Trojan Idol returns tonight with all new contestants  

By Lauren Steinbrook

Staff Writer

The annual singing competition allows audience members to vote for contestants to move forward until there is one winner. 

“We have a really great variety, which is kind of the intention behind Trojan Idol,” said Anna Gilbert, ASB director of student life. “We have a contestant who is a biology major, a marketing major, athletes, an RA—it’s just a great mix. It’s going to be a really good show. They’re all amazing musicians.” 

Music genres range from folk and country to jazz, R&B, and more. 

This year’s hosts are Addison McLarney, a senior marketing major, as the student host, and Sydney Rutherford, the ARD for the Legacy of Departments, as the faculty host. 

Gilbert, director of student life and Trojan Idol host, selected 10 students from more than 30 who auditioned. 

“We had every single audition spot filled, and we had some awesome talent,” said Gilbert. “It was super competitive, considering the nature of Trevecca—it’s a music school, so it’s really fun to see everyone and the songs they choose.” 

Judges this year are Barry Weeks, a producer in Nashville; Danny Gorey, a Trevecca alum; and a surprise judge to be announced. 

To help prepare the participants, each student will practice several times with the in-house band. This year’s band consists of Isaac Reif, the band lead and drummer; Barrett Hampton on keys/MD; Adrian Espinal on bass; Connor Benson and Caid Crain on guitars; Sophie Wright and Ethan Blades on backing vocals; and Ethan also playing acoustic guitar or auxiliary keys on songs that need them. 

Each of the 10 contestants gets only one hour-long rehearsal and a dress rehearsal before the show. 

“Prepping for these songs was a fun experience but also very hard,” said Reif. “Learning 40 songs in 2 weeks is tough, but it’s made us all better musicians. I’m super excited about this year’s talent. I feel that we have a diverse range of styles, which will make it super interesting. I’m also excited because we have a lot more underclassmen this year, and it will be fun to see some new faces and what they can do!” 

Meet the Contestants

Aaron Tribiana  
Sophomore, Computer Science major  

“I’ve been singing since I was young, like doing karaoke with my family when I was a kid- fulfilling that ‘Filipinos can sing’ stereotype. Nothing professional, though, just all for fun,” said Tribiana. “I signed up for Trojan Idol because I’ve always wondered what it would be like to sing on stage. Kid Aaron always wanted to be a singer, so I thought I’d give it a shot—when else would I get the chance as a cybersecurity analyst?” 

Anna Bear 
Freshman

“I started singing when I was a kid. It helped me calm down, and sometimes it even helped me express myself,” said Bear. “I’m most excited to pretend I’m performing at my own concert. I wanted to be a rock star when I was eight, so baby me would be stoked about this.” 

Anna Kate Elliot 
Sophomore, Commercial Music and Songwriting Major 

“I wanted to audition for Trojan Idol this year because I wanted to be a part of it last year, but I let fear get the better of me and didn’t try out,” said Elliot. “This year, I wanted to prove to myself that I’ve got the guts and the talent to try and win something like this. I’m super excited to see some of my peers perform who aren’t music majors and that I’ve never heard sing! I’m also just super excited and grateful to be a part of something as big as this, with so much great talent.” 

Anthony Griffey 
Sophomore, Biology and Chemistry Major 

“I come from a singing family, so I’ve always been around it, but my main inspiration is my grandmother. Listening to her sing growing up made me want to sing too,” said Griffey. “I signed up for Trojan Idol just to get my name out there and try something new. I’m excited to see how I do and hear other people sing the songs they’ve chosen.”

 

Campbell Johnson 
Junior, marketing major 

“I’ve been singing since I was a little girl—Disney princesses got me hooked,” said Johnson. “I thought it would be so fun because I love karaoke and having fun on stage.” 

Emilie Thurston 
Freshman, nursing major   

“I’ve been singing ever since I can remember and just love music,” said Thurston. “I signed up for Trojan Idol just for fun. I’m excited to have a cool experience and just enjoy the process.” 

Gigi Faraci 
Sophomore, Social Work major

“I loved singing as a kid and started taking lessons in kindergarten. I kept singing from there. I performed and competed a lot in middle and high school and wanted to get back into that side of my life,” said Faraci. “Trojan Idol was so fun to watch last year, and I felt like it would be fun to be part of it this year. I’m most excited to hear the other contestants sing and get the chance to perform for my classmates!”

Gracie Lawrence 
Sophomore, Music and Worship major, with a minor in Religion  

“I’ve sung my whole life. I grew up in a very musical family, and we were always singing. I developed a love for it. I grew up singing in church, school choirs, throughout high school, and now college. It’s just always been part of my life,” said Lawrence. “I signed up for Trojan Idol because I thought it would be a great experience and challenge. I usually only sing worship music, so I thought it would be a good opportunity for me. I also had a lot of friends encourage me to do it, even though it was outside my comfort zone. I thought it would be fun.” 

Justin Thengvall 
Freshman, Commercial Music major

“I’ve been singing my whole life and started taking it seriously in high school. I’ve also sung at my church back home for a long time,” said Thengvall. “I signed up for Trojan Idol because I have a passion for singing and want to share it with others. I’m super excited to perform and just have fun while doing it.” 

Wesley Bellomy 
Freshman, Religion major with a focus in youth ministry 

“I’ve sung my whole life! Both of my parents are musical, and my sister is also a talented musician and worship leader. I’ve always felt a calling to lead worship and share my talents with others,” said Bellomy. “I signed up for Trojan Idol to push myself and put myself out there. Seeking discomfort is the only way to grow, and if you never try, you’ll never have the opportunity to succeed. I’m most excited about the chance to compete against other talented people and participate in such a highly regarded event on campus in front of my friends and peers.” 

There are two nights of the singing competition. On night one, only five contestants will move on. Students will vote for their favorite acts live to move on to the next round. 

“Come out and support your friends and witness this awesome event. I plan so many events and have been to so many events, but this is always my favorite,” said Gilbert. “Students have a huge say in who makes it through, so if you want your friends to win, you have to come and support and vote for them.”