Taylor Bembery
Blue and White Flash / Staff Writer
“The Voice of JSU” returned bigger and bolder in its second year as a featured event during Jackson State University’s homecoming activities.
The finale took place on Oct. 15, 2012 in the Lee E. Williams Athletics & Assembly Center with featured celebrity judges Kandi Burruss, Ruben Studdard and Dathan Thigpen.
This year’s finalists were Victoria Agnew, Aaron Cain III, Derrick Griffith, Sarah Hodges, Jasmine Howard, Calandra Jones, Latia Peavy, Martika Ross, Tameka Smith, KD Walker, and Kristi Williams.
Phillip Cockrell, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, Judicial Services, and the student justices played a key role in organizing this event. The event had a twist this year with special performances from the JSU Dazzlers and Dance Ensemble.
Presented not only for students to showcase their talents vocally, “The Voice of JSU” was also used to share information on Student Life’s “Pause for a Cause”, an educational awareness for domestic violence.
The 2012 hosts were James Earl Lehaman Jr. and Britney Johnson, former senior class president and one of the founders of “The Voice of JSU.” The production of the event was organized by JSU Tiger TV 22.
Tyra Suggs, a senior criminal justice major from St. Louis, Mo. and winner of the 2011-2012 competition, opened up the show with a spunky ballad entitled “Call Tyrone” by Erykah Badu.After all the contestants performed, the celebrity judges deliberated and chose the top five contestants: Victoria Agnew, Martika Ross, Jasmine Howard, Tameka Smith, and Sarah Hodges.
Latia Peavy, a junior biology pre-med major from Carthage, Miss. and a contestant who did not advance to the final round from Carthage, Miss., still had the attitude of a winner. She explained how her experience in this program has made her gain new friendships and confidence in performing on stage.
“I am new to the campus and I don’t know a lot of people. Being a part of “The Voice of JSU” has helped me meet new people and also gain new friends,” said Peavy.
The final round was a battle of the feminine felines of JSU with tributes to music powerhouses such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner and many more.
Each contestant was accompanied by a live band, back-up singers and dancers. Everyone competing brought their own style and flavor to the final round.
After the final performances, the decision of who would be crowned the new Voice of JSU was up to the audience. The audience voted by texting “thevoicejsu” to “72727” then received instruction’s afterwards. To cast their vote, the audience had to send the contestants number to the receiving number.
People were able to vote for their favorite contestant as many times as they liked for 10 minutes. Once all the votes were in, the decision was made.
All the contestants were brought back to the stage to see who would become the new “Voice of JSU” for the 2012-2013 school year. After some taunting and teasing from the hosts, the winner was finally announced.
Sarah Hodges, a senior music education major with a vocal concentration from Magnolia, Miss., was crowned “The Voice of JSU” 2012-2013. Hodges won over the audience with a powerful tribute to the late Whitney Houston with performances of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”, “I’m Every Woman”, and “I Look To You.”
“Singing is something that I am extremely passionate about and I actually want to pursue it as a career, being the winner of “The Voice of JSU” is a good step towards that. It gave me real life experience as a performer,” said Hodges.
Perrin Bostic, a junior healthcare administration major from Little Rock, Ark., had nothing but great things to say about the new “Voice of JSU” winner.
“Sarah Hodges hands down won “The Voice of JSU” rightfully. She had stage presence, she was strong, and she had great song selections. She was amazing tonight and I’m happy that she won,” said Bostic.
William Jenkins, a junior mass communications major from Mobile, Ala., added what he liked about “The Voice of JSU” program.
“‘The Voice of JSU’ had a live band and dancers making it feel as if our peers were giving a concert. It seemed like they sought out the best singers at JSU for the competition,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins also added how he felt about the winner of the competition.
“During the second round, Sarah really brought it home and peaked at the right moment with the Whitney Houston Tribute,” said Jenkins
Hodges had some advice to aspiring singers.
“Work hard, pursue you dreams and goals in life. That’s what I’m doing and I’m having a wonderful time! I feel so satisfied following my dreams.” said Hodges.
