An enormous roar erupts from the audience, and the shadows moving across the stage curtain indicate a standing ovation had just been awarded. The girl who just performed nailed every note and was on perfect pitch throughout the entire song. It was good, but was it that good?

This was no time to second guess your song selection or ability to be here, you deserved it. A dynamic performance would be needed, and you were just the guy to deliver it. The judge’s remarks for the girl were predictable, but not intimidating. This was your night, your song, your stage. Your palms begin to sweat as you frantically wipe them on your faded blue jeans. Butterflies begin to whirl in your stomach, as that all too familiar feeling begins to cast itself upon you.

The emcee announces your name and directs the audience to welcome you to the stage. You take a deep breath, walk out and begin to smile and wave to the crowd. The house lights are blinding, but your calm and confident demeanor does not falter. This was it. This is what you had prepared for. This is what you had dreamt about. The crowd, the cheers, the judges, the center stage . . . this is your moment. This is Hokie Idol.

On March 24, the Virginia Tech community collectively crowned its first Hokie Idol. The event, Hokie Idol, is the Alpha Phi Chapter’s philanthropy and the money collected will benefit the Free Clinic of the New River Valley. The clinic provides health and dental services to eligible residents throughout the area.

The idea was fashioned from Fox’s popular reality hit show American Idol. “We wanted to pick an event that members of the community and students could relate to,” said Adam Newman ’09, philanthropy chairman. “We wanted to do something different.” Brothers of the Chapter wanted to make sure their philanthropy would amount to something fun that students and the local, surrounding communities alike could enjoy and relate to.

Although the actual event took place during one evening, the entire process for Hokie Idol spanned the course of six weeks. A preliminary round took place on February 18, where close to 75 students auditioned for the 12 spots to become a finalist. After the first round, hopefuls auditioned to make it past the second and third rounds, before landing a coveted finalist spot. The final event consisted of six women and six men from the Virginia Tech student body.

A panel of three judges was presented with the task of helping crown this year’s Hokie Idol. Local Hot 100 radio DJ Nicole Williams, Editor-in-chief of the Collegiate Times David Grant and the Clinic’s executive director Michelle Brauns played the roles of Simon, Randy and Paula. It was the judges’ role to either pick apart or praise each contestant’s performance, ultimately helping the crowd choose a winner.

One of the attractive concepts Alpha Phi brothers created for Hokie Idol was that it was not limited to sororities. “This type of fundraiser allows for the involvement of the entire student body, instead of strictly members of the Greek organizations,” stated Recruitment Chairman Brad De Wet ’10.

The Chapter raised more than $3,000 for the Clinic through a number of ways. Contestants are taxed with a one-time, five dollar fee to audition, and attendees for the final were charged three dollars to see the show. Food and beverages were also sold during the event and a radio broadcast was sent out over the airways to boost publicity for the worthy cause.

Although it might not have the national presence of American Idol, Alpha Phi’s Hokie Idol proved equally exciting. Contestants continuously raved that it was fun to act out Virginia Tech’s own version of the show and mimic those involved with it. Luckily for Blacksburg, the evening was not spoiled by Simon’s crushing remarks. All in all, the event was . . .  bloody brilliant! — A. Hammel