From singing to trumpet playing, the stage in the Otter Student Union (OSU) Ballroom was set Thursday night for CSUMB’s first ever “Otters Got Talent” talent show. Student participants were eager to showcase their skill to a panel of judges for a chance to win a $1,000 dollar scholarship prize.
Associated Students welcomed over 155 students into the OSU Ballroom on Sept. 4 to cheer on and watch their fellow students show off their hidden talents.
“I love how Monterey can host events to showcase both our talents and fun events, while being also able to pursue my education,” said third-year kinesiology major and talent show participant Cheyenne Yang.
With a total of 15 performers in the show, the crowd was eager to see what each participant had in store for them.
A judges panel to the left of the OSU stage featured three familiar faces who sat to judge the performances; CSUMB mascot Monte Rey, Dean of Students Reuben Rodriguez and beloved Sea Store associate, Gladys.
The night kicked-off with several back to back singing performances, with songs ranging from “Picture You” by Chappell Roan to “Creep” by Radiohead being performed by participants in unique ways.
First-year music major Hannah Rudolph serenaded the crowd with her sweet and breathy voice backed by gentle guitar strumming. Rudolph got personal when asked what winning the talent show would mean to her, saying, “Coming from somebody who has really struggled to get here and be in this place, I think just knowing that I did something to accomplish something else. It’s not really about the money for me.”
Another fan favorite performance from the night was a K-Pop style dance routine performed by Yang. Yang captivated the audience with her electric dancing routine that had audience members stepping away from their seats to get a closer look at her performance.
“Don’t forget to pursue the things you love, even if it scares you,” said Yang after delivering her live-wired performance.
After a handful of more performances that included a trumpet solo, electric guitar shredding and another crowd-favorite dance by Asian and Pacific Islander Association Club dance captain Kyan Lee, it was time for the judges to discuss and decide which five were going home. Only 10 of the 15 were moving on to compete in the semi-final round next week.
After a five minute intermission for the judges to reach their decision, all 15 contestants were brought onto the OSU stage for one final bow.
Fan favorites Rudolph, Yang and Lee were part of the 10 Otters moving on to the semi-final round next week.
The show is not over yet, as the semi-finals will be happening next Thursday in the OSU Ballroom, followed by the final round of performances on Sept. 18, where a winner will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Photos by Elliot Rowe