Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and Fantasia Barrino are all talented singers that went through a series of competition and won the title of American Idol. The new season of the popular television show may not have begun yet, but you can come be a part of the first “American Idol Pageant” on campus.
The Strikers Dance Troupe will be host the pageant tonight in Perry Paige auditorium.
Admission for the event is $3.
After making it through the first auditions, 20 students from FAMU, Tallahassee Community College and Florida State University will compete for the title.
Like the television show, all the contestants will be competing for best singer.
“This will be the first time the Strikers ever hosted an event like this,” said Michael Carter, a 20-year-old member of the Strikers.
Carter, a junior accounting student from Miami and the event coordinator for the pageant said there will be three separate shows where one contestant will be eliminated each night.
The contestants will sing R&B songs for the first show and Gospel songs for the second. During the last show, each contestant will have to sing two songs; one the judges will choose and one that the contestants can choose.
Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell will not be there to critique the contestants, so members of the Strikers chose students in the band and music department as judges.
“I have been singing all my life and performing in talent shows and singing in the church choir,” said Tierra Davis, a 20-year-old broadcast journalism student.
The Dallas native also said that she entered the pageant for musical experience and to become more involved in school activities.
The grand prize will be awarded to the winner of the last show on Nov. 14, which will follow the second show that will take place on Oct. 29.
“The grand prize for the overall winner of the pageant will be $1,000 to spend any way they like,” Carter said.
Davis said she has thought about how she will enjoy the grand prize if she wins.
“I plan on saving the money to go on a trip to Los Angeles,” said Davis.
The Strikers will be performing during the last show and there maybe some guest appearances from some of the other dance troupes.
The first and second shows will be held in Perry Paige Auditorium. The final show of the pageant will be held in Lee Hall.
There’s still maybe a chance to be contestant in the pageant. If there is enough feedback from students who want to participate, the Strikers will consider hosting a wildcard audition for additional contestants.
Contact Alicia Clark at aclarkpr@yahoo.com.