Performers involve audience, take off clothes

Catherine Otto won first place for Alpha Xi Delta in the Greek Idol competition by singing “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”. Delta Gamma placed second and Delta Zeta placed third. Katie Roupe | Daily Kent Stater

Credit: DKS Editors

The seats at the Michael Schwartz Center were filled to capacity, but that didn’t stop fans from standing at last night’s Greek Idol.

Each chapter participated, whether singers or ensembles volunteered or were nominated. Songs were chosen off the Billboard Hot 100 list of any year.

“It’s a fun, popular song that you wouldn’t expect to hear on an acoustic guitar,” said Alpha Epsilon Pi member Kevin Minster, who sang “I Kissed a Girl” by Katy Perry.

Performers got the audience – and even chapters – involved as they clapped and sang lines.

“I wanted to do an oldie, something that everyone would know, but something not too new,” said Madeline Saraniti, junior English major and member of Chi Omega who sang “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin.

Others chose easier, flowing songs.

“I’ve prepared for about a week,” said Sigma Sigma Sigma secretary Rachael Uhlik, who sang “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson. “I’ve been playing it in the car, at work and while I’m in the shower.”

Some performers even took off their clothing, like freshman justice studies major Mike Cantu from Alpha Tau Omega, who sang “Macho Man” by the Village People.

Greek Week chair Chris Anderson chose the song for Zachary Sarcyk, president of Phi Delta Theta. Sarcyk sang “Always Be My Baby” by David Cook, originally sung by Mariah Carey. Sarcyk was accompanied by secretary Johannes Benninghoff, who played bongos, and freshman flight technician major Jeremy Dattilio, who played guitar.

There were no judges. Instead, winners were chosen entirely by audience vote, like the popular TV show “American Idol.” There was a first-, second- and third-place winner for both fraternities and sororities.

Admission to the event was $1 or one canned food item, and the Kent Food Bank will receive the proceeds. Greek Week will continue the rest of the week and ends Sunday.

Contact Greek reporter Elizabeth Rothman at [email protected].