Much like the explosive drama contained in the popular television show American Idol, the Student Association's local rendition "UB an Idol" show ended in controversy Tuesday.
Following three rounds of competition by UB's diversely talented students in the Student Union Theatre, results were determined by points tallied by a panel of three judges, as well as a noise meter that measured the audiences' response to every performance.
When sophomore communications major Megan Stratton was pronounced the winner, controversy arose. Several audience members tore up homemade signs and tossed them at SA officials on stage.
In actuality, Stratton placed third in the event. Several minutes after she had been named the winner, an event organizer announced that there had been a mistake, and the actual winner had been sophomore Whittney Frazier. Freshman psychology and music performance major Danielle Jackson took second place.
Performing renditions of "Killin' Me Softly" by the Fugees and "Flying Without Wings" by Ruben Studdard, Frazier sang her way to the top, beating out nine other contestants for the new title of UB Idol.
According to Adriana Viverette, SA activities director and event organizer, performers were judged with specific criteria.
"They are judged on originality, talent and audience reactions," Viverette said.
Radio personalities Alexis Williams from 93.7 WBLK and comedian Tom Tran from 103.3 The EDGE hosted the event and joked about performers throughout the night.
Performers participating in the competition included a poet, jugglers, an opera singer, acoustic guitar playing and even self-proclaimed "gangsta rappers."
Along with a cash prize and promotion in SA advertising, Frazier will also have an opportunity to be the opening act of either upcoming Spring or Fall Fest.
"It feels incredible and I can't believe it," she said.
Had the misreading of contest results been correct, Frazier said that she would have been excited to be a participant in the show.
"In all honesty I didn't feel all that bad," Frazier said. "I was proud of the girl that won (first place). I wasn't disappointed because I was in a competition and made it this far."
Third place winner Megan Stratton had similar views on the error.
"It's kind of bittersweet because I love singing and making people happy and honestly, I wasn't expecting to win," Stratton said. "It was my four seconds of glory and it was good to just hear everybody cheering and clapping and I would like to try and become the idol next year."
The Gravity Pirates, a five-member group of jugglers, opened the show by tossing an impressive number of balls and bowling pins in the air at one time while combining spins and exchanges into the mix.
"I liked the juggling in between and the singing," said Anna Johnson, a sophomore psychology major.
Dortae Freeman treated the audience to a poem she called "The Revolution," which, according to Freeman, was about change.
"The other performers, the jugglers and the poet, are not competing, but are displaying their talents," Viverette said.
The packed SU Theater was a sign of the success for the event. Even with the concluding mishap, most attendees enjoyed themselves.
"I was appalled by the ending. The misspoken results were unfair and not corrected, but overall it was very entertaining," said senior Tess Johnson.
Jamaar Carrier, a sophomore business major, enjoyed DJ & Hunk, contestants who performed a folk version of DJ Unk's "Walk it Out."
About 50 people auditioned for this year's show. Vivevette hopes to make the event an annual affair.
"I want to make this an annual show for people to display their talents," Vivevette said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
