Feb. 17, 2021, marked the third week of Topper Idol here on the icy Hilltop. This week had the category of Broadway which excited many of the candidates. At this point of the competition, there will only be three remaining for next week of the five. The judges for the night were Maddie Linzy, Creative Video Director Jared Thompson, and Director of Center for Student Success Christopher McPherson. Residence Life Area Coordinator Yodev Ocasio returned once again as host.

The first performance was by Sarah Booth who sang “Part of Your World” from the Broadway rendition of “The Little Mermaid.” The audience mused as if Ariel herself was actually in the room. Sarah was followed by Autumn Duckworth with her cover of “All That Jazz” from Chicago: The Musical. The judges commented on how well she did, and Autumn told them that she was not very familiar with Broadway. An unbelievable statement considering she sounded as if she was the original singer.
Next on the lineup was Charli McConnell with her rendition of “Satisfied” from Hamilton: An American Musical. The backing track included the Original Broadway Cast. During the song, the judges’ microphone fell, and Christopher McPherson saved it. This is one of the only technical difficulties of Topper Idol that has been avoided. After Charli, Alexia Schmader sang “Someone Like You” from Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical. Jared Thompson told Alexia that she sounded like she could be an actual Broadway performer. Finally, was Emily Rudy who also sang a song from Hamilton called “Burn.” When asked what emotions she felt while singing, Emily said, “I was scared and nervous, but like a strong woman like Eliza.”

After a very long period of deliberation, the judges decided that Alexia, Emily, and Charli would continue to the final round of the competition. Next week the contestants will be allowed to sing whatever song they choose. Max Fiedorczyk, an audience member, commented, “We have an incredible talent pool here at West Liberty University!” This sentiment was reflected by many in the audience as well. To watch past episodes and next week’s, tune into West Liberty Residence Life Twitter page (@WLUResLife).