If you go:

What: SU Idol

Where: Goldstein Auditorium

When: Sept. 15 at 8:30 p.m.

How Much: $3 for students, $5 for faculty and staff

Syracuse University senior Tinuke Oyefule will soon share a bond with pop star Kelly Clarkson that so many know not; the responsibility of being the first person to pass down the ‘Idol’ crown.

Well, it’s not exactly ‘American Idol,’ but Oyefule will be the first to pass down the SU Idol crown on Monday Sept. 15. The second annual competition, hosted by University Union, will be held in Goldstein Auditorium inside the Schine Student Center at 8:30 p.m.

Ten students from all years and majors made it through the first audition to compete for this year’s prize. This year’s contest anticipates a wide range of musical selections, even though UU doesn’t know which songs will be performed.

‘All contestants have different styles of singing,’ said Darren Goldberg, vice president of UU. ‘So there should be a big range of music for everyone.’

The idea behind SU Idol is to mimic the setup of Fox’s popular ‘American Idol’ TV show. There will be three judges: last year’s winner Oyefule, associate vocal professor Joseph Downing and a third judge still being finalized by UU.

The finalist who comes in first place in the competition wins the opportunity to perform at several events throughout the school year, including an invitation to sing the national anthem at a home basketball game in the Carrier Dome.

‘This is a great event and gives students an opportunity to see other students’ hidden talents,’ Goldberg said. ‘It’s a great competition and is exciting for students to listen to great music and have a good time.’

The SU Idol will be chosen after the three judges decide on the top three singers out of the 10 finalists. Once the three have been chosen, the audience members will vote and decide who will be the next SU idol.

Last year’s competition had a turnout of 350 to 400 students, but this year UU wants to bring in a larger crowd. While UU doesn’t know exactly how many tickets have been sold so far, it is taking the necessary steps to get students to come, like offering free Starbucks DoubleShots and Insomnia Cookies for all who attend.

While UU seems to be pulling out all the stops to attract students, some like junior political science major Robert Cabassa, remain unimpressed.

‘I’m not going because I’m just not really interested in it,’ he said.

Other students, like freshman political science major Noel Sanchez, aren’t even aware of the competition.

‘Honestly, I haven’t even heard about it until today,’ Sanchez said. ‘So maybe they need more advertisements or something.’

Tickets are $3 for students, $5 for faculty and staff and $7 for the public. They are now on sale at the Schine Box Office.

kaoutram@syr.edu

Published on September 10, 2008 at 12:00 pm