Trojan Idol returns Tuesday with new voices, new judges and high anticipation

Lauren Steinbrook

News and Engagement Editor

Trevecca’s annual singing competition, Trojan Idol, returns this week with two nights of performances, all new judges, and new competition. 

The event will take place Tuesday, Nov. 18, and Thursday, Nov. 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Boone Convocation Center.

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

“Your vote matters,” said  Kamyrn Sanderfer, ASB director of marketing and communications. “There are so many good singers this year that it’s honestly impossible to predict. If you want your friends to move on, you actually have to show up and vote.” 

Trojan Idol remains one of Trevecca’s most established and beloved traditions.

“It’s always been the campus’s favorite event of the year,” said Sanderfer. “Something about it being a tradition and an annual thing makes Trojan Idol feel like Trevecca. Every year is different.”

Because music is such a major part of campus culture, she said the event continues to resonate. Since it spans a wide range of music genres, from folk and country to jazz, R&B, and more. 

“It’s relevant, it’s fitting, and it’s fun,” Sanderfer said. “It’s never gotten not fun.”

Sanderfer said that this year’s audition turnout was so large that SGA had to open extra time slots to accommodate students.

This year Sanderfer said the event will feature elevated production, backstage videos, and pre-performance packages styled after the TV show. 

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

Meet the Judges

This year’s judging panel features Grammy winners, Trevecca alumni, and nationally recognized performers. 

Dek of Hearts

All three members, Dylan John, Emily Clapp and Kolin Bailey, will serve as a combined judge. Bailey won Trojan Idol at Trevecca in 2023. Dek of Hearts earned a four-chair turn on The Voice and is currently competing on Season 28 as part of Team Niall. 

Barry Weeks

Weeks is a Grammy and Dove Award–nominated producer, songwriter, and mixer who has worked with Kelly Clarkson, the Backstreet Boys, Francesca Battistelli, and Dave Barnes. Weeks currently works as a staff writer at Radiate Music Publishing. 

Wes Hampton

A Trevecca alumnus and member of the Gaither Vocal Band for 20 years. Hampton has won a Grammy Award and 12 GMA Dove Awards. He has recorded four solo albums and 27 albums with the Gaither Vocal Band. 

Meet the Contestants

Aaron Tribiana  
Sophomore, Computer Science major with minors in cybersecurity, computer engineering, and small business/entrepreneurship.

Tribiana has been singing since childhood karaoke nights with his family. 

“Being in Trojan Idol, it reminded me that my biggest passion in life is music. This past year I feel that I’ve grown as a singer and performer, and I am coming back with unfinished business,” said Tribiana. “Last year, I felt like I was aiming for perfection, which made me overthink and get nervous. I want to put my all on stage and have fun, with no regrets.” 

Anna Kate “AK” Elliott 

Junior, Commercial Music Business major 

Elliott performs folk, Americana, and country, genres, she says “feel like home.”
Growing up in Alabama, she connected deeply to storytelling through music.

“My biggest fan has to be my mom, who I call my “MOMager.” She’s been my biggest supporter since day one, along with my entire family back home in Alabama. I come from a big family, and their encouragement means the world to me,” said Elliot.  “I also have to shout out my amazing residents and co-RAs in Tennessee Hall. As an RA, it’s so special to have my girls who cheer me on just as much as I cheer for them. TN Hall Represent! My boyfriend Parker has been such a huge supporter too. He’s my personal videographer and captures so many of my performances and music moments. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of these amazing people!” 

Elliot performed last year and said that she was really using it as an opportunity to prove to herself that she could actually do it, and that the experience taught her a lot about who she is as a performer. 

“Coming back this year felt natural because I wanted to keep growing, push myself again, and relive that same joy of performing in front of my peers,” said Elliot. “Last year, I focused a lot on stage presence, learning how to move, connect, and get comfortable just being myself on stage. This year, my focus has shifted more toward refining my vocals and really delivering the best sound I can. I feel more confident in my performance now, so I want to let my voice and emotion take the spotlight in a way that feels authentic to me.” 

