UK School of Music senior Dejah Watts advances to Metropolitan Opera Laffont National Finals
Dejah Watts, a graduating senior in vocal performance in the UK School of Music, was named a 2026 National Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, one of the nation’s most prestigious opportunities for emerging opera singers. Watts was one of only 10 singers selected to advance to the National Finals after competing in the National Semi-Finals held March 15 in New York City. The finals took place March 22 on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera, where Watts performed alongside the other top competitors.
The youngest singer in the final round and the only undergraduate selected, Watts earned a $10,000 award for advancing to the finals, placing her among the top young vocalists in the country. More than 1,000 singers entered the competition, which began with prescreen auditions in August and continued through district, regional and national rounds.
Participation in the Grand Finals provided an extraordinary professional experience. Watts received coaching from Metropolitan Opera staff, worked with the organization’s costume and makeup teams, and performed with a full orchestra on the Met stage before a live, ticketed audience. The experience also included professional photography and additional career-building opportunities during her week in New York.
In addition to her success at the Metropolitan Opera, Watts was named a 2026 Undergraduate (Upper Division) Winner in the Schmidt Vocal Competition, earning a $5,000 prize. She has also been accepted into graduate programs at both the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, and plans to attend Rice University this fall.
Faculty members note that Watts’ accomplishments reflect both her individual artistry and the strength of UK’s Voice and Opera program.
“It was an extraordinary achievement,” said Angelique Clay Everett, DMA, associate professor of voice and director of the UK School of Music Graduate Vocal Pedagogy Certificate. “We are all immensely proud of her accomplishment, and it reflects a long history of excellence in the Voice and Opera program.”
Watts’ appearance in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition Grand Finals can be viewed in the official program and on the competition’s social media channels.
