By Kari Patron/Staff Writer

From Etta James to Bruno Mars to Aladdin, Missouri Valley Students brought the house down with their performances at Karaoke night. Karaoke night was hosted by Student Affairs on April 12 in the Bacon Room at Malcolm Center.

With over 30 students in attendance, karaoke night did not have a shortage of performances or support. Students in attendance were thoroughly engaged in the performances even if they themselves did not perform. Singing along, clapping, and raising their hands up, set the atmosphere on Wednesday night.

Student Colin Williams performed “Roni” by Bobby Brown and “When Will I see You Smile Again” by Bell Biv DeVoe.

“I definitely had fun,” Williams said. “Performing was great, but watching everybody else was what made it fun for me. Seeing people relax and have a chance to be able to be themselves. It’s been a hectic semester for everybody at some point in time. It was a great way to show off what they can do.”

One of Wednesday’s stand-out performances was by a group of International students from South Africa who sang “Shosholoza,” which is referred to as South Africa’s second anthem due to its popularity there.

Student Baylie Trahorsch was there to support his friends’ performance, but he ended up having a lot of fun.

“The performances were good,” Trahorsch said. “I wouldn’t perform because I don’t have a singing voice, but I would definitely attend the next karaoke night.”

While students had fun, they also thought there were things that could have made their experience better. The two screens that projected the lyrics were facing the audience so when the participant got up to sing, they would have to turn their back to the audience if they wanted to be able to look at the lyrics. 

“The atmosphere was great, but it could be improved,” student Nick Wright said. “Sound quality mostly. Maybe have an actual Karaoke Machine. Definitely not having the words behind the people singing so they can actually look at the audience.”