Rahim Glaspy, Assata Renay and Kevin Stylez are three natives of New Orleans whose talents have earned them a spot in the second judge round of “American Idol,” the reality show which has made superstars of Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia Barrino, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood and others. The second round of judging will be televised, which means the three singers will travel across the country to audition for Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

Soulful rock vocalist Glaspy hails from Uptown’s Calliope Projects and started singing professionally at 18. Earlier this year, he made his Jazz Fest debut and recently released an album called No More Karaoke.

Renay currently lives in Algiers but she spent her younger years in the Lower 9th. Since launching her professional singing career eight years ago, she’s made her rounds at various open mics around town. Recently, she performed for a youth summer camp at the House of Blues.  “I was a little nervous about sharing original music with the most honest and filterless generation,” she says. “Long story short, they loved my performance and lined up for my autograph after. That was extremely rewarding for me!” Her debut album, Energy of the Sun, is currently available.

Representing New Orleans East, Stylez began singing church solos as a young child and now lists performing at Jazz Fest as a career highlight thus far. He considers himself a soulful R&B singer, but he credits everything from rock, gospel and country as inspirations. For “Idol,” he’ll perform mostly original music, “sprinkled with a hint of Miguel and Carlos Santana.”

This Friday, September 28, the three singers will celebrate their send-off with a performance and party at Howlin’ Wolf’s Den. Some of the proceeds from $10 ticket sales will be donated to Young Starz of NOLA, a non-profit focused on children with big dreams. Tickets are available here.