Judges announce finalists on the second night of Davis Idol
PHOTO: Davis Idol finalists Zoe Poppenga, Atticus King, Avital Schwartz, Emily Landerman, Gabrielle Marquez, Emily Chapman, Maya Belk, Krystabelle Lor, and Pratheeka Budamaguata stand on stage with emcees Katie Fee and Graham Segel. Finalist Matteo Nouve, Chapman’s duo partner, is not present.
By Lewis Herring Tillman and Mia Croff,
BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–
Sophomore Maya Belk won Audience’s Choice for the second night of the Davis Idol preliminary round with her performance of Sara Bareilles’ song “Gravity.” Belk moved the crowd with her “sublime” performance of the “monumentally mature” song, according to judge Kathleen Deegan.
“I’m honored to have won and very lucky to be surrounded by such talented singers,” Belk said. In the final round Belk will perform “Feeling Good,” sung by Nina Simone.
Following the announcement of Belk’s victory, emcees Katie Fee and Graham Segel revealed the rest of the finalists. Six contestants from the second night made the cut, including heart throb Atticus King, and four contestants from the first night.
The event also featured special performances from ATC and recent DHS alumna Shay Thompson. Thompson, last year’s winner of Audience’s Choice, was invited to perform her prepared medley of Taylor Swift’s biggest hits while playing guitar. Her invitation to the audience to sing along created a fun, interactive vibe to conclude the night.
“It was a childhood dream of mine to perform and hear the crowd singing along with me,” Thompson said. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to perform [at DHS] one last time and end on a good note.”
The Davis Idol final round will be held in the Richard Brunelle Performing Hall on Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. Student tickets are priced at $10 each and adult tickets are $15. Ticket sales began after the event Saturday night and can be purchased from any ATC member or at the ticket booth the night of the event.
