STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A Staten Island woman is returning as a talent scout for “American Idol” and auditions are underway for season 23.

Emerging Talent Brands Corp, a local 501c3 has announced that Laura Monaco-Martino, a veteran in the music industry with more than two decades of experience, is actively looking for the next big vocal star, since scouting top 5 favorite, Julia Gargano of season 18.

“I’m thrilled to be part of American Idol, again, and to have the opportunity to find the next wave of talent from NYC and New Jersey,” said Monaco-Martino. “We’re making it easier than ever for young artists to showcase their talent through virtual auditions, and I’m excited to see the incredible talent that this region has to offer.”

Aspiring artists can participate in virtual auditions by filling out the form available here. Focused on discovering exceptional local talent in New York City and New Jersey, Monaco-Martino is hosting virtual auditions with a potential in-person audition day planned on Staten Island. The search will conclude on Oct. 1, 2024.

For aspiring artists, this is a rare opportunity to be discovered by one of the industry’s leading talent scouts. Monaco-Martino encourages young talent to step forward and showcase their abilities as the next big star might just be found in NYC or New Jersey.

* * * Staten Island’s Julia Gargano easily advances to Top 20 on “American Idol” in Hawaii

ABOUT LAURA MONACO-MARTINO

Monaco-Martino, the CEO and Head Vocal Coach at Emerging Talent Brands Corp, brings a wealth of experience to this role. As a certified music business professional and vocal styles specialist from Berklee College of Music, Laura has a unique perspective, combining her experience as an artist, songwriter, and industry insider.

Early in her career, she shared the stage with iconic artists such as Lady Gaga and Lana Del Rey, laying the foundation for a storied career in music.

Monaco-Martino’s songwriting catalog boasts more than 300 songs across various genres, with placements on high-profile networks including E!’s “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” “Chelsea Lately,” “America’s Got Talent,” the “Hallmark Channel” and Oxygen Network’s “Bad Girls Club.”

Her influence extends beyond songwriting; she has guided and written with artists who have toured globally and secured spots on major playlists and Spotify/iTunes Charts, such as Brielle Von Hugel, Seasons 10 & 11; Jax, Season 14; and Julia Gargano, Season 18 as well as Fly by Midnight and Corvyx.

Monaco-Martino has also played a pivotal role in scouting and developing talent for shows like “The Voice,” “X Factor,” and “America’s Got Talent.”

Together with her husband, Joey Martino, Laura opened ET Studio Productions in 2013 and launched ET Labz in 2020, an integrative learning company. These ventures are just the beginning of her mission to make a positive impact on the local youth and community. Monaco-Martino’s commitment to coaching and inspiring artists to become confident and self-sufficient continues to drive her work in the industry.

ABOUT EMERGING TALENT BRANDS

Emerging Talent Brands Corp is a premier talent development and management company dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and promoting the next generation of artists. Founded by Laura Monaco-Martino, the company has a proven track record of success in the entertainment industry, with a focus on music, television and digital media.

Through its comprehensive approach to talent management, Emerging Talent Brands Corp empowers artists to achieve their dreams and make a lasting impact on the world.

Emerging Talent Brands Corp is excited about the potential talent Monaco-Martino will discover during this search. This collaboration with American Idol not only highlights Monaco-Martino’s expertise, but also underscores the company’s dedication to fostering the next generation of artists.