By Natasha Muhametzyanova, Contributing Writer
West Liberty’s new talent show, Toppers Got Talent, aims to challenge West Lib Idol. The four-week talent show will start at 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 6 and will continue on every Monday, Nov. 13, 20, and 27, in the College Union Ballroom.
Topper’s Got Talent differs from West Lib Idol as it will focus on more than just singing. The competition welcomes dancers, magicians and any other performers with entertaining skills to share. The new talent show is more flexible, and organizers hope to attract many unique student performers.
“I wanted to create more events on campus that I knew would be of interest to the student body and provide entertainment,” said Vice President of the Student Government Association (SGA) Chelsea Williams.
“I know West Lib Idol is presented in the spring and is a huge hit on campus, so the idea of a talent show came to my mind,” said Williams. She started planning the event last summer, inspired by NBC’s reality TV show, America’s Got Talent.
SGA sponsors the event. Participants will compete for an Apple watch, a Beats Pill and a 32-inch TV.
“I wanted one last chance to show this school what I love to do, and this opportunity came around,” said senior Zarek Wiley, who is graduating this December. Wiley previously participated in West Lib Idol, earning third place in 2016.
Four students, Zachary Connor, Jessica Ballard, Zachary Rhodes and Ashley Pryor, volunteered to judge the competition. The judges will choose the winners for the first three rounds, while the audience will vote in the final round.
“We are organizing this event for the first time and hope that it is the start of a new tradition here on campus,” said Williams.
To participate, interested students should submit their applications by Nov. 3. Applications can be found outside SGA’s office, which is on the second floor of the College Union, in room S9.
