Pop culture and remembrance
of 9-11 came to a head this week on the Appalachian State University
campus. Campus Resident Students Association (CRSA) is sponsoring
the “Appalachian Idol” competition. The winner will sing
the national anthem at the 9-11 ceremony on Sanford Mall, sponsored
by Student Government Association (SGA).
From Sept. 3-5, each residence hall will have a competition to decide
the winner from that particular hall. The winner will then go on
to the campus-wide competition, held on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7:30
p.m.
Appalachian Idol is a reproduction of the popular television show
“American Idol.” The premise of the show is several singers
perform for studio and national audiences, and viewers decide who
wins by phone voting. Three judges are on hand to comment on each
singer’s performance.
In order to get students involved in CRSA, “we needed to make
it fun and upbeat. [‘American Idol’] is a popular thing
going on now, so it fits,” said Jessi Lindberg, vice president
of Programs for CRSA.
During the residence hall level of the competition, each RSA will
choose three judges. At the campus-wide level, three “surprise
guests” will act as judges, said Lindberg.
Lindberg stated the judge’s responsibility would be to entertain
and would have no say in who wins. The winner will be chosen by
audience applause instead.
Some students expressed doubts about the relevance of the competition.
“In a way [Appalachian Idol] is a good thing, because it is
bringing fun to it. But in another way, [9-11] is a serious occasion
and they’re making fun of it,” said junior Katie Darcangelo.
“It wasn’t meant to be negative at all. The name fit,”
said Lindberg.
There is no admission for the first level of competition, but donations
will be accepted. The campus-wide competition will cost $3, but
if a student wears the red, white and blue bracelets handed out
by CRSA, $1 will be taken off the price.
Off-campus students may participate as well, by going to any of
the competitions and asking the resident director to put them on
the audition list.
All proceeds will go to the Miller family, whom Appalachian is sponsoring.
The family lost their husband and father during the World Trade
Center Attacks.
Every program held during the month of September will be to raise
money for the Miller family, said Lindberg. |
