CU students stage their own idol competition

Friday night marked the 9th annual “CU Idol” competition, which is sponsored by
The Herd, a student branch of the Alumni Association.

The competition gives 10 finalists the opportunity to showcase their talents in
front of family, friends and other CU students.

Modeled after “American Idol,” the first round consists of each contestant
singing a song of their choice, and they are able to use any instruments they feel will
enhance their performance.

The second round is a cappella, and focuses on vocal abilities. After each
round, the judges and audience members rated each contestant after each song.

Audience members were accompanied by iClickers and were able to rate on a
scale from A to D. The five contestants that received the highest votes from the
judges and audience members were announced to advance to the third and final
round.

For the last found, the five finalist performed a song and style of their choice.

First up was freshman and theatre major Satya Chazvez, who moved the crowd
with her own rendition of “At Last,” by Etta James.

Continuing Education student, Rana Novini used her singing and piano skills as
she performed Lady Gaga’s “Telephone.”

Another freshman, Tayler Bledsoe impressed the crowd with a range of abilities.
Bledsoe performed an original song, “Medina,” which was accompanied by a
guitar, kick drum and a shaker on her right foot. This earned her the title of a
“one-man band.”

Emily Koeppel, junior majoring in integrative physiology, showed off her soulful
sound with a rendition of Alicia Key’s “If I Ain’t Got You.”

Senior and electrical engineer major, Peter Zagone, got the crowd pumped with
an acoustic version of Blues Traveler’s “Hook.”

After the final round, the audience and contestants eagerly waited as the judges
deliberated and tallied up the scores.

Third place went to Emily Koeppel, who took home a prize of $250. Second
place winner was awarded $500, which went to the “one-man band,” Tayler
Bledsoe.

Satya Chavez took home the grand prize of $1,000, and the title of this year’s
“CU Idol.”

Although it may not be “American Idol,” the competition is still a great
opportunity for contestants to practice being on stage and getting comfortable
performing in front of an audience, skills they can use in the future weather that
includes a music career or not.