This Thursday, Feb. 16, is the eighth annual BC Idol competition! Sponsored by the ELP program, BC Idol is a great opportunity to see and support some of Boston College’s greatest musical talents. Even though this is the eighth show, this is only the second time the competition has been held in Robsham Theater. Hope Benedetti, who has helped coordinate this year’s event, told HC BC even more about the competition and how it is more than just a talent competition.
BC Idol isn’t just a show, it is a fundraiser for St. Columbkille Partnership school in Brighton, MA. All of the funds from BC Idol go directly to St. Columbkille’s music program. This music program wouldn’t have even been started without the fundraising from last year’s BC Idol. Benedetti said, “In addition to the ten acts who will be competing in this year’s show, we will have three performers for St. Columbkille. This is a nice way for us to help promote their music program as well as give exposure to their students and hopefully inspire them to one day attend college.”
Liz Peter, the winner from last year, will also be performing again to close her year as BC Idol.
So in order for you to really get to know the contestants and make your decision, we talked to them all about why they got involved in BC Idol and why they just love music so much.
Brian Stamm, ‘13
Major: Biochemistry
Other instruments: Guitar
Why did you audition for BC Idol?
I wanted to perform in front of an audience with my girlfriend (Rachael Glassman).
Why should you be the next BC Idol?
Why not?
See Brian sing on Facebook!
Rachael Glassman, ‘12
Major: Nursing
Other instruments: Piano
Why did you audition for BC Idol?
Singing in Robsham for smiling faces was a lot more appealing than in a tiny little practice room in Lyons.
Why should you be the next BC Idol?
Because I’m not doing it to win!
See Rachael and Brian’s act on YouTube!
Andrea Alonso, ‘14
Major: Psychology and Biology
Why did you audition for BC Idol?
I auditioned for BC idol because I love to sing and because the program seems fun.
Why should you be the next BC Idol?
I honestly just tried out for BC Idol for the fun of being in it, but I suppose if I had to come up with an answer it would probably be because singing is a passion of mine.
Here is Andrea singing in BEATS!
Monica as Mimi in “Rent”
Monica Wright, ‘14
Major: Communications and History
Why did you audition for BC Idol?
It’s a funny story. I ran into some friends who were on their way to audition, and they sort of dragged me with them up the stairs of Vandy and pushed me into the audition room. I wasn’t planning on auditioning at all! But I’m glad I did, of course.
Why should you be the next BC Idol?
I want people to recognize me as a person who is passionate about the things she does. If I’m gonna sing, why not go all out?
And here’s a video of Monica singing Yoü and I with the BC Acoustics.
Ally Norton, ‘13
Major: Communications and English, Music minor
Other instruments: Trying to teach myself guitar, but not really succeeding!
Why did you audition for BC Idol?
I auditioned on a whim with Connor Hutchison.
Why should you be the next BC Idol?
Because a Bostonian has yet to win BC idol, and I’d love to represent the group!
Ricky Scheiber-Camoretti, ‘15
Major: Sociology
Other instruments: Acoustic Guitar
Why did you audition for BC Idol?
On a whim! I’d never done anything like it before and Julianne (Quaas) wanted to. Pretty excited to hear we got in!
Why should you be the next BC Idol?
Really, I just want to be able to play for other people, something I never really got to do in high school because my school lacked a music department. It’s bigger than anything I’ve ever done, and definitely a step up from incessantly serenading my roommates every night.
Alex Proie, ‘15
Major: Theatre and History
Why did you audition for BC Idol?
For fun! I love to sing and my friends all told me I should.
Why should you be the next BC Idol?
I love to sing for and to people to help brighten their days. Music has the power to do that and that is why I have such a passion for it.
Alex Layton, ‘13
Major: Biology (premed)
Other instruments: Guitar
Why did you audition for BC Idol?
I tried out because my friends convinced me, and I’m excited to play and to hear everybody else too.
Kristina Rex, ‘15
Major: Communications and Theater
Why did you audition for BC Idol?
My friends in ELP encouraged me to audition!
Why should you be the next BC Idol?
Because singing is my favorite thing in the world!
Here is a video of Kristina singing “Best Thing I Never Had” at A Cappella Fest with the Dyamics!
Connor Hutchison, ‘14
Major: English
Other instruments: I play the Cello, and kind of play the guitar.
Why did you audition for BC Idol?
I auditioned because it sounded like a great way to practice singing and performance, but also because I thought it would be cool to hear other people’s performances and just be a part of the event as a whole.
Why should you be the next BC Idol?
I should be the next BC idol because I’m attempting to sing an epic soulful song as a white boy with minimal swag. I just hope people enjoy hearing me sing on Thursday!
**Other finalists include Jesus Tapia and Julianne Quaas.
Don’t forget to come to BC Idol TOMORROWat 7 PM. Tickets are only $10, and the money goes to a great cause. You will see some of the greatest talent here at BC, listen to some witty Jesuit judges, and cast your vote to choose this year’s BC Idol! You can buy tickets at the door or here.