On April 22, Stony Brook discovered its newest Idol at the SBU Idol Finals Competition. This year, senior Nisha Thayil takes home the prize as one of Stony Brook’s premier musical talents, chosen out of nine competitors who performed live in the Student Activities Center Auditorium during the Shirley Strum Kenny Student Arts Festival, which kicked off on Wednesday.
“It was fun,” said Nisha with mild surprise. “I didn’t think I’d win.”
The event, held during Campus Lifetime (12:50p.m.-2:10p.m.), was originally to be staged on the steps outside the Staller Center for the Arts, but the venue was changed due to inclement weather. However, the switch didn’t dampen spirits, as supporters came from across campus to fill the Auditorium and root for their friends.
“They’ve been doing this for a number of years,” said Stony Brook President Shirley Strum Kenny before the show. “I hope this year it’s quite memorable.”
Wolfie, the school mascot, was in regular spirited (if muted) form, nodding when asked if he was excited but only shrugging when asked if he could sing as well.
Cameron Bowcock, Residence Hall Director of Sanger College and the event’s emcee, got the ball rolling by announcing that the audience was about to hear the cream of the crop in Stony Brook singing ability. Auditions were held in true “American Idol” fashion for the last several weeks bringing the number of hopefuls from 70 to 9.
“This is very good,” said Charles Haddad, a journalism professor and a member of the planning committee for the Arts Fest. “I wish Stony Brook had more things like this.”
Judging the acts were Dean of Residential Education Dr. Laura Valente, Linguistics professor Dr. Mark Aronoff, and Assistant Dean of Students Jeffrey Barnett.
The first to the stage and singing Usher’s “Nice ‘ Slow” was freshman Elzie Ross, who, according to Dr. Aronoff, set the bar high with his performance. Following him was Mack Stacker IV, singing John Legend’s trademark “Ordinary People” while playing the keyboard. His performance won him praise from the panel, leaving Dr. Valente “speechless,” which she admitted is no easy task.
Last year’s winner, Veronica Scorcia, was invited up to perform with rousing applause. Her song was “One Rock ‘N’ Roll Too Many” from the Andrew Lloyd Weber musical “Starlight Express.” When asked how she felt about being on stage again, she simply replied, “I hope I don’t get nervous.”
Nerves or otherwise, she impressed the judges. Dr. Valente recalled her from last year’s competition, remarking how her voice seems “Broadway-bound.”
Following her performance were back-to-back Carrie Underwood songs. Samantha Burkhardt sang “We’re Young and Beautiful” to much applause, but to lukewarm critical response. The same could be said of Ariel Ruppert’s rendition of “Before He Cheats.” The judges feeling their voices were not showcased enough in those particular songs.
Richards Behrenburg belted out a spirited rendition of Gavin DeGraw’s “I Don’t Want To Be” to somewhat mixed response. While Dr. Valente and Mr. Barnett both reacted favorably to the performance, Dr. Aronoff took issue with the fact that Behrenburg “didn’t make the song [his] own.” Now firmly in the role of Simon Cowell, he received not a few boos after his commentary.
Nisha Thayil sang Whitney Houston’s “The Greatest Love of All” to the rafters and was met with wild applause and even a small standing ovation. At the judges’ panel, Dr. Aronoff wasted no time in saying she was the best of the day, while both Dr. Valente and Mr. Barnett commented on her near perfect control and pitch.
Following her was Jennifer Hurowitz, singing the unforgettable “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion. The judges commented on her technical skill in singing a “singer’s song” that may not be suited for performance.
Bringing the competition to a close was Sarah Strum who sang Brandy’s “Right Here.” Performing to a thinning crowd and with a throat condition, the judges saw the performance as solid, if flawed. Dr. Valente remarked that there there points where she could here the potential in her voice.
At this point, the audience was permitted to vote for their top 2 picks while being entertained by the student acapella group the High-C’s, who performed a medley of songs including Semisonic’s “Closing Time” and Bon Jovi’s “Living On a Prayer.” After all the votes were tallied, the performers were invited back to the stage to hear the winner. Ms. Thayil stepped forward as this year’s winner, receiving an iPod and Stony Brook sweatshirt, courtesy of the Seawolves Marketplace.
With the show at a close, Stony Brook is left with the memory of a few great talents who may one day become future artists. Next year’s event may prove to be even better.
“This is a wonderful example of the talent at Stony Brook,” said Dr. Valente. “I’m as proud of them as I’ve ever been.”
