On Sept. 23, Texas A&M International University’s Residential Life hosted their annual Resident Idol event at the University Village. The event started at 8 p.m. with Luis Stagg, resident assistant as the host. Resident Idol is based on the popular television competition “American Idol” where people from all over the country show off their talent in the form of music. Resident Idol holds the same concept. Residents are offered a chance to get on stage and strut their stuff. The competition lasts five weeks and with contestants being eliminated until the grand finale where the last remaining competitors compete to win this year’s Resident Idol.
The five contestants included Jennifer Ramos, Frankie Gonzalez, Manuel Morales, Monika Sanchez, and last year’s winner, Marina Vasquez. Because this week included no challenge, the competitors had their choice of whatever song they liked. Each contestant had their own style and had songs from Christina Aguilera, Katy Rose, Rascall Flats, and Secondhand Serenade. Some contestants sang with music, others used their own instruments like guitar and ukulele. The judges had good and bad remarks to contestants ranging from, “have more confidence” or “sing a bit louder” and “I love your song choice!”
In honor of the first installment of Resident Idol, no one was eliminated but next week eliminations will begin. It starts at 8:30 p.m. and will be held at the RLC. There will be a surprise judge and a new challenge to make it even more difficult for contestants. Who will win? You’ll have to come and watch to find out.