Mountaineer Idol to return to Mountainlair

West Virginia University’s Mountaineer Idol is back in full swing Friday night in the Mountainlair Ballroom, with the action beginning at 8 p.m.

This fall kicks off the ninth annual Mountaineer Idol competition, and for those unfamiliar with the event, that means a chance to battle your way to the bragging rights of being the Mountaineer Idol – and the $1,000 grand prize is not too bad, either.

The event, sponsored by Coca-Cola and American Idol, is open to all students and features six weeks of competition, every Friday night in the Mountainlair.

This week’s theme is "singer’s choice," while other nights will cover genres such as country, ’80s and oldies.

The competition, starting now and going until early November, is open and free to the public; so feel free to cheer on your favorite Mountaineer Idol contestant all the way throughout the competition.

Sign-ups are being held Tuesday at 5 p.m. in Hatfields, and try-outs will occur Wednesday evening at 4 p.m.

After the initial try-outs, the top 15 singers will be chosen and will then go on to the first night of competition Friday.

Not only will the first prize winner bring home $1,000, they will also earn the opportunity to sing the national anthem at one of WVU’s men’s basketball games.

The second place winner will receive a prize of $750, and the third place winner will win $250.

Sandra Wilson, senior program Administrator and the head of Mountaineer Idol, thinks this is going to be Idol’s best year yet.

"It runs between 50 or 60 [students], but I have a feeling this year, it’s going to be the largest number that we’ve had," Wilson said.

Wilson further explained there is one primary judge during the whole competition, with two other judges varying throughout the duration of the contest. The judges are chosen based on background and are not students.

According to Wilson, anywhere from 100-700 students attend the events every Friday.

Caitlin Hassan, a philosophy and international studies student, said she is excited about the competition.

"I want to go because I love seeing students involved with campus activities, and I think their classmates should support it," Hassan said. "I loved talent benefit shows in high school, so it excites me to see that type of thing at WVU."

For those interested in competing or cheering on friends and competitors, Mountaineer Idol is a great way to become immersed in the WVU culture and to experience some of the fine talent on campus firsthand.