Royal Purple

Issue date: 11/20/07 Section: Arts & Lifestyle

Media Credit: Brad McAllister Sophomore Kaitlin Larimer was one of the students at Jitters Friday to try out to become Whitewater's next idol. Larimer sang "No One" by Alicia Keys.

A variety of students were present at the auditions for Whitewater Idol this week in the Jitters Cafe in the Wells Towers.

The auditions are now in the second stage, as the first cuts were made Friday. They were scored by three to four judges from the Residence Hall Association. Each contestant had their choice of performing their own song, singing a solo or duet or singing accompanied with a musical instrument.

Two of the contestants were sophomores Jon Wolf and Casey Graff, who are are in a band together called Pickup. Wolf sings the lead vocals and plays the guitar; Graff sings backup vocals while also playing the guitar.

Wolf and Graff performed the song "Droplets" by Colbie Caillat and Jason Reeves.

"I've been playing guitar for three years and have been in the band for two years on and off," Wolf said. "I wanted to do Whitewater Idol to challenge myself and see the other aspiring musicians on campus."

Wolf and Graff perform both covers and write their own music. Their dream is to obtain a record deal. The duo is part of the select few that have made it to the next round of the competition.

Another contestant was freshman Lexi Pankow, who was an avid singer and performer in plays and concerts in high school.

"I've been singing my whole life, but I started performing when I was seven," Pankow said.

Pankow sang "Beautiful Disaster" by Kelly Clarkson.

"I love to sing, and I wanted a challenge, so I tried out for Whitewater Idol," she said.

The next step for all of the contestants who made it through the first round is a trip to the Light Recital Hall on Nov. 26 and 29 from 5-11 p.m. for dress rehearsals.

The first place winner in the solo category will be invited to play at the Concert under the Stars program next semester. The first, second and third place winners for Best in Show will receive trophies.

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