There is a lot of talent at Dartmouth and we enjoyed a slick Dartmouth Idol contest yet again. There were 6 contestants, each doing a solo in the first part, and then several trios and duets in the second part. We each received a ballot book with 6 sheets, and we had to tear out our top 2 for the voting. Votes were collected in big white garbage bags, and then compiled by the ushers while we waited.
The first performer was Jamilah Menah doing Proud Mary. The introduction was a big awkward – a little too much about how it was going to be nice and easy – but she sang well and got things off to a great start.
Tyné Freeman sang well also, but seemed to have the weakest voice of the 6, getting drowned out at times.
Phoebe Bodurtha sang Gravity, and got a standing ovation from the audience. I though she sang and performed very well, but I found her voice quite strident, just not as mellow as the others.
Xavier Curry had a great voice, and did some great dancing, including an upside-down start from a chair.
Nikhil Arora channeled Robert Goulet for his performance, and did a polished, smooth toned Cry a River with a big band sound. He did a lot less “coloratura” than the others, which I appreciated.
Grace Carney sang a very interesting song and had a 40’s style drag queen type flavour. She had a good stage presence and another strong voice.
In between songs, there were some video clips of pianist and producer Walt Cunningham dressed as Liberace and visiting Dartmouth campus. I think we could have skipped those clips. However, there was a very fun clip of the senior Dartmouth administration performing as various rock stars, especially president Phil Hanlon and his wife as Sonny and Cher.
All in all six great singers doing a great job. My choices were were Jamila and Nikhil, but the winner was Phoebe, then Nikhil, then Jamila.