Lauren JosephJudging by the talent on the televised American Idol auditions, Cabrini would have America topped in a heartbeat. Unlike Simon, the judges of Cabrini Idol had little to say in the way of negativity.
Held on March 21, Cabrini Idol drew in an impressive crowd that made the Food Court bust at the seams. Parents, siblings, friends and students came out to support what turned out to be an incredibly talented group of contestants.
“I was surprised to see that there was so much talent on campus because you never really hear about it,” Maria Chambers, a senior who made it to the final round said.
Judges Andrea Manieri, class of ’01 and dance team co-coach, Christine Lysionek, vice president of Student Development and Dr. Jolyon Girard, history and political science professor, could only comment negatively on the nervousness of the contestants.
The general opinion among contestants and audience members about the first Resident Hall Association -run event was that it was enjoyable and surprisingly supportive.
Jen Culligan, a freshman who made it into the final round said, “It was a good experience to get in front of my peers and sing. It was good practice because that’s what I want to do. I’ve always dreamed of being a singer. Everyone involved was really supportive and we encouraged each other. It was a lot of fun.”
Perhaps the best part of the event was how many people turned out to support their peers. “We had a really great turnout,” Chambers said. “I wasn’t expecting so many people.”
Seven of the contestants made it into the final round where the judges placed the final decision in the hands of the audience. After a final round that garnered standing ovations, Megan Mirzoeff was declared the first- ever Cabrini Idol winning a $40 gift certificate to FYE, flowers and the ultimate prize of a recording contract through WYBF 89.1 The Burn, the campus radio station. She will be able to record a song in the radio station to be burned on CD for airplay and for her own personal use.
“I really wish it wasn’t a competition,” Mirzoeff said. “If I could do it all over again I would and I would do it with the same people.”
