MITCHELL, SD (MITCHELL NOW)  Friend De Coup earned First Runner Up, Barn Burner Award and Best Vocalist (Max Bruguier) during the 2024 Southwest Showdown at Lincoln Southwest High School on February 3,, 2024.

This was the second time FDC competed at the Southwest Showdown. In 2022, FDC was headed to a competition outside St. Louis when a snow storm rerouted them. With two days notice, the Southwest Showdown welcomed them, and FDC received Grand Champion.

Other finalists in order of placement were Grand Champions, Best Vocals, Best Choreography, Best Band–Express from Lincoln East High School in Lincoln, NE, Second Runner Up–Gold, Norris High School in Firth, NE, Third Runner Up –Free Spirit, Papillion-La Vista, Papillion, NE, Fourth Runner Up–Monarchy, Papillion-La Vista High School, Papillion, NE, Fifth Runner Up and Fan Favorite –Voices N’ Harmony, Lincoln Northeast High School, Lincoln, NE.

 

(Story by Billy Lurken; photos submitted by Karisa Hart)