View complete profiles of AQ Idol 2 finalists | View first round photo gallery

The first round of AQ Idol 2 was a success! The audience was enthusiastic and were obviously enjoying themselves.

“I was surprised by how much vocal talent and charisma so many Aquinas students possess,” said senior Todd Wilkie.

Seven performers were narrowed down to four finalists who will compete in the final round this Friday.

Though it was tough competition, sophomore MarQuinn Curry, senior Nick Cooper, junior Rob Karel and senior Stacy Michell will all proceed to the finals.

“I felt good tonight,” says Karel. “I was happy with my performance.”

There to judge the performances were Peter Jacob, Amie Bajalieh, and Rick Santamaria; all with a music or performance background. Jacob has won many national singing competitions, Bajalieh is an area stage manager for various shows, and Santamaria starred in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s concert version of “Phantom of the Opera” for five years.

Each of the judges provided the performers with suggestions of ways to grow within their song and performance.

“The judges provided appropriate and relevant criticisms, offering some entertainment in addition to the performers,” said Wilkie.

Curry took the judges’ feedback to heart, saying, “I want to make the song my own.”

All three judges will return to Aquinas for the final round.

Now that the talent has been tested, it is time to move forward with thoughts and advice taken into consideration. The bar has been raised for the four remaining performers and great things are expected in the finals. Instead of performing one song, each contestant will be required to perform two.

It’s clear — the competition is on for these four Idol finalists. The next AQ Idol will be determined based on selection of songs, performance quality, the opinions of the judges, and most importantly, the audience reaction. The audience is encouraged to bring friends, develop fan bases and even make signs to support their favorite finalist, and their opinions will be taken into account by the judges.

“I’m excited to interact with the audience,” said Michell. “It’ll be a challenge to get them involved.”