Hokie Idol Finale 2010

Over the course of two months, they have made it through three rounds of private auditions, performed in front of a large crowd, and been voted by the audience to compete for the glorious title. The three remaining finalists wait anxiously in the brilliant blue and red lights as the judges, bent inwards, deliberate. “The results are in,” the lively MCs announce, “the winner of Hokie Idol 2010 is….”

Alexandra (Alex) Joachim was crowned winner Tuesday 13, 2010 in Burruss Hall for Beta Theta Pi’s Hokie Idol 2010 philanthropy event based off of FOX’s “American Idol.” All proceeds benefited the New River Valley Free Clinic but the amount is still being calculated. The other two finalists included the crowd-voted, Daniel Gonzales, and the judge’s pick, Dale Mina. Judges included the VT Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Seth Greenberg, Assistant Professor of Music, Travis Cross, and the Editor of the Collegiate Times, Sara Mitchell. The event was even grander than last year with over 400 in attendance and elaborate stage and light set-up.

“I think the event went fantastic,” said Hokie Idol Director, Marc Becker “I think all the contestants were excellent…The attendance was better than last year…we haven’t counted the totals yet, but I hope we did raise enough to donate a substantial amount to the free clinic, because that’s what we’re all here for.”

The finale started off with an exciting performance by last year’s winner, Daijreous Poole. The top ten finalists performed a prepared song that was followed by the comments of the judges. Next, the audience voted, narrowing it down to the top three who then went on to perform one last number. Finally, Greenberg, Mitchell, and Cross made the last decision.

About determining the winner, Mitchell said, “We had to talk a lot about it but I think once…we were able to funnel it down, it was pretty easy to make a decision.”

“I actually thought it was hard to be on this side of the table” said Cross, “I mean I make judgments all the time, make decisions about people all the time, but to kind of have to put it out there and stand behind it what you say is tough, but its not nearly as tough as going up there and singing and giving it your all.”

When asked about the outcome, winner, Joachim, said, “I was really surprised because so many of those singers, like D-Gon [Daniel Gonzales] and Will [William] Kelly—I know them really well and they’re in other a cappella groups and they’re very respected singers—they’re phenomenal. I was really surprised because also, the other girls, they had really phenomenal voices too. And I was also a little worried about forgetting the words.”

“Alex really did an outstanding job, she is a fine, fine singer and congratulations to her” said Cross.

“I think it was very well organized. It was fun being a part of it; I think it’s really easy for us to be on this side of the table and kind of make the judgment on other people,” said Mitchell “So, I think it’s just really impressive that …some of these people, you know, haven’t been onstage before and are wiling to go up and sort of put themselves out there, so that was a really cool experience.”

“Everybody did a very good job and everyone brings something different, you know? So you have people of different styles and different kinds of music and they all perform very well,” said Cross.

“I think it’s a really great cause…I don’t feel like it’s any old regular philanthropy because it’s going to the free clinic—all proceeds!” said Joachim “…They’re trying to incorporate the community, not just students at Tech. So, I think it’s a really great cause and it’s a lot of fun and it brings together a lot of talent.”

The fraternity brothers were please with the turnout and raised more money than last year. “In about 30 days, the New River Valley Free Clinic will know how much we can give them,” said Beta Theta Pi President, Paul Miller.

“We definitely sold some more tickets, obviously. Burruss is a big place; there’s always more seats than available to us. So, that’s something that we always look to—growth of this event is something we are always trying to strive for in the future,” said Miller.

“I think they raised a lot of money for a great cause, which is the most important thing and it was a good time! A good time was had by all!” said Cross.