High energy hits the stage with the arrival of the 9th Annual Fayetteville’s Ultimate Lip Sync Showdown to the Crown Complex on May 17. The battle for Best Lip Syncer—in youth and adult categories—benefits the Child Advocacy Center and reigns as one of the All-America City’s most entertaining shows. Presented by Fayetteville Academy, the 2025 Ultimate Lip Sync Showdown’s lights-music-action energy is a can’t-miss.
The creative Lip Sync Showdown is the CAC's spring major fundraiser and signature event. Since 2017, the fun promotion has raised money and awareness for the Center, a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization with a multi-disciplinary approach to caring for abused children. By attending and supporting the Showdown, sponsors, show participants and eventgoers become community partners with the CAC in its mission to respond to and prevent child abuse. Event proceeds help provide healing and hope to the over 700 child abuse victims with whom CAC volunteers and staff work.
For the second year, Fayetteville’s Ultimate Lip Sync Showdown presents two performances in the Crown Center Ballroom. The youth matinee at 1 p.m. includes groups with one or more performers under 18. With recommended dress of casual to cocktail, the ticket price is $25 plus taxes and fees if purchased online. The 7 p.m. evening features adult-only performers ages 18+. Evening showgoers will enjoy a catered meal with dessert options and a cash bar; cocktail dress is suggested. The nighttime show ticket is $75 plus taxes and fees if purchased online. View all seating and pricing options here https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/fayettevilles-ultimate-lip-sync-showdown-3
Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Crown Box Office, located at 1960 Coliseum Dr.
A live DJ, show emcees, professional audio, custom stage lighting and a 3D photo booth keep the party pumping, both day and night. Table pompoms and hand-clappers, raffle tickets, an interactive dessert station and People’s Choice cash-donation ballot vases create audience interaction opportunities before, after and between the clapping, cheering, laughing and fever-pitch crowd responses the show always elicits. The Lip Sync performers may not have cut a record or signed a contract, but their Fayetteville fans follow them just the same.
Returning in 2025 are the 2024 winners: youth ensemble, The Miracles, comprised of local young actors with Cape Fear Regional Theatre ties, and the adult group formerly known as The Six Merry Murderesses, led by Casey Benander of Haymount Homes. High school theater department members from E.E. Smith, Terry Sanford, Fayetteville Academy, homeschools and other K-12 groups are on the lineup for the matinee. Adult Lip Syncers include groups from Womack Army Hospital, Keller Williams Real Estate, the office of Spring Lake Mayor Kia Anthony and Dancing Without Sin studio owner Stephanie Brown Kegler as “Tina Turner,” among numerous others. From musical theater selections, The Lion King, The Addams Family Musical, Legally Blonde, Newsies, Grease and Pitch Perfect, to hits and hipsters from the past, Ultimate Lip Sync competitors, past and present, are in it to win it! A $500 cash prize will be given to the winner of each show; performing acts are judged on the criteria of lip sync ability, stage presence, choreography, costumes, crowd appeal and preshow fundraising.
According to Event Chair Karen B. Tisdale, over 100 performers have signed up to participate in the 2025 competition, which is expected to be better than ever despite changing months from April to May.
“We've become more of an established event, and we're getting groups that are putting more effort into their performances, more choreography,” she said. “Last year was the first time we split and did two shows. So, continuing in that vein allows more performance groups to come in. The more developed the event, the bigger and better it gets.”
“It's my favorite event all year,” Tisdale continued enthusiastically. “It's so fun. It's fun to sit in the audience and watch. It's fun to be on stage. It's fun to be backstage.”
The Ultimate Lip Sync Showdown has raised upward of $30-$40K for the CAC each year.
“We hope to raise $50K this year,” Tisdale shared. “It's such a fun, high-energy event. It's just fantastic.”
Pre-fundraising among the participating groups contributes to the overall goal and is another way for the entrants to showcase creativity. From raffling tickets and washing cars to selling lemonade and hosting donation dance classes, the designated proceeds “go to the CAC for its mission,” Tisdale said. “We have adult groups that do Facebook and online social media fundraisers that bring in quite a bit for the CAC.”
Hired as the CAC Executive Director in June 2024, John Webster is excited to experience his first Ultimate Lip Sync Showdown with the agency this year. Expressing gratitude for the event’s legacy, he said, “As the Executive Director of the Child Advocacy Center and as a representative of the CAC staff and its Board of Directors, but more importantly, on behalf of the children we serve, I would like to thank everyone who has supported Fayetteville's Ultimate Lip Sync Showdown in the past. I encourage corporate and individual sponsors and supporters to come out again and support this super fun fundraiser benefiting the work of the CAC. Karen Tisdale and her amazing planning committee work tirelessly to make this event bigger and better each year, so I know this year's event will be lots of fun for all who attend! The work of the CAC is vital to Fayetteville and the entire county as we strive to be a place of healing and hope for child victims of abuse by offering forensic interviews and counseling for victims as well as providing prevention education for parents, professionals and agencies in our community. Please plan to purchase tickets and come out for a great time while benefiting the children we serve.”
Unleash your inner rockstar and join in this year’s event. Don't miss the chance to win big and earn bragging rights as the Fayetteville Ultimate Lip Sync Showdown Champion. Sign up now or buy your ticket to attend. Stardom awaits!

(Photo: The Six Merry Murderesses pose for a photo after the Ultimate Lip Sync Showdown in 2024)