This second hosting of Otters Got Talent was warmly received by the turnout of over 100 attendees, all eager to enjoy what each of the 11 performers had to show off.
Upon entering the Otter Student Union Ballroom, the Associated Students and OSU staff checked in students and faculty and most importantly, gave them a bright red ticket to cast their vote on who should be one of the finalists for Sept. 23 — the Final Round.
Like the name suggests, Otters Got Talent is meant to showcase students’ gifts, where there will be three winners receiving scholarship money: the first winner with $1000, the second winner with $500 and the third winner with $250.
Hannah Martinez, an event specialist for AS and Student Engagement and Leadership Development, explained how this event alone took months of preparation.
“Planning decorations that we have for the whole finale, getting the judges was super important, and just deciding how long each performance should be and also the order of all the performers is something we collaborated on,” said the junior Business major.
The judges this year were Monte Ray, Robyn DoCanto a Basic Needs hub coordinator with Ottercare and Reuban Rodriguez, the interim vice president for Student Affairs.
All three of these campus celebrities seemed enthusiastic about the show and the students. “I know the campus is full of extremely talented people, so I’m just excited to see whatever they’re bringing to show us,” said DoCanto.
The strong opener for the night was Soren Rider, a contestant who sang “Jolene” by Dolly Parton. This nod to Parton was achieved through a unique lower octave and a great rhythm. “I love singing and a scholarship is a pretty good motivation,” Rider said.
After each performance, supportive commentary was given by the judges, along with Monte holding up emoticons as his responses. Throughout the experience, the audience interacted enthusiastically with the performers—clapping to the beat, cheering them on and even waving their phone flashlights to songs.
Kadence Smith, a freshman biology major, explained she and her friends had come to the event looking for a fun leisure activity.
One of her friends, Adasen Wade, a business administration freshman said, “We’re ready to see the talent showcased at our school and to support our fellow Otters!”
Voting began once all performers had concluded; as spectators walked up to the green AS table, they put their raffle ticket corresponding to the name jar they hoped to be selected for the final round.
Toward the conclusion of the show, the 11 individuals had taken their final bow, where the finalists were at long last announced – Brendan Latronica, Sofia Flores-Sivolli, Giovanna Masino, Maximus Servando, Sofia Navarro and Jackie Martinez.