Crowns Los Angeles & New York City Winners
Jelly Bean & Punky Butter
Following its highly anticipated U.S. debut, Your Shot, the world’s only no-experience-necessary DJ competition and music academy, concluded its first-ever Los Angeles and New York City showcases with record-breaking attendance and two winners whose journeys reflect the program’s mission to empower aspiring DJs of all backgrounds. Across two days in each city, thousands of fans and supporters gathered to witness the transformation of more than 500 everyday American contestants who gained the tools, guidance, and confidence to step behind the decks and perform live.
The 2025 season drew over 300 contestants in Los Angeles and more than 250 in New York City, reaffirming Your Shot’s mission to democratize DJ culture. This year’s participants came from diverse and inspiring backgrounds, including individuals overcoming personal challenges, learning adaptive techniques, and traveling great distances for the chance to perform. Across both cities, contestants radiated an unprecedented energy and communal spirit, forming bonds outside of the training sessions, building lasting friendships, and developing life skills that extended far beyond the decks. Through expert-led instruction, mentorship, and hands-on learning, the program encouraged participants to hone technical skills, discover their creative voices, and take meaningful steps toward live performance, all while fostering confidence, community, and personal growth.
Los Angeles welcomed over 5,500 attendees across its two-day showcase, the largest crowd ever hosted at Catch One, and Ashley Wilkins, known onstage as Jelly Bean, earned the title of LA champion after impressing the crowd with her dynamic DJ set. A 29-year-old Santa Clarita resident and consultant for wellness clinics and medspas, Wilkins brought her love of dubstep and bass music to the stage, checking off a lifelong bucket-list goal and forming friendships that extend beyond the competition.
In New York City, 4,000 attendees filled the showcase across two days, where Jade Letlow, performing as Punky Butter, was crowned city champion. A 34-year-old Brooklyn resident and Senior Claims Examiner by day, Letlow’s smooth house and techno DJ sets won over the audience, while the program helped her expand her confidence, creativity, and sense of community.
This year’s U.S. winners earned the opportunity to take their skills to some of the country’s most exciting festival stages. One winner will take the decks at Elements Music & Arts Festival, the three-day music experience set in the Pocono Woodlands, while another will spin at CRSSD, San Diego’s legendary waterfront festival. Their upcoming festival appearances will showcase the Your Shot journey in action, highlighting how the program transforms everyday music lovers into confident performers, celebrates their creativity, and puts their passion on a national stage.
Since launching in 2010, Your Shot has transformed thousands of lives across Australia and New Zealand, providing a supportive environment for first-time DJs to learn, grow, and perform. Beyond competition, every participant gains lifelong skills, new connections, and the confidence to pursue new goals, reinforcing Your Shot’s dedication to accessibility, inclusion, and community-building.
For more information and to get involved in future seasons, visit https://www.yourshotdj.com/.
