Students of all class standings came to flaunt their best talents in the Student Program Board‘s annual OU Has Talent event on Monday, March 27. The event was held from 7:15-11 p.m. in 201 Dodge Hall. 

“This event is a talent show,” said Cassie Hock, president of SPB. “Oakland University students have auditioned to perform in front of members of the Student Program Board and were selected based on creativity, length of performance and stage presence.”

Hock said auditions for the event occurred in early March. Only the people SPB selected to perform got to take the stage.

“We [even] had people audition for juggling,” said Amber Hillman, the annual events director for SPB.

On the night of the show, students lined up near the entrance of Dodge Hall by the dozens to get in as soon as the doors opened at 7 p.m.

Erika LeDonne, a student attending the event, said she came “to support Greek week for [her] sorority.” She was looking forward “to the different talents Greek people have to offer and [student performer] David Bashaw.”

Talent and audience participation and enthusiasm were high.

“I think I’m probably looking forward to the guitar player because he is doing a mash-up of songs and is adding his own twist into it, which is really amazing,” Hillman said. “[That performer] is my favorite one.”

First, second and third place winners received cash prizes at the end of the night. The a capella group Six Appeal emceed the event and performed during the intermission.

The show featured a lot of singers and guitar players, but many different talents were showcased. Some students who took the stage included Ali McManus, Maria Gutowski, David Bashaw, Brittany Baker, Kai Stidham and Taylor Dalton.

Applause from the large crowd and music poured out into the hallway. SPB said the event was a success.

Spoken-word poet David Bashaw took first place, singer Kai Stidham took home second, and beatboxer Nathan Haberland took third. Aside from the top three, singer Jaron Brown took home the award for being the crowd’s favorite.

SPB has several upcoming events, including the Roller Rink Rave on April 11 in the O’rena and the Holi Festival of Color at 3 p.m. on April 14 on the lawn north of the Oakland Center.

For more information, visit SPB’s Facebook page, find the organization on GrizzOrgs or call them at (248) 370-4295.