Ten GW singers strutted their stuff at the Mount Vernon Pub Wednesday night, hoping to win a chance to sing the national anthem at GW’s kickoff to the basketball season.
“Colonial Idol,” which was inspired from the hit television show “American Idol,” gave nine female and one male performer the stage to sing an a cappella song of their choice in front of 50 spectators. Josh Hartman, assistant program coordinator for Spirit Week, said the competition was held to select the “Star Spangled Banner” singer at Colonial Invasion Thursday night.
“I wanted to make the selection process an interactive event, and I am extremely satisfied with the turnout and hope to make this an annual event,” Hartman said.
Abbie Schneider, assistant program coordinator for Greek Life and one of nine judges, said she would be closely evaluating the singers.
“I am looking for people who have chosen songs that match their vocal quality, while keeping the performance simple and clean,” she said.
After a half-hour first round, the judges eliminated five of the contestants. The dismissed singers did not leave empty-handed however; their names will be kept on file so they can be called on to perform future national anthems.
In the second round, freshman Matthew Ireton used animated expressions to elicit cheers and laughter from the crowd with his rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon,” a Frank Sinatra classic. Sophomore Melissa Doman used her soft, but powerful voice in a performance of “Angel,” written by Sarah McLachlan.
At 11 p.m., the judges convened to choose the best fit for the opening event of the Colonials’ season. While complementing each remaining contestant’s talent, the panel chose Doman as the evening’s best performer. Ireton was selected as the first runner up and sophomore Anisha Mathur, who performed “A Whole New World,” was named second runner up.
“I chose to sing ‘Angel’ because the song means everything to me; it was the last song I sang to my grandma before she passed away,” said Doman, who added that she had unsuccessfully auditioned for “American Idol.”
Doman said she had never won a singing competition before, and she hopes to build on her success.
“This is a dream come true,” she said. “And I can’t wait to participate in Colonial Idol next year.”
