WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Jan. 29, 2016 — West Liberty University’s campus will once again come alive to the sound of its students participating in the annual Idol competition, hosted by the Office of Housing and Student Life. The singing contest gets started at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 3 and continues each Wednesday in February in the College Union.
The singing competition is based on the hit television show American Idol (now in its farewell season) and has grown in popularity each year since 2012.
“This is our fourth year and it keeps getting better every year. We attract audiences of around 250-300 students every night. Students come out to support their favorite singer and have a great time voting for the next West Liberty Idol,” said senior education major Camille Bernabei.
“One of my favorite things about Idol is it fills the union every night. Plus it gives talented students a chance to come out and display their talents. It’s definitely one of the biggest events we do,” she said.
Week one is a capella vocal music, with all competing singers performing a song of their choice, but without any accompaniment.
The next two weeks follow a theme, provided by the student life coordinators. Then the final week — when competition is down to just three performers — singers perform one song of their own choice and a specified theme song, provided by Idol management.
“As we plan this year’s program, we are preparing for an even larger contestant and audience turnout. Everyone just loves the event, both the singers and the audience. Our goal is to raise $1,500 in cash and prizes for the 1st and 2nd place winners, which is our largest prize yet,” she said. Winners receive prizes like an Apple TV, bluetooth speakers, Google Chromecast and gift cards.
The Office of Housing and Student Life, under the leadership of Executive Director of Housing and Student Life Marcella Snyder, offers opportunities for student involvement in a variety of campus organizations, events, and activities, including campus clubs, Greek life opportunities, intramurals events, and campus activities.
West Liberty University’s Idol competition is open to the public and is held in the College Union Ballroom. Any questions about the competition can be sent to James Compston or Camille Bernabei via email: jcompston@westliberty.edu and cgbernabei@westliberty.edu.
To reach the office of Housing and Student Life, call 304-336-8345.