Tyron’e Hawkins (above left) performed a Jazz dance at the 2014 Southeastern
Star last spring.  The Lion’s Roar / Megan Ferrando

Take a break from studying and enjoy a night of entertainment March 19 at 7 p.m. in the Ralph R. Pottle Music Auditorium as students compete to shine as the next Southeastern Star.

The competition started as a knock off of “American Idol,” but in order to allow other sorts of talent to be showcased, Campus Activities Board broadened their horizons and changed the event to mirror “America’s Got Talent.” 

This will be the twelfth year the event is on campus. According to Todd McElroy, CAB coordinator, each year students bring new and fresh performances to the stage. 

Performances in the past ranged from singing, playing instruments and dancing. A new type of performance this year will be rap. 

“I encourage everyone to come and watch. It’s a good opportunity for audience members to come and support their friends. It is always a fun night to watch students [who] like to show off [their talents],” said McElroy.

A student played the piano, guitar and sang simultaneously to the classic “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson. McElroy described the cover as “a coffee house blues remake to the song.”

Competitors include Ashley Jackson, Eric Green and Marquez Butler singing their new original song “Beautiful.” Donnisha Patterson, Shreya Thapa, Analynn Sober, Xiomara (Gaby) Martin, Neal Eli and Nicklus Smith are also planning to sing.

Returning to Southeastern Star’s stage will be Dana Arthur playing the piano while singing. Jonathan Koeppel will also perform a piece on the piano. Playing the guitar will be Ameal Cameron Jr. and Hayden Kimball.

Some students chose to add their own flare to well-known artists’ works. For example, Kayla Blanchard will sing “Lips are Moving” by Megan Trainor while playing the ukulele. Andrew Gilkeson will perform his own rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” by Elvis Presley.

New to the stage will be rappers Demond Taylor and Alton Johnson. 

The fifteen contestants will be competing for a cash prize. First place winner receives $500, second earns $250 and third given $100.

For more information on CAB events, visit their page on the university website.

Taylor Larche (above right) also performed at the 2014 Southeastern Star.
He sang and played guitar and the bass drum for his featured talent.  
The Lion’s Roar / Megan Ferrando