First-time participants, lifelong performers and rising stars displayed an increasingly outstanding array of on-stage artistic prowess at OU Has Talent.
OU senior, singer and songwriter, Grace Ricci won first place with her interpretation of “My Heart Will Go On” by Céline Dion.
“[Winning first place] feels so good,” Ricci said. “I was so stressed out with school that I haven’t been performing in a while, so it was nice to be back on stage. I was shocked that I won, but I’m very glad I did.”
An annual participant since her freshman year, Ricci was accompanied by her family and friends. “I don’t know if I’m auditioning for the next one,” Ricci said. “I feel like ending on a high note is good too, so I don’t know, I gotta see what happens.”
Cayla Stus, a Michigan-based artist and Musical Theater student, surprised the audience with a second-place award in her first appearance at OU Has Talent.
“It’s my first time doing this talent show and I won second place,” Status said. “There were a lot of really good acts, so I’m just honored to be a part of it and being part of the winners’ brackets felt so good.”
Also a senior at OU, Stus left some advice for aspiring artists beginning their careers or advancing them beyond school grounds.
“There’s nothing wrong with just putting yourself out there, you never know what could happen,” Stus said. “I’m an active performer so I always have events going on around so the only way you’ll ever figure out what can happen is if you do it.”
Elvis Presley tribute artist and lifelong actor, Skyler Janiszewski secured third place with his interpretation of “Hound Dog.”
“I had a great time doing it, I love coming out here and getting to meet all the wonderful people before and after the show,” Janiszewski said. “I really love this community that we have at Oakland, and the wonderful community that SPB puts together with all these wonderful events.”
Shining outfit, electric moves and an analog microphone accompanied OU’s Elvis in one of many interpretations of the decade’s classic songs.
“The dressing room etiquette and everything was good,” Janiszewski said. “Everybody was very kind and cordial, and people were eager to talk and be friendly, which was really nice.”
The winners were chosen by a three-judge panel featuring OU alumni, advisors and a special guest — Emagine Theater co-founder, Paul A. Glantz. However, student ovations and applause also manifested in the People’s Choice Award determined by an attendee survey.
The Infinity Kpop Dance Team won the People’s Choice Award with their medley of songs featuring “DNA” by Kendrick Lamar and “Baba O’Riley” by The Who.
“We’ve been rehearsing for the talent show since September, so it’s been a while, it’s a long time coming,” Infinity member, Jazz, said. “Our color theme this year was tan, black, white and maroon. Our songs’ theme was kind of victory/action.”
With hidden dancers in the first row jumping on stage mid-performance, Infinity surprised the audience with a variety of song mixes and props.
“I think the surprise factor definitely helped, we got the audience reacting and those cheers right from the start,” Infinity member, Tiger Xiong, said.
Eight other performers were featured at the talent show presenting original songs, musical theater performances, and interpretations of musical emblems like Paramor and Beyonce’s songs.
“Each and every one of our performers tonight is a winner, they did a spectacular job,” Glantz said. “I am truly impressed by the talent. It was very challenging to parse through these spectacular performances, but I hope you enjoyed it. I certainly did.”
