Ole Miss Idol Continues: Round 2 70’s Night
This week in the Union, an even bigger crowd made up of students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and fans lined up to see the second round of Ole Miss Idol. This past Wednesday night the Student Programming Board concluded its annual event of the imitation of the popular American Idol. Ole Miss Idol was a smash hit this week with a theme of “70’s Night“.
The contestants were selected down to 20 contestants last week and the remaining singers were asked to perform a favorite song from the decade of the 70’s. Song choices ranged from the Temptations “My Girl”, to the Eagles “Desperado”.
After experiencing a slow start off and a few technical difficulties, the show ran smoothly and entertaining until about 9 that night. After all the performers had gone on stage, Kapule Grey, Student Programming Board Committee Member, announced the remaining twelve contestants left in the competition.
Britney Helmick, sophomore Ole Miss Idol contestant said the she was “very nervous and unsure of herself tonight.” Helmick also went on to say that, “Barbra Streisand [which is what her song choice was originally recorded by], is a hard act to follow”.
Next week, the remaining twelve contenders will perform an 80’s song for the audience and from there a group of approximately 6 will go on to compete for the title of Ole Miss Idol. Emily Wicks who was in the audience and a friend of contestant, Jacob Hickman said, “the competition is getting pretty competitive, but I believe Jacob has as good of a shot as any of the contestants.” Wicks, who is a Junior theater major at Ole Miss and has performed and judged several singing and talent competitions, plans on attending the preceding rounds to come, regardless of whether or not Jacob makes them or not.
Like the previous round, the Student Programming Board along with Papa John’s Pizza provided free pizza and drinks for the public. All rounds will also include the free food and will be open to the public as in the past. As for next week, 80’s Night is on the calendar and the university and the Student Programming Board expect another big crowd for this night.