Stephanie Orvis sat outside the MSU Union Ballroom mentally preparing herself for her audition.
Even though the zoology senior made it into the top 20 during last year's "Spartan Idol," this year's tryouts still made her a bit uneasy.
"I'm hungry, actually, which is enhancing my anxiety," Orvis said on Oct. 3.
She was one of a number of MSU vocalists who came out hoping to be deemed the next "Spartan Idol," the University Activities Board's, version of "American Idol."
Orvis sang her way into the top 20 contestants who will perform again Friday night in front of an audience. On Saturday, the best five will duke it out to be named the new Spartan Idol.
University Activities Board, or UAB, business director Josh Preister and spirit and traditions Director Shannon Hoffman were in the MSU Union Ballroom an hour before auditions began for Spartan Idol on Oct. 3. They set up a video camera to record each audition.
"We're looking for the whole package — people who come into the room and really want it," Preister said.
Friday's audience will choose the top five. They are then taken to Eastwood Towne Center the next morning to choose a new outfit, limited to $100, on the UAB's tab.
Orvis was one of the more comfortable contenders during auditions. Outside the ballroom, no-preference sophomore Mark Littlejohn was writhing his hands anxiously.
"I'm nervous," he said.
A member of MSU's Gospel Choir, Littlejohn has been singing for about a year.
"I sing for the passion, to bring a smile to people's faces."
A video camera facing a stage stands alone in the ballroom among rows of chairs left out from a performance the night before. It is here the contestants compete to sing their way into the top 20.
Once they enter the room, the doors are sealed off. Aside from a member or two from the UAB, which holds the event each year, the contestant is alone. Friends can peek through the windows.
Each contender came with a 60-second a cappella song to sing for their first audition. Song selections ranged from those by Carrie Underwood and Stevie Wonder to the "Family Guy" theme.
On Oct. 9, the top 20 were chosen. Those who made it received a phone call and an e-mail.
Orvis, along with the rest of the Spartan Idol semi-finalists, has been rehearsing a group song, "Seasons of Love" from the musical "Rent." The finalists are comfortable with one another, joking as they work to perfect their rendition of the Broadway hit.
Although time is boiling down to the "Idol" finals, rivalry between the competitors has not been an issue.
"I haven't really heard any of their voices individually," Orvis said.
Orvis is one of six contestants returning from last year's "Idol." Six of the 20 finalists are also members of on-campus a cappella groups.
"MSU has a lot of talent to offer," Preister said.
The winner of the competition receives 10 hours of studio time at Lighthouse Recording and 50 demo CDs.
