Contestants to belt high notes in student talent show

Will basketball standout Keith Simmons’ serious and fierce demeanor on the court become part of his new role as the judge of HC Idol? Or will he avoid Simon Cowell’s brand of insults and instead emulate the tender nature of Paula Abdul?

Twelve contestants undoubtedly hope it’s the latter when they show off their vocal ranges on April 15 at 8 p.m. in the Hogan Ballroom.

The contestants are Kendra Cerretani ’09, Tracy Espiritu ’07, Kaitie Farrell ’08, Julianne Fitzpatrick ’09, Jason Frank ’09, Kaitlin Lydic ’10, Al Monte ’07, Lauren O’Connell ’08, Emma Peterson ’08, Courtney Pinkham ’08, Gbenimah Slopadoe ’10, and Cara Wahle ’07. Auditions drew about 20 idol wannabes.

Sponsored by the Class of 2008, the Class Council has been working on the event, based on the hugely popular Fox hit show, since the fall. The talent show will run two hours and include three different sessions within the competition for students to flex their vocal prowess.

In addition to Simmons, Kimball employee Amarilis Irarragorr and Public Safety Officer Leonard Gabrila will serve as judges. Acting as host Ryan Seacrest for the evening will be “Last Comic Standing” winner Lisa Dowd ’08.

“The Class of 2008 is so excited to be sponsoring HC Idol 2007,” says class President Meg Moran. “We secured this unique opportunity early on in the fall semester, and have been planning and preparing for it ever since. The combination of contestants, judges, and host for this year’s event is spectacular and we are thrilled with how it is all coming together.”

The night’s events will consist of contestants presenting one song of their choice that will help the judges eliminate half of the hopefuls. The remaining six contestants will sing another song and the judges will narrow the field to three. One final song will be presented by the last three contestants, at which point the audience will be given the opportunity to vote for the next HC Idol.

Last year’s winner, Phil Landry ’09, says that the event “is a really fun experience all around. You’re just trying to go on stage and sing well. Hopefully nothing goes wrong with the DJ … and you don’t forget the lyrics. I found that the competition is great and the participants are really supportive of one another.”

Veteran contestant Kendra Cerretani ’09 echoes those statements.

“I’m participating again because it’s too fun to pass up,” she says about her second time performing. “Honestly I don’t really care if I win — it’s just a completely fantastic night either way!”

Tickets can be purchased for $5 through April 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the first floor of the Hogan Campus Center or $7 at the door.