by Heather McClure
March 31, 2008

Senior Dustin Janzen was the first performer at Loma Idol's first round and moved on to round two of the competition. Photo by Michael Clouse

After last Tuesday night’s sound glitches, sassy commentary and utterances of “bitch” and “boobs,” the Loma Idol contestants has been narrowed from 14 to nine.

Moving on to compete in the second of three rounds are Julia East, Dustin Janzen, “PK” Peung Kim, Calen Lucas, Rose McCracken, Salvador Saldana, Austin Thompson, Cristina Ulberg and Lizzy Villa. The contestants will perform tomorrow night in the Rec Room at 7 p.m.

Nicholson Commons Events Manager Chelsea Barnes estimated that 250 audience members crowded into the Rec Room last week. She expects more tomorrow night.

“We were so impressed with turnout,” said Barnes. “Hopefully the crowd we got on Tuesday will fuel the audience for future rounds as they invite their friends and talk about it more.”

The male contestants impressed the audience with character and personality. From full metallic suits and classic Nikes to aviator sunglasses and a hint of chest hair, the men dominated the competition in both variety and originality. 

“You are what this competition is all about,” judge Rachel Mournian told Lucas, echoing American Idol judges.

The female contestants brought controversial lyrics and solid variety in song selection. A choice from the musical Chicago had McCracken singing about her “hair, eyes, teeth, boobs and nose,” while East’s pick of Pink’s “Just Like a Pill” had her belting the phrase, “She’s bein’ a little bitch.”

At the judging table, literature professor Karl Martin and recent grad Veronica Irizarry joined audition judges senior Jordan Frye and Mournian, department assistant for the Literature, Journalism and Modern Languages Department. Throughout the night, the four consistently told contestants to let go of their nerves and exude more confidence.

Senior Meaghan Maples, who judged the auditions with Frye and Mournian, shifted to the position of hostess for the remainder of the competition. The reigning Loma Idol had the opportunity to experience the event from behind a different microphone this year as she served as the main commentator of the
night.

“The judges were all great to listen to and also great to harass,” Maples said. “I’m looking forward to more amazing song choices, interesting wardrobe choices and banter with the judges.”