OU Has Talent returns

“America’s Got Talent?” More like “OU Has Talent.” 

Oakland University’s OU Has Talent came back Tuesday, Nov. 19, where students from all majors  were welcomed and encouraged to come out and support their classmates’ talents.

“I enjoy singing but I do not take any choir classes, so this is a good opportunity for me to be in a singing environment again,” said Larissa Diosdado, a freshman at OU who participated in OU Has Talent. “I am very excited for this. I’ve been preparing for this for a good amount of time and can’t wait to present it in front of people.”

The band Confidence took home first place, spoken word/piano act Michael Brooks came in second place and singer Racquel took third place. On-campus dance team Intrigue won the people’s choice award.

Every year, Student Program Board (SPB) continues to provide students the opportunity to share their talents with the school by hosting OU Has Talent.

Sade Kuforiji, mainstage director for SPB, focuses on planning weekly Thursday mainstage events and collaborating with Annual Events Director Mackenzie Hill to organize special events.

My whole team helps to take me through the process, as this is the first time I’ve done [OU Has Talent],” Kuforiji said. “So, it’s pretty collaborative between Chris Russell (SPB’s president), Sami Miller (the marketing director), and Mackenzie Hill … It’s very cool seeing the unique talents people have, and it’s amazing to see so many willing to showcase their talents on stage.”

Hill’s responsibility is to plan events most students look forward to each year — Carnival, Casino Night and OU Has Talent, — making sure that students are provided enjoyable school life.

“Student Program Board is always looking for unique talent,” Hill said. “Last year there was a student who hopped up the Habitat steps on a unicycle — pair a unique talent with crowd interaction and you’ll win me over every time.”

She further explained the audition process, including what is expected from each contestant.

Rather than students who just want to show off and win the competition, we have contestants who honestly want to provide high-quality entertainment for their peers,” Hill said. “It’s not about winning OU Has Talent — it’s about having the opportunity to share those extra-curricular skills and hobbies with an audience sitting on the edges of their seats.”

For questions about upcoming events from SPB, contact the organization at [email protected] or (248) 370-4295.