The prestigious competition has previously helped to boost the careers of pianist Marcus Roberts, saxophonist Joshua Redman, and vocalist Jane Monheit, among others. Created by the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, an 18-year-old educational organization named for the legendary pianist and composer, it focuses on a different instrument each year.

Among the judges for this year's competition were vocalists Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling, Al Jarreau, and Jimmy Scott. Drummer Carl Allen, bassist Lonnie Plaxico, and pianist George Duke accompanied the finalists in a performance at the Kennedy Center.

Parlato studied at UCLA, where she worked with Herbie Hancock, and at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance. As a member of the Monk Institute ensemble, she performed with Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Terence Blanchard; recently she has appeared in small groups with drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts" and bassist Essiet Essiet.