After three weeks of tough competition, judges’ critiques and 12 talented contestants, Shippensburg University finally has a new Ship Idol.

Cristen Harris, Jeremy Flick, Tara Kennedy and Otto Wallenmeyer competed for the judges and a crowd of more than 100, one last time at the Ship Idol finale on Wednesday, April 16.
The theme for the night was “Songs About Winning,” and “Inspirational Songs.” Each contestant had the chance to sing two songs in hopes of winning.

Kicking off the night was Otto Wallenmeyer singing “I’m Still Standing,” by Elton John.
With his soulful voice and mature stage presence, Otto impressed the crowd and the judges. Emilee Danielson told Wallenmeyer, “You sing original songs that still go with your voice so well. I enjoy watching you each week.”

Next was Flick singing a piano version of “Titanium,” originally by David Guetta. Flick did an interesting version of the song. Instead of a solo performance, the main vocals performed on the track were provided by a Youtube cover. Judges felt this hindered his performance and it was the least confident they had seen him all season.

Harris followed Flick with a performance of “I Believe,” by former “American Idol” contestant Fantasia. Judges were split when it came to her performance. Jose Ricardo told Harris, “Compared to the first time we’ve seen you, you’ve come a long way.”

Closing the first half of performances was judge-favorite Kennedy. Kennedy sang a powerful acoustic cover of “Misery Business” by Paramore.

Judge Sarah Maize, a fan of Paramore, expressed how much she loved the song and performance, while Danielson said, “I actually didn’t like this song… until now.”

Each contestant came back out for one final performance.

Wallenmeyer came back out and gave a powerful performance singing “My Way,” by Frank Sinatra, proving he is nothing if not consistent.

Back on the stage next was Flick singing R. Kelly’s “World’s Greatest.” The judges said this was Flick’s best performance of the competition and from the crowd’s applause, they agreed.

Harris came up to the stage next singing “Flying Without Wings” by another former “American Idol” contestant, Ruben Studdard. Fumbling the words and losing her pitch at various points throughout the song, Harris lost her confidence and the judges and audience noticed.

The closing Ship Idol 2014 performance was Kennedy singing an original song titled “Lost Ignorance.”

Drawing the judges and audience in with every guitar strum, Kennedy stole the show.
With the performances finished, it was time for the judges’ scores to be tallied and the audience to take out their phones and text in their votes.

Ship Idol co-chair’s Kristina Carey and Tyler Graham took the stage to announce the winner.
Once anticipation was successfully built, Kennedy was crowned the new Ship Idol. Kennedy shined throughout the entire competition and was known for her consistent performances.

Kennedy, who noted she has been singing for as long as she can remember said being crowned Ship Idol 2014 “feels pretty awesome.”

This was the fifth year of the Ship Idol competition. It was the first year that the program was planned by the Activities Program Board. Graham said he and Carey are very pleased with the success of Ship Idol this year.

“We are very pleased with how well it went and the reaction the contests and audience had given toward Ship Idol,” Graham said.

Shippensburg University’s Activity Program Board (APB) brought in former America’s Got Talent and So You Think You Can Dance contestant Xclusive to host the finale. Xclusive performed multiple times throughout the evening.

Ship Idol is held in the spring of each academic year and auditions are held right after winter break.

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