As the lights dimmed and the stage lights shone, students took the stage to showcase their own unique talents at the 11th annual Southeastern Star competition. The 2013 Southeastern Star, Jeremy Lloyd, opened the show singing Katy Perry’s “Firework” as this year’s 14 contestants danced free style with Lloyd on stage.
Southeastern Star, a talent show based off American Idol and America’s Got Talent, took place Wednesday, March 19 in Pottle Auditorium.  Although most contestants sang and played either the piano or guitar, there was also dancing and stand-up comedy.
Luliia Alyeksyeyeva won the first place title of Southeastern Star.  Dana Arthur won second place, playing piano and singing and Jonathan Koeppel won third place for singing.
Alyeksyeyeva, an international student from the Ukraine, sang an original song while playing piano.  After dedicating her song to  the natives of her homeland, she was able to catch the judges attention.
“It feels wonderful, amazing,” said Alyeksyeyeva. “Well, being an international student, I’m first of all proud of representing my country and being an international student at Southeastern. I represent Southeastern as well. It feels amazing.”
Alyeksyeyeva took influence from the hearts, nature and music of the people from her home country. The struggle going on in the Ukraine inspired her to write her original piece.
“It just comes from there, from above,” said Alyeksyeyeva, who has already written over five songs.
The contestants commented on the great talent performed. Third runner-up Jonathan Koeppel thought everyone worked together in a professional and friendly manner.
“Everyone was definitely a professional musician/performer,” said Koeppel. “The ball was really, super high tonight with the talent.”  
Although many competed for different reasons including simple fun, practice on stage and more, Alyeksyeyeva mentioned it was her boyfriend who urged her to audition.  
After not making the auditions two years ago, Alyeksyeyeva decided to try again this year.
“My boyfriend told me that I need to,” said Alyeksyeyeva. “I saw the audition and was like ‘why not’ and he told me to go do it, so a big thank you for him.”
Opinions in the audience varied as everyone picked out their favorite performance. Junior biology major Sarah Khalili thought the singing was very competitive.
“I really liked the Frozen girl,” said Khalili about contestant Kristina Temple who sang a hit song “Let It Go” from the Disney animated movie “Frozen.”  “She was very confident and she probably has been singing for a long time. She had a stage presence to her and was probably my favorite by far.  But overall everyone was really good.  I could tell they have been doing this for a while.  It was a good show overall.  Definitely a good break from studying.”
Southeastern Star gave students an opportunity to showcase their talents and allowed other students to see what their classmates can do.
“I’m just very excited, and I hope the people will open their hearts and bring more love to this world and the whole universe will be in peace,” said Alyeksyeyeva.