The Oakland Post

Student wins talent show with Lady Gaga reenactment

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By DAVID PITTS
Contributing Reporter

Hands clapped and tears were spilled as the performers took the stage at Glory Phi God’s talent show.

The show took place in the Oakland Center banquet rooms on April 7. Many prizes were given out to performers as well as spectators. There was a $500 grand prize to the winner of the show, a $50 prize to the best dressed male and female audience members and a raffle drawing open to anyone at the show.

Even though participants were focused on winning, the competition was tough, as 9 singers and 3 dance acts took the stage. The prizes were big, but some students participated for more than just the money.

“I’m looking to give away, I’m looking for someone to gain something from my performance,” said Whitney Davis, a sophomore at Oakland. Davis sang “Oh Lord, We Magnify Your Name.”

Dino Heard, a sophomore who performed a dance piece with partner LaShae Griffin, said that winning wasn’t a priority for them. “We are here to glorify God if anything,” Heard said, explaining his passion for dance as well as his faith.

Even though participants were focused on winning, the competition was tough, with nine singers and three dance acts taking the stage.  “We are looking for creativity, excitement and preparation in our contestants,” said Laurel Kriebel a sophomore at Oakland.

Kriebel, one of the shows judges also said they were looking for the most “genuine” performer.

The most “genuine” performer was the winner of the show, Lance Atallah. “I feel fantastic, I couldn’t be happier,” Atallah said after his victory. He performed “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga.

“We are providing a talent show to bring students out; to get them involved,” said Taquinda Johnson, a campus minister of G phi G at Oakland. Johnson, a 2005 graduate from Eastern Michigan University, plans to encourage students to get involved with the campus ministry as well as with other students.