Young musicians take the stage in Goodyear for Alice Cooper competition

It takes a lot of courage to step on a stage, especially a stage like this.”

— Jack Pladdys, CEO of Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers

Music poured out of The Stillery in Goodyear Nov. 2 as young musicians competed in the third round of Alice Cooper’s 2026 Proof Is in the Pudding music competition.

The restaurant was packed for a Monday evening as performers took the stage for a chance to win cash prizes and open for Cooper at his annual Christmas Pudding benefit concert.

Phoenix band Sweet Cherry Syrup opened the night’s competition with a rock ’n’ roll rendition of “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” drawing listeners out of their chairs and closer to the stage.

The band danced and clapped while playing their instruments onstage as the lead singer’s voice boomed out into the GSQ plaza.

Before the competition, Arizona singer and guitarist Eden Cislo warmed up the room with a country-style performance, bracing the audience for the sad tone of her music beforehand.

“It's OK because we’re all going to be sad together,” she told the crowd with a smile.

Her set drew a large round of applause before Jack Pladdys, CEO of Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers, welcomed the audience.

“It takes a lot of courage to step on a stage, especially a stage like this,” Pladdys said, shouting out the competitors.

“The arts are important to all of us, it makes the world a better place,” he said.

The competition, open to musicians ages 12 to 25, connects young performers with Solid Rock’s centers in Goodyear, Phoenix and Mesa, according to Randy Spencer, its director of strategic partnerships and artistic engagement.

“It’s an opportunity for young people to express themselves in a creative and safe atmosphere,” Spencer said.

Bringing the third round to Goodyear gave West Valley musicians a venue closer to home and highlighted the local teen center, he said.

The work goes beyond the competition as well. Solid Rock offers free music, art and dance programs for ages 12 to 20. Spencer said young people can visit a center for a tour and learn how to join.

Spencer said judges look for creative songwriting, stage presentation and audience response. The Goodyear panel included Arizona musician “Rockin” Ronnie James.

The finals are scheduled for 5 p.m. Nov. 21 at Paradise Valley Community College’s Center for the Performing Arts in Phoenix. Admission is free.

The winning duo or band will receive $2,000, and the winning soloist will receive $1,000. Both acts will open for Cooper at his Dec. 12 Christmas Pudding benefit concert at Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix.

Noah Flug
Reporter | Litchfield Park and Goodyear

nflug@iniusa.org

Community: Litchfield Park and Goodyear

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a minor in Digital Audiences from Arizona State University

Random Fact: I only have one biological cousin.

Hobbies: Watching movies and TV, spending time with my friends, aspiring stoic.