Ukelele/guitar player wins title of USU Idol

FINGER PICKIN': Winner Jordon Ah Loy performs for the judges. / Photo by Gideon Oakes

By Britt Shepherd

March 2, 2007 | The TSC Ballroom was filled with music Wednesday night, as USU students competed for the title of USU Idol.

Eleven contestants sang the song of their choice during the first round of competition. Some sang a capella, some sang to a pre-recorded track, and some sang with live accompanists.

When the students finished their first number, three judges critiqued each contestant. The judges mimicked the original American Idol judges Simon, Randy and Paula. The judge portraying Simon said, "The bucket you were carrying your tune in has a hole in it." This received some boos from the crowd.

After the first round, the judges selected four finalists to move onto the last round. A fifth finalist was selected because of a tie for fourth place. Then, the five finalists sang a second song to compete. The winner of this round was then selected by the audience.

When all the votes were tabulated, the winner was announced. Jordan Ah Loy was selected as this year's USU Idol. For his first song he sang and played the ukulele. He won the crowd over during his last number when he sang and played a heartfelt song dedicated to his girlfriend. As the new USU Idol, Ah Loy received a $300 guitar.

"It went better than I expected," said Megan Smith, Kappa Delta Recruitment VP. "I was afraid that not very many people would come because it was a new event and lots of stuff was going on this week. But I think everyone had a lot of fun."

The event was put on by Kappa Delta sorority as its annual Shamrock Project. USU Idol took the place of Star Search, the event the Kappa Deltas used for several years for their project. The $2 cover charge went toward supporting Prevent Child Abuse America. However, about 80 percent of the proceeds from USU Idol will be going to a local child abuse center, The Child and Family Support Center. With ticket sales and donations combined, the Kappa Deltas raised over $800 to donate to the charity.

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