Idol fever strikes Wesleyan

The Student Government Association recently held the first VWC Idol competition for bragging rights and a first place prize of a $20 gift certificate to Target. Freshman and treasurer of SGA, Jaci Downey, hosted the event on Fri., Jan. 28 in the Marlin Grille.

“This is a good way to meet people that you normally wouldn’t meet,” said Downey as the Astro Disc Jockeys prepared for the evenings event. “You can experience a whole different group of people than what you might usually hang out with.”

Many students showed up for the free pizza, sodas and of course the karaoke. The DJ provided plasma TV’s for the event, which were placed behind the stage to broadcast the Idol hopefuls while singing.

“It’s pretty awesome,” said sophomore RaSean Barbour. “It gets the Wesleyan community together for a lot of fun.”

VWC Idol hopefuls included an array of students who chose to show off their vocal skills to the judges, while some just chose to show off. The judges consisted of SGA members, who distinctively stood out from the rest of the crowd by wearing black t-shirts that said, “Have it your way…VWC,” on the front, and the members position and name on the back.

Some memorable performances of the evening included freshman Christine Simpson who sang country music’s Rascal Flatts “These Days.” Simpson dedicated the song to the field hockey team, while working the crowd and judges by jumping on the judge’s table during her performance.

Another great performance of the evening was freshman Nathanael Swan’s rendition of Usher, Lil’ Jon and Ludacris’ hit “Yeah.” Swann knew the whole song and even rapped Ludacris’ solo while pointing to the Batten Center’s Director Lina Green when rapping, “I want a lady in the streets, but a freak in the bed.”

Songs that students chose to sing were compiled from all different genres of music including pop, country and even some ‘80s tunes. As the judges accumulated their scores from about fifteen participants the DJ’s played classic party songs such as ‘The Electric Slide” and “The Cha Cha Slide” while participants and onlookers joined in the dances.

First place prize was awarded to freshman Christine Simpson.

“I feel great,” said Simpson after winning. “I was all energetic and I had a great crowd. It was all about the crowd!”

The second place prize for a $10 gift certificate to Target went to sophomore Jaquetta Livingston who sang The Fugees’ “Killing Me Softly.” Unfortunately, the third place winner was out of luck because there was no prize as Downey stated before the nights event.

“Hilarious and cute,” said junior Josie Thurmond an attendant of the event. “I really enjoyed it.”

“We had a really good turnout for a Friday night event,” said Downey as the event was ending. “There won’t be anymore VWC Idol’s this year, next year maybe, but SGA wants to change up the events we sponsor.”

“Everyone who performed was great,” said junior Kevin Wright, judge for the contest and SGA Vice-President. “It was hard to narrow down a winner because of the diversity in music and performance. I enjoyed all of them.”