The Student Program Board (SPB) hosted OU Has Talent, an annual talent show, in The Habitat on Thursday, Nov 16. It was a joyous occasion with what turned out to be a sizable crowd and a great reception.
The night had the audience coming in droves, even fetching fans from other universities. Eastern Michigan University sophomore Kimberly Coleman made the drive to catch the event. Coleman was impressed with the show Oakland was able to put on.
“I decided to go to Oakland with some of my friends from Eastern Michigan, and honestly, it was worth it. We had a great time,” Coleman said.
Students from all corners of the university could participate in the talent show, with entries taken as late as when the event took place. Contestants were encouraged to dress in their finest attire, with the night’s theme being Hollywood.
Many acts were on display, ranging from singing performances to stand-up comedy. Being slated to go from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., many contestants displayed a bevy of talents throughout the night.
The first two contestants, Sarah and Charlie, opened up with renditions of popular songs, respectively. They set the stage for the energy inside The Habitat as they caroled to much fanfare.
The tunes kept flowing throughout the venue, this time complimenting a dance act. Malik, a junior, danced to a mix of music encompassing several genres. The audience raved, and the judges gave nothing but positive feedback.
Malik almost served as a prelude to what act stood next, as a hip-hop dance troupe called “Infinity” took the stage. The judges’ jaws dropped as the group showed their chemistry and the fruits of their practice.
An SPB staple made an appearance in the form of Positive Norm, though this appearance was introduced entirely as a surprise. Norm, the large goose companion of SPB, jumped through hula hoops and signaled for the audience to get loud. It was a welcomed addition to the night.
Grace Reechy sang Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” bringing those in attendance to their feet. The judges were marred with astonishment at Reechy’s performance.
Covers were not all that was on the table for the night. James Mitchell sang an original song called “Falling for You” as part of his act. As the judges said, he brought his own “vibe,” which resonated with the audience.
WXOU music tech Anaya Brown was up next, singing up a storm herself. It encapsulated the event with the way everyone stood behind her: great talent, great vibes and friendly competition.
Last but not least was Skyler, who promised to give the most incredible impersonation of Elvis Presley. Skyler had the style and cadence of Presley, even getting down and grooving on the floor to sell the impression.
The traveling EMU group found a favorite in Skyler.
“My favorite part was Skyler, who did the Elvis impression,” Coleman said.
They weren’t the only ones left impressed.
To add a bit of competition into the fold, there were three winners to be named, with $250 going to first place, $150 to second place and $100 to third place. However, the competition was so stiff SPB decided to add a fourth winner on the fly, who was set to receive $75.
Reechy was named 4th with her spectacular cover of Whitney Houston. Infinity took home 3rd place. That left Elvis impersonator Skyler and Anaya to be crowned as 1st. With her strong voice and cadence, Anaya walked off with $250 and 1st place.
