In addition to a chance to perform live, media and information junior and Spartan Voice champion Michael Finney decided to try out for the opportunity to help a friend, Bryan, a high school student with a similar passion for music.
Spartan Voice is a UAB-hosted singing contest where students try out for a chance to sing solos. After they perform in the competition, they’re critiqued by a panel of three judges. The prize for the winner of the contest was a trophy and recording equipment.
The contest was a chance to get that recording equipment for Bryan, whom Finney has been mentoring.
“I missed singing and any chance I can get to perform on stage I’d like to take advantage of,” Finney said. “I was hoping to win to get some equipment that I couldn’t afford to send over (to Bryan),” he said.
With his help, Bryan began pursuing music by joining his high school’s choir, something that has kept him in class and out of trouble, Finney said.
“I know how much music means to him,” Finney said.
Finney performed three times. He sang “Proud Mary” by Ike and Tina Turner, “As Long As You Love Me” by Justin Bieber and ended with “Royals” by Lorde.
And Finney wasn’t the only student who found a chance to shine. Communication junior Aubrey Karrip also took the stage.
Karrip chose to sing “Youth” by Daughter, accompanied by her acoustic guitar. Her performance began with an enthusiastic “Go green, go white!”
Karrip said the performance was fun but nerve-wracking because she didn’t know the judges would instantly give feedback, like on American Idol.
“I didn’t know the judges would give feedback right after,” Karrip said. “I was like ‘Whoa, this is actually happening.’”
For Finney, the best part about winning Spartan Voice was the chance to tell Bryan about his gift.
“He just kept saying thank you and God bless you always,” Finney said.
