The Collaborative Greek Council held auditions for its original singing competition Pack Idol Tuesday night in Bragaw Activity Room. Twelve finalists were selected to go on to the final competition, which will be held on April 23.

Christine McArthur, president of the Collaborative Greek Council and director of Pack Idol, said Pack Idol is a good way for students to come together.

“At N.C. State, there is such talent here, and we thought we could showcase the talent,” she said. “With the popularity of American Idol right now, we thought this would be the way to do it.”

Peter Lee, a senior in communication and Pack Idol contestant, said Pack Idol provided an excellent opportunity for students to sing competitively.

“I was just walking by, and I just saw the sign … I have been waiting for some kind of opportunity to sing,” he said. “[I] walked in and gave it a shot … This is really a good idea because honestly a lot of the activities at State are not very creative, so this is pretty cool.”

Jessica Hudson, a junior in business management and Pack Idol judge, said judges will evaluate contestants on the basis of pitch, timing, range, voice projection, charisma/stage presence, style of singing and originality.

“It’s a great way for students who may or may not be involved with ensembles here at N.C. State to show off their talent for the whole student body while doing it for a good cause,” Hudson said.

Davina Jahja, a sophomore in biochemistry, said she has had training in singing through Music 150: Vocal Techniques and is a Pack Idol contestant. She said she can appreciate programs such as Pack Idol.

“I thought it would be fun, and there were a couple of people that thought I should [compete],” she said. “I feel it will draw us together as a campus and just see what the talent is at N.C. State.”

Ashley McPhail, a sophomore in chemical engineering, CGC delegate and Pack Idol judge, said Pack Idol provided an excellent student outlet on campus.

“One of the reasons that we’re having Pack Idol is to get out on the campus to let the campus know that Collaborative Greek Council is here, and it’s just something fun that the students on campus would like and enjoy,” she said.

Adam Beard, a senior in animal science and Pack Idol contestant, said he came out to Pack Idol for the atmosphere.

“I just wanted to have a little fun, and I watch American Idol. I hope if nothing else, I can be at least some of the comic relief,” he said. “Any kind of activity where you can come out and have fun with people in a safe environment is always a good activity.”

McArthur, a junior in political science, said students, faculty and alumni participate and vote in the Pack Idol competition. The public will watch the final competition April 23 in Stewart Theatre.

McArthur said she hopes to keep Pack Idol going for at least a few years to come while giving students an opportunity for some fun along the way.