Wu Idol Round one: Students sing summer hits

The Goodwin Performing Arts Center was filled with students, family and competition on the evening of Sept. 15. Season thirteen of Waynesburg Idol, round one, started at 8 p.m.

Four judges took their seats as each contestant followed them onto the stage for an introduction. A total of eleven students competed in round one, singing their choice of songs from the theme: summer hits.

Kylee Sargent, help desk coordinator for Information Technology, experienced Waynesburg Idol as a first-time judge and she thought she felt more anxious than the contestants did.

“I think I was more nervous than they were,” said Sargent. “I was just nervous for them – I couldn’t imagine getting out there and putting myself out there, I am so proud of all of them.”

Although Sargent will not be back for the upcoming rounds as a judge, she is excited to see how the contestants take on the next round.

“I am looking forward to see how these guys come back and nail Disney songs because I think there’s so many fun options,” said Sargent.

Josh Beppler, integrated marketing coordinator and a second-year judge, was excited to be one of the judges for the event this year.

“I’m happy to be here—appreciative they asked me back—and I just think everyone did such a great job tonight,” said Beppler. “It’s always a lot of fun. It’s one of my favorite events of the year, for sure.”

Beppler liked to see each contestant showcase their talent and said every student that performed had their own style. Beppler said he looked for specific components to their performance that make it more enjoyable.

“Everyone here is a good singer, in some form or fashion, in the style that they’re strong with,” said Beppler. “I look for the students to engage the audience, make sure they utilize the stage, have a good stage presence and just look like they’re having a good time.”

Of the eleven contestants this year, four of them were returning contestants from last year. Beppler said the returning contestants have grown in their talent.

“This year the returning competitors really seem to own it and really rise to the occasion,” said Beppler.

Megan Leiter, a sophomore nursing major and one of the four returning contestants, was excited about this year. For Leiter, it started off on many strong notes – her song choice being the main improvement, she said.

“I like the song I picked better this year, I think it’s more suited to my voice and I am just more comfortable this year,” said Leiter.

Leiter added that her outfit coordinated with her song choice: “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers. She plans to match her future outfits with the song she chooses in the upcoming rounds.

“I had the Hipster-Indie chic going on for my Lumineers,” said Leiter.

Leiter said that since every performer has a different voice and is talented, with it will be tough competition.

“Everyone this year is so good, and I just look forward to seeing everyone singing again next week,” said Leiter. “I feel like a lot of it is very different, so I feel like it’s anyone’s game at this point.”