On Wednesday, March 19, the Campus Activities Board will be hosting their 11th annual Southeastern Star competition.
Southeastern Star competition began 11 years ago and was originally modeled after the television show "American Idol" which is held exclusively for singers. A few years ago, the title changed to accommodate other performers, and the new title is modeled after the TV show "America's Got Talent."
"It was changed to get more people involved," said Todd McElroy, coordinator of the Campus Activities Board.
The Southeastern Star competition was not always held in Pottle Auditorium, but has been moved there in order to support an audience that has overcrowded past locations.
"Everyone shows up to support their favorite [performer]," says McElroy.
"Last year's performance was awesome," said Sarah Stickley, first year psychology graduate student. "There was a lot of great talent, and I was certainly entertained. I also felt a wonderful camaraderie even if I was rooting for my friend to win over everyone else. I think friendly competition is healthy in the student body. It was a bonding experience with my fellow students."
Last year one of the performers, Katherine Wall, a sophomore majoring in English, went to see one of her friends perform.
"I look forward to putting on a dress and hitting the stage for a little under three minutes of rock 'n' roll, fame and bliss, and seeing other people from school do the same," said Wall.
The event will have 15 performers, and the top three performers will earn a stipend. First place will receive a $500 stipend, second place will receive a $250 stipend and third place will receive a $100 stipend.
Even though the event has a stipend, Wall said her main reason for entering the competition is, "Why not?"
Past winners include Ben Black and Jeremy Lloyd. Lloyd, the 2013 Southeastern's Star Performance winner, is set to give a performance at this year's competition.
The contestants this year include: Kristina Temple, Bonnie Lavigne, Randy Harris, Brent Goodrich, Nicholas Smith, and Isaac Chatman who will be singing. Provence Hatfield, Taylor Larche, and Jonathan Koeppel will be playing guitar/singing. Katherine Wall, Dana Arthur, and Luliia Alyeksyeyeva will be singing/piano. Tyron'E Hawkins will be dancing, Tom Carter will be doing impersonations, and Bridget Gary will be doing a musical. All participants are current Southeastern students.
"It's a great way to spend a night for free live performances," said Stickley. "Since it's all Southeastern students, no matter who wins, the school wins. Support the arts, maybe see your friends on stage and share this with the rest of the students here."
McElroy encourages "everyone to come out and see the talent Southeastern Louisiana University has to offer and [to] have a good time."
"I loved hearing people being so supportive – and it wasn't all just groups of friends cheering for their buddy," said Stickley. "It was genuine cheers for great talent. The show was amazing."
To find out about future events that the Campus Activities Board has to offer or to find out when next year's Southeastern Star is having auditions, check out the Campus Activities Facebook page at facebook.com/CABSLU.