Seven talented University students came together in Old Cabell Hall last Friday to compete in the finals of the first ever U.Va. Idol singing competition.
Sponsored by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the event generated interest among the University community and was well received by diverse groups of students, said Cameron Webb, Alpha Phi Alpha social chair.
The goal of the competition, as stated on its Web site, is to "raise the bar for future programming considered 'University-wide'" by appealing "to the ever-expanding social needs of the University."
Webb said the U.Va. Idol competition was an event that overcame perceived social barriers associated with minority group programming. He said he believes that the contest was more than just a replication of the popular reality television series.
"This event was created for the purpose of bringing diverse social groups of the University together in hopes to erase the stigma against social programming offered by minority organizations," Webb said. "We believe in overcoming social boundaries, and music seemed the perfect vehicle in which to make that happen."
Although the initial planning for the Idol competition began in August, the first tryouts were held Oct. 4-6. During the first round of tryouts, 60 students auditioned over the course of three days for a chance to move on in the competition. This group was reduced to 12 students in the semi-final round which took place Oct. 19-20. The seven winners of the semi-final competitions appeared on a Web site (www.uvaidol.com) where members of the University could go online and vote for their favorite "Idol" last week, which culminated with the live final competition on Friday.
Melody Akhavan, a fourth-year College student and member of the Sil'hooettes a cappella group, won the competition and was awarded the opportunity to record an original song with Oluponya Records, which will air on local 92.7 KISS FM in the coming weeks.
Webb said he believes that the fraternity's goals have been achieved through this event, and he looks forward to putting on another U.Va. Idol show in the spring. Webb said the fraternity will continue to build on the popular trend that they have started.
"The show went very well, and we will be doing even more flyering and advertising for another Idol competition in March," Webb said. "I think that we'll even get a bigger turn-out next time because we plan on upping the prizes. We are proud that through this program, we have achieved our goal of bringing a diverse audience together through the joy of music."
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