It’s like football — with microphones.
That’s how UAB Director of Communication and marketing junior Shannon McGreal-Miller describes Spartan Idol, the MSU version of the hit reality show “American Idol.”
Singing competition draws diverse talent
The competition is in the final stages of auditions to find the next great Spartan singer.
After five days of auditions throughout the past two weeks in different areas across campus, the top ten signers will be chosen Friday to compete in the finals at 9 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Crossroads Food Court in the International Center.
More than 30 contestants already have auditioned, and the finalists will be chosen by the University Activities Board, or UAB.
The top three contestants chosen by the judges will be awarded prizes, which include an iPod Nano and iPod Touch. The first-place winner will receive an iPad, and members of the audience will have a chance to win prizes as well.
McGreal-Miller said the amount of talent she has seen in auditions has been surprising, and she was not expecting the diverse amount of talent she has seen so far.
“We’ve had so many different types of personalities,” McGreal-Miller said. “You sit across from someone and you don’t realize that they have such a great talent.”
McGreal-Miller said she is excited to see how it all plays out on stage.
“(Some contestants) bring it like Carrie Underwood or Johnny Cash,” McGreal-Miller said.
“There is such a diverse group of talent, which will make it tough for the judges to choose.”
Judging the competition will be MSU associate music professor Richard Fracker, along with another MSU faculty member and an MSU student.
All judges have a music background, McGreal-Miller said.
“I’m always looking for creativity and seeing what the students bring to the performance,” Fracker said.
READ MORE
“I’m intrigued at the skill levels the students present.”
One contestant hoping to make the finals is apparel and textile design freshman Kalieha Stapleton.
This past year, Stapleton also tried out for the new singing competition on television, X Factor.
Unfortunately, Stapleton didn’t make the cut.
“I love singing,” Stapleton said.
“I figured I would try out for Spartan Idol because it’s the same thing (as X Factor), but just on campus.”
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
To view the 10 finalists’ audition videos after Friday, go to www.facebook.com/UABatMSU.
