From Alanis Morissette to Martina McBride, fantastic vocals could be heard from a wide array of popular songs at Late Night’s LSU Idol.
The performance, held Friday at the student Union, involved the voices of aspiring student singers and entertainers alike.
Although the small turn out and lack of cynical comments from Simon Cowell seemed like a recipe for failure, those who attended were in for a real treat.
Ashley Hofsommer, pre-nursing freshman and first-place winner, sang her own rendition of Martina McBride’s “A Broken Wing.” She said her friends talked her into trying out for Idol.
“My friends actually convinced me to do it,” Hofsommer said. “We had ‘Herget Idol’ a while back, and after they heard me sing for that, they were like, ‘You have to try out for LSU Idol,’ and I’m really glad I did.”
Hofsommer said although she has had professional training and has been singing since elementary school, her win came as a complete surprise.
“I was so shocked when they called my name,” Hofsommer said. “I’ve been in talent shows before, but I’ve never won first place, so this is really exciting for me. I feel amazing.”
Hofsommer is also a member of the LSU Women’s Chorus.
Stefan Taylor, communication studies senior, was a participant in LSU Idol as well as the most eccentric performer of the night.
He belted out Alanis Morissette’s, “You Oughta Know” without any inhibitions.
Taylor channeled Morissette’s spirit and added a few of his own saucy moves for the ultimate audience-pleaser.
Taylor said he decided to participate in LSU Idol because he was helping out the Union Program Council for the night and was disappointed in the participation of students.
“I wanted to get involved and join something. When I found out that only two of the people from the auditions showed up tonight, I was like ‘Yeah, I’m not gonna let that ruin the night,'” Taylor said.
Although one would never guess from his display, Taylor admitted to being incredibly nervous.
“I was shaking the entire time I was on stage,” Taylor said. “I was in drama club in high school and was totally fine on stage because with the bright lights, I couldn’t see the audience, but tonight, I could see the expression on every single person’s face. That totally freaked me out.”
The small performer turn-out benefitted one special contestant who was given the opportunity to sign up on the spot and won third place.
Franklin McDaniel, communication studies senior and third place winner, sang a smooth version of Lauryn Hill’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.”
McDaniel said he had seen signs advertising LSU Idol and was sad he had missed auditions.
He decided to come and check out the performance to scope out the University talent.
To his surprise, he was given the opportunity to sign up on the spot and took it.
“During the performance, when they were asking for more people to perform, I was just like ‘Why not’?” McDaniel said. “I love to sing, and I was glad I could get up on stage and show my talent.”
The three judges, all Late Night staff members, were impressed with the talent that showed up at LSU Idol.
Idol judge Sarah Latiolais said the performance was great and the small turn-out did not hinder the fantastic performances.
“We are never disappointed in a turnout. As long as students are coming out here and having a good time makes it all worth the effort,” Latiolais said.
—-Contact Cathryn Core at [email protected]