"Muhlenberg Idol" participants sing praises

On Tues., Nov. 10, the ever popular Muhlenberg Idol was held. Open to all students, auditions were held prior to the event and ten students were selected to participate in the popular on-campus event. Students, staff, and faculty came out to cheer for their favorite idol, filling the Great Room. The event was hosted by the Class Council of 2011.During the first round the ten selected participants had to sing a "modern" song that could not have been released before 2006. Songs in the first round were required to be between a minute and thirty seconds to two minutes in duration. Many of the songs were digitally edited for length; other performers chose to have friends accompany them instrumentally.

Between performances judges Christine Lake, Mike Bruckner, and Dr. Jeffrey Rudski, gave commentary in the tradition of the nationwide television phenomenon that gave the event its namesake. "As a judge, it's so much fun to tweak the stereotypes that we've come to expect from the TV show, and really personalize that to the Muhlenberg experience," judge Christine commented in regards to experiences the past few years as the College's version of Paula Abdul. "As a judge, we are trying to add a little to the entertainment factor."

Anything perceived as being harsh or ultra-critical, should be taken in the spirit of the event," replied Mike Bruckner in regards to his role as the College's Simon Cowell, a role Dr. Rudski was all too happy to share with him. The judges' commentary, as well as brief skits by hosts Adam Rogers '10 and Lisa Marie Ianuzzi '11, really helped to raise the entertainment factor and recreate the feel of the popular television program American Idol on campus.

After the first round, the contestants were narrowed down to the top five performers and were asked to perform any song from the 1990's. After the five performances and a dance skit, in which hosts Adam and Lisa Marie wowed the crowd, Victoria Socci '12, Gabe Martinez, '10 and Gregory Paradis '10 were named and advanced to the third and final round.

The round started with a beautiful performance of Queen's "Somebody to Love" by Socci, who had also performed in last year's Idol.

Afterwards, Victoria, who finished second overall, commented on her feelings as a Muhlenberg Idol; "both times I had more fun performing for the student body than I ever thought I would. Not surprisingly, the students here are so supportive of one another, that performing for them really brought out the absolute best in me as a performer and aspiring singer. I'm very grateful to have had this opportunity... it was a blast!"

After a spirited rendition of "I'm Changing" by Greg Paradis, Gabe Martinez won the night with a soulful performance of "Try a Little Tenderness." "I was happy to get the last spot and happy to win, but everyone was incredible and it was a great show," commented Martinez, "my parents even got to come up and see it, so props to the class of 2011 for a great event and a wonderful evening.