton Sanborn