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Students compete for title of THS Idol
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Felisha Dias sings an a cappella rendition of Alex Clares Too Close at the THS Idol competition on Friday. Dias was one of the contestants who was voted to move on to the next round on Oct. 3. The final winner will be announced after the Halloween Spirit Assembly on Oct. 31. - photo by CANDY PADILLA / The Journal

Twelve Turlock High School students traded in their backpacks for microphones on Friday in hopes of being crowned the next THS Idol. Emceed by assistant principal Aaron Mello and last year’s winner Brenna Larks, the annual event drew in crowds as each student proved that they have what it takes to earn the musical title.

The idea of THS Idol originated approximately 10 years ago and has been a hit with students ever since. Activities coordinator Jennifer Cullum said that students are always eager for the annual competition and even begin asking about the event on the first day of school.

“The competition gives the opportunity for students to share a talent with a large audience,” said Cullum. “I have been surprised a few times when I hear a student at an audition. Sometimes a shy kid can really sing and has kept it a secret until THS Idol.”

Each student has two minutes to show their peers that they have what it takes to be crowned as the next THS Idol. The student body is then allowed to cast their vote for their favorite singer, with the winner being announced after the Halloween spirit assembly on Oct. 31.

Felisha Dias stood out with her a cappella rendition of “Too Close” by Alex Clare. During her performance, her fellow students could not help but clap along to the beat.

“I just thought it would be a good experience because I love to sing,” said Dias.

As the only male in the competition, Ian Kraemer definitely made an impression with his performance of “Perfect Situation” by Weezer. Although he wants to win just as much as his competitors, he mainly hopes that his performance will get him noticed by his peers.

“I decided to participate because I wanted to get noticed and I know other people got noticed from this competition,” said Kraemer. “I also want to develop my singing voice a little bit more.”

The winner of this year’s THS Idol will have his or her photo in the yearbook and will be invited to perform at many events during the year as the THS Idol, including homecoming, lunchtime activities, and athletic events.

With the votes in from Friday’s performance, it was determined that Kayleigh Burnett, Felisha Dias, Chelsey King, Ian Kraemer, Jackie Sammuli, Lexy Vandergriff, Kate Wilson, and Sabrina Yonan will move on to compete next week.