The University of Cincinnati's Raymond Walters College hosted their own edition of Fox's popular talent competition, American Idol, Wednesday.

The contest began at 11 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m. in Muntz Courtyard.
This is the second year for the event at Raymond Walters, in an effort to get the student body more involved. The Student Affairs Committee sponsored the event.
Stephanie Jetter, president of the Student Affairs Committee, said "the turnout of this event was great, it really got students out of the lobby and everyone is still talking about it."

The competition was very similar to the American Idol show except the judges weren't as vulgar with the singers, such as the real Simon Cowell is. Jetter impersonated judge Paula Abdul, Jeff Williams, a second-year pharmacy student, played the role of Randy Jackson, and the President of Raymond Walters College Student Government, Afshin Taleghani played the infamous Simon.
The competition featured its own Ryan Seacrest. Russell Ridenour, a second-year electronic media major acted as the host for the event.

The competition showcased a variety of music. Songs ranged from Jessica Simpson's, "With You," to old-school music from the Isley Brothers like "Shout."
Karaoke Sweethearts & DJ's supplied the music. There were over 14,000 karaoke songs to pick from.
"There is a high level of competition involved and I really think this is a great event," DJ Phill, owner of Karaoke Sweethearts & DJ's, said.
Most of the audience consisted of students who were getting out of class and stayed to watch.






"I was just walking by and couldn't help but to stop," radiology major Jamie Schalch, a first-year student, said.
The level of entertainment ranged from dancing to laughing along with the contestants. "This is the most hilarious thing I have ever seen on campus," said Schalch.

Three winners were selected and each of them received a gift certificate for Kenwood Towne Centre. The first place winner was given a $75 gift certificate, second place received a $50 gift certificate and the third place was rewarded a $25 certificate

The three winners were chosen on their performance, personality, crowd participation and enthusiasm.
When first place winner, Mike Brunner performed, the N*sync song "Tearing Up my Heart" the crowd stood up and began to dance and sing along.
"That fellow Mike was a real show stopper," said DJ Phill. The majority of the audience went wild during Mike's stage performance.
"Mike's ability to get the audience involved really made him good," said Jetter.
One judge said he thought Brunner was too good for this competition. "I don't know why you're in this contest, you should be in the real American Idol," Taleghani said.

Many of the contestants were allowed to do more than two songs. The second place winner, Terri Bennett-Pate, a sophomore vocational rehabilitation major sung several songs from, "I Want to Know" by Brian McKnight to a selection of old school music.

Singing isn't new to Bennett-Pate who sings in a group at her church. "I really love to sing, and gospel music is my favorite," Bennett-Pate said.
This event couldn't have taken place on a better day for third place winner Heather May, a sophomore secondary education major. "The weather is really nice to have it outside today," May said.

May also said that this type of performing wasn't new to her. "I have had quite a lot of experience, I previously recorded a CD a couple years ago of pre-recorded songs, just for fun."

Many students said they couldn't wait until next year. "The winners of our Raymond Walters 'Idol' should definitely try a shot at the real American Idol," said Jetter. "I feel that if you can perform outstanding here then who knows what you're capable of at the real American Idol."

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