Penn State students auditioned for State College's own version of American Idol this week, proving Penn State really does have talent.
Thursday night was the final night to audition for PennState's Got Talent, sponsored by the Saudi Arabian Student Association. Throughout the week more than 30 students auditioned for between seven and ten available acts to compete in the final round on March 18 in the HUB-Robeson Center.
There will be three winners of the final round; the grand prize is $350, second place $150 and third place will receive $100.
Each night this week, there's been a ton of talent, cultural events representative for the group Abudulraham Al-Belushi(senior-geosciences) said.
"Penn State has so much talent," Al-Belushi said. "After leaving here the other night I went back to my apartment and just watched the audition tapes -- there's been crazy stories every night."
Thursday evening was a testament to the large range of talented students here at Penn State -- with everything from a percussionist to a footbag champion.
Judges were approached individually by Al-Belushi and agreed to jump on board.
The panel includes Annie McGregor from the School of Theatre, Stephen Hopkins from the School of Music and Michael Crandall and John Ewton from the University of Global Programs.
Throughout the night the judges gave contestants constructive criticism on their performances. One student sang a song from composer A.R. Rahman, who composed "Jai Ho," from Slumdog Millionaire -- he performed both a male and female part in Hindi.
Another group of students did a comedic performance of "It's Raining Men" that seemed to surprise the judges when a group of semi-nude men came in as back up dancers.
Local group Table Ten performed a composition of popular songs that share the same chord progression; the song included parts from "Zombie," by The Cranberries, T.I.'s "Whatever You Like," and Coldplay's "The Scientist."
Also well received was a cappella singer Eric Farmer (graduate-educational leadership) who sang one of his original songs, "Muse."
"No teacher could have taught you to be so vulnerable and so passionate," McGregor said.
Later on Isaiah Thomas (freshman-music performance) impressed the judges with his original drum composition and world footbag champion Dave Clavens(senior-marketing) showed the audience how to use two hacky sacs and both feet.
