2023 Stand Up Stand Out winners were announced at a ceremony at Auckland Town Hall on September 23.

Stand Up Stand Out (SUSO) features secondary-school talent from across Tāmaki Makaurau, with 1200 students representing 25 secondary schools. 26 acts across five categories: dance, solo instrumental, group vocal, solo vocal and bands participated in the finals showcase in front of a full house.

De La Salle College took home two major awards with Psalms Vaotuua taking out the solo instrumental category, while soul/RnB band Encore was judged the best of the bands.

Best Original Composition award went to Rumpus Machine of Long Bay College for their song Summer Daze. Best Artist was awarded to Charles Lia of Manurewa High School, a composer, producer, singer and songwriter whose talent was described as “from another planet” by SUSO’s vocal judges.

Musical Winners

• Solo Vocal Finalists: Jazmin Ugapo, Marcellin College
• Band Finalists: Encore, De La Salle College
• Solo Instrumental Finalists: Psalms Vaotuua, De La Salle College
• Group Vocal Finalists: Magnique, Ōtāhuhu College
• Best Artist: Charles Lia, Manurewa High School
• Best Original Composition: Rumpus Machine, Long Bay College