A packed crowd at the International Center food court clapped their hands and shouted his name, anticipating his final performance of the evening Saturday.
But when the music played, communication junior Evin Martin, was not on stage - he began his performance immersed in the crowd, and slowly made his way front and center.
Martin’s renditions of Michael Jackson’s “I Want to Rock With You” and “Sweet Lady” by Tyrese, won the favor of the crowd, as he became the first winner of Spartan Idol: The Making Of An MSU Superstar. The event was sponsored by the University Activities Board and the Residence Halls Association.
“It’s awesome, I can’t even put it into words,” he said. “To think, I almost didn’t even audition because the line was too long. I’m very interested in pursuing a music career,” he said. “That’s been one of my dreams for a very long time.”
Each performer sang two songs Saturday night - one from the Motown era and the other a contemporary song. Between performances by the finalists, the crowd was entertained by a video consisting of the finalists’ experiences during their makeover and past audition tapes from Spartan Idol hopefuls.
The event, which began Friday, consisted of 20 people, who were dwindled down to five for Saturday’s finals. People in attendance voted for their favorite three performers to move on to the finals. More than 1,400 people attended both nights of the event; about 200 people were turned away at the door Friday.
A panel of three judges consisting of people involved in the music and entertainment industry critiqued the finalists’ performances.
As the winner, Martin will receive recording time with Lighthouse Recording Inc., 4215 Legacy Parkway in Lansing - where he will be able to record his two performed songs and use them as a demo. He also won the opportunity to sing the national anthem Nov. 23 at the MSU women’s basketball game.
But past experiences on stage helped Martin have a successful night.
Martin said he’s been on stage his entire life. He’s had high school theater experience and even auditioned for the television show “American Idol: The Search For a Superstar,” when tryouts came to Detroit in October.
All finalists received a makeover at Douglas J Educational Center, 331 E. Grand River Ave., and clothes from Urban Outfitters, 115 E. Grand River Ave.
Paul Manrique, a member of the education committee for UAB, and one of the two emcee’s of the event, said 107 students initially tried out for the competition.
The crowd only had one opportunity to vote Friday for one of the final five finalists.
“They were all good, but I liked Evin,” kinesiology junior Natalie Fulton said. “His vocals and stage presence were just outstanding.”
