The Orange County Register announced the semifinalists for the 2023 OC Artist of the Year awards, and seven CUSD students were among the honorees. They advance to the final round of adjudication, where students are interviewed by a panel of distinguished artistic professionals and faculty members from Southern California universities. Interviews include a live presentation by the students followed by a question-and answer-session.
The Artist of the Year and one finalist will be named in each category on Sunday, April 30.
Semifinalists announced for Orange County Artist of the Year 2023 (OC Register)
| Name | School | Category | Specialty |
| Quinn Dimalanta | Tesoro | Instrumental Music | World/Cultural and Commercial Music |
| Miguel Angel Tiscareno | Capistrano Valley | Instrumental Music | World/Cultural and Commercial Music |
| Natalia Vassilian | Tesoro | Vocal Music | Cultural and Commercial Voice |
| Deven Grover | Tesoro | Theater | Acting |
| Selma Elbalalesy | Aliso Niguel | Theater | Musical Theater Performance |
| Peyton Kirkner | San Juan Hills | Theater | Musical Theater Performance |
| Alexa Roemer | San Juan Hills | Theater | Musical Theater Performance |