Students will try and follow in Clay and Ruben’s footsteps Thursday in State’s own version of “American Idol.”
“MSU Idol,” planned by Delta Sigma Theta sorority, will be in Lee Hall at 7 p.m. Admission is $3 or $2 in canned goods.
“This is basically our way of having ‘American Idol’ on a smaller scale,” Delta Sigma Theta member Amanda Dillon said. “It’s not as stressful.”
The program will be complete, however, with constructive criticism from faculty and staff judges.
“I expect to see a lot of good competition-a lot of fun,” Dillon said. “We’re not going to make a person cry or anything like that.”
So far 16 people are slated to compete in the talent competition. Anyone wanting to compete, however, has until 6:30 tonight to register with the sorority.
Judges will pick the winners of the first two rounds, but the audience will pick the overall idol.
The winner will receive $100 in cash, a crown and a dinner for two.
Delta Sigma Theta member DeBlair Tate said she is expecting some real talent to emerge in the competition. However, only one person will be crowned idol, she said. “Hopefully nobody will take it personal.”
Dillon said the competition will provide students a break from normal entertainment.
This is the first year “MSU Idol” is being held. Tate said if all goes well, the sorority plans on hosting the event next year, too.
This year’s competition will feature mostly singing. Contestants include some soloists and some groups. They will also sing different kinds of music, some a cappella and some with music.
Tate said pianists and guitarists may also appear on the show.
Dr. Bruce Lesley and Linda Smith, both music department faculty, and staff member Corey Bogart will judge the first two rounds of competition along with an unconfirmed judge.
Tate said the final winner will be decided by the crowd, based on applause.
Delta Sigma Theta will donate all canned goods collected throughout the night to an undecided charity.