Elijah McMillian

No response submitted.

Elijah Molter 

Junior, Audio Engineering major

Molter got into music by producing and writing music at home and is encouraged by friends and his mom. 

Molter said that he auditioned because he is trying to get into Booneroo in the spring but Is also excited for the opportunity to perform music.

Harmony McKee 

Freshman, business major with a focus in professional accountancy

McKee says she comes from a highly musical family and grew up watching singing competitions.

“I have a very musical family. I used to sing in church with my Pawpaw, my dad plays drums, and my aunt sings. I also used to watch a lot of American Idol and America’s Got Talent with my dad when I was little, and I was always in awe,” said McKee. “My biggest fan is definitely my dad. He has been there for all of my performances and supported me since day one. I’m forever grateful for him always being present and supportive but also honest. He never lies to me and tells me things are good if they aren’t. I really respect that because I know he wants me to always put my best foot forward.” 

McKee says that her friends encouraged her to sign up. 

“I knew I wanted to continue my music in college, so they actually sat and wouldn’t leave me alone until I signed up. I also signed up to challenge myself and to learn from other talented musicians,” said McKay. “I am excited to see what everyone else has in store and to work with such a talented band. I also can’t wait to show everyone else what I have worked hard to prepare.”

Isaac Reif

No response submitted.

Kathryn Williams 

Senior, Vocal Performance major

Williams said that she’s been singing for as long as she can remember, being recorded on home videos as a two or three year old, writing her own songs. 

“I would say my “biggest fans” are my family, and my best friends here at Trevecca. My roommates are my biggest cheerleaders, and I love and appreciate all their support. I signed up for Trojan Idol, and I actually didn’t tell anyone until I got the unexpected results of making it,” said Williams. “I auditioned last year and didn’t make it, and I didn’t really want to again. But then I just gained confidence, signed up, and did it. I don’t regret it, and I’m glad I did, because I definitely didn’t expect to make it. I am most excited to do what I love to do- sing and perform. Music is my life, and I’m excited to share it with everyone else.” 

Micah Rogers 

Freshman, Creative Writing & Dramatic Arts major

Rogers grew up leading worship and credits their younger brother for pushing them musically.

“My family is very supportive, but no one has ever expressed belief in me the way the faculty of Trevecca have,” said Rogers. “I thought it would be a fun way to push myself and give me an excuse to break through some of my anxieties as a new student.” 

Sophie Wright 

Junior, Music Education major 

Wright says she has always loved singing in choir and leading worship. She says that it got her out of her shell when she was younger and has become something she absolutely loves. 

“My biggest fans are definitely my parents. They have always supported me in my passion for music and encourage me to try new things like Trojan Idol. They’re even driving from my home in Missouri to see how the performance goes,” said Wright. “I was able to do background vocals for the Trojan Idol House Band last year, which was an amazing experience, so I thought it would be fun to see the competition from the other side of things.” 

Tyler Kincaid 

Senior, Music and Worship major 

Kincaid says he began singing seriously in church just a few years ago. 

“I have always loved music and singing. I got a lot of my music taste from my dad, and the skill came from my mom,” said Kincaid. “My biggest fans are my parents, sister, and grandparents. They all support me in everything I do, especially when it comes to music, and I couldn’t be more grateful for them.” 

Kincaid says he signed up for Trojan Idol because he has always been a big fan of “American Idol.” 

“I have just really enjoyed the show [Trojan Idol]  for the last three years. I thought it would be fun to share my love of music with a slightly different audience than what I’m used to,” said Kincaid. “I am really excited to go out there and kill it. Showing everyone what I’ve been preparing is excited, it’s always good when hard work pays off. “ 

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. 

“If you’re only going to come to one campus event, come to this one,” said Sanderfer. “We put so much intentionality into Trojan Idol. We start planning it weeks and weeks in advance because we want it to feel like a real show, not just a student event. It’s fun, it’s high production, and it’s worth coming.”