Photo Credit: Lerone Pieters
Randy Jackson & A&R expert Paula Moore are leading a Scouting for Stars event at malls across America through a partnership with Simon and Greater Than Distribution.
The Scouting for Stars at the mall tour is an immersive experience that provides a venue for aspiring talent to connect with musicians, gain new songwriting skills and insight, and learn from music industry executives. The tour will feature performances from a revolving lineup of more than 150 handpicked rising artists including Jules Walcott, Tealousy, Karma, and Nicolas McCoppin.
In addition to the performances and workshops, each stop will also include a talent search with auditions on the first day of each tour stop. One person will be selected to perform as the opening act on Day Two of the event.
“The mall is where generations come together to have fun and make memories,” says Lee Sterling, Simon’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. Who knows? The next superstar might get their start at one of our properties thanks to the Scouting for Stars at the mall tour!”
Beyond connecting signed artists with fans at Simon malls, the 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. Everyone attending these sessions must pre-register, which is free, but spots are limited.
The Scouting for Stars at the mall tour is scheduled to stop at 20 Simon locations between February and August 2025. Each stop is a two-day event that will highlight many surprise and delight moments to go along with the educational and music experiences, including special retailer promotions and other on-trend giveaways reflecting popular culture, fashion, and music.
Scouting for Stars at the Mall Tour Dates
February
- 21-22 | Katy Mills — Houston, TX
- 28-March 01 | Penn Square Mall — Oklahoma City, OK
March
- 07-08 | Barton Creek Square — Austin, TX
- 14-15 | La Plaza Mall — McAllen, TX
- 21-22 | West Town Mall — Knoxville, TN
- 28-29 | Woodfield Mall — Chicago, IL
April
- 04-05 | University Park Mall — South Bend, IN
- 11-12 | Northshore Mall — Boston, MA
- 25-26 | King of Prussia — Philadelphia, PA
May
- 02-03 | Quaker Bridge Mall — Trenton, NJ
- 09-10 | Potomac Mills — Woodbridge, VA
- 16-17 | Mall of Georgia — Atlanta, GA
- 23-24 | Dadeland Mall — Miami, FL
- 30-31 | Florida Mall — Orlando, FL
June
- 06-07 | Roosevelt Field — Garden City, NY
July
- 18-19 | Ontario Mills — Los Angeles, CA
- 25-26 | Brea Mall — Anaheim, CA
August
- 01-02 | Great Mall — San Jose, CA
- 08-09 | The Shops at Mission Viejo — Mission Viejo, CA
- 22-23 | Cielo Vista Mall — El Paso, TX