UNIVERSITY PARK, PA (October 12, 2006) - With her strong voice and experience in singing contests, it was only natural that Megan Hershey should volunteer to perform in a competition that was advertised in Stall Stories.
Last night, about 80 students gathered in Alumni Hall to watch Hershey (freshman-bioengineering) as well as four other contestants battle it out for the title of "Penn State Idol."
The event was organized as the kickoff for next weekend's homecoming festivities. Camille Tiangco (junior-engineering and dance) opened the show with Etta James' "At Last." Candace Smith, a State College High School student, performed next, singing "I Believe in You and Me" by Whitney Houston.
Hershey competed third, adding a country vibe to the night with her rendition of "When God Fearin' Women Get the Blues" by Martina McBride, followed by Natalie Vogel (freshman-journalism), who sang "Can't Fight the Moonlight" by LeeAnn Rimes.
The final competitor, Carmela Maxell (sophomore-premedicine and psychology) sang "My All" by Mariah Carey. Maxwell added that she has enjoyed participating in Penn State Idol and is looking forward to homecoming. "We get to show our true blue and white," she said.
Last year's Penn State Idol winner, Mark Wendel (junior-architecture), made an appearance as a guest performer.
At the end of the competition, Hershey won the title by audience applause. Hershey also won a $20 gift certificate to Outback Steak House, in addition to having the honor of singing at the Homecoming pep rally. Hershey said she was very excited about winning. "It feels marvelous," she said.
Mark Poblete (senior-information science and technology), homecoming overall chairman, said he was pleased with the turnout for Penn State Idol. "Showcasing Penn State and State College talent was a great way to kick off the next two weeks," he said.