Some ISU students think they have what it takes to compete with the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barron and Carrie Underwood.

Cyclone Idol, the ISU version of “American Idol,” will give students a chance to showcase their musical talent.

Competing students range from agricultural majors to music majors, performing an assortment of songs.

“We have a wide cross section of performers and music,” said Mary Fuller, student involvement co-chairwoman and junior in agricultural education. “There’s a wide range of songs from country to more modern stuff to old stuff.”

Contestants performed their songs during three days of preliminary competition. Each participant performed on one preliminary night, and three contestants from each night moved on to the finals.

“It’s just a great traditional event where we allow ISU students to share their talents with other students,” said Nathaniel Johansen, entertainment co-chairman and senior in agricultural business.

Fuller played Ryan Seacrest’s role during the preliminary rounds, and William Hung will take over during finals. Hung will also perform songs for the crowd.

Four judges will decide who gets to move on to the final round. Joseph Hynek, 2004 Cyclone Idol winner and member of the band Pumptown, is one of the guest judges, but doesn’t plan on taking on any “American Idol” judge roles.

“I don’t think I’ll be taking on any personas,” Hynek said.

“I’ll probably just be myself. I have to function in the real world. I can’t be an a—hole like Simon [Cowell].”

Other judges include Allen Lundgren, Maintenance Shop co-director, Mary Creswell, assistant professor of music, and a disc jockey from radio station Channel Q 105.1.

Vice President of Student Affairs Thomas Hill and a special guest judge will join the other judges during finals to help decide the next Cyclone Idol.

Hynek said energy and excitement are the most important things performers need to show on stage. Staying on pitch and singing a piece the contestant is capable of performing are also necessary.

“It’s not so much about being able to sing like a famous opera singer or something like that,” he said.

“Performers should be themselves and make an effort to connect with the audience.”

Cyclone Idol has been going on for several years and the event has been sponsored by several different groups.

Veishea and the Student Union Board are co-sponsoring the competition this year. Cyclone Idol finalists also receive cash prizes. The top finisher will receive $250, second place will get $100 and third place earns $50.

Tiffany Daniels, senior in journalism and mass communication, said confidence while onstage is important. She is an experienced contestant in this year’s Cyclone Idol – she was a judge last year and won the competition three years ago.

“Stage presence and the ability to engage the audience by keeping eye contact and moving are really important,” she said.

“I understand that people are nervous, but sometimes you have to step it up and look people in the eye or else you’ll lose the audience’s interest.”

Daniels will perform an a cappella piece entitled “Ready for Love,” and said although she’s won before, she doesn’t expect to win again.

“I really like the competition because of the wide variety of people involved in it,” Daniels said. “It was nice to see people who have made it to the finals in the past weren’t all vocal majors.”

Cyclone Idol kicked off with preliminary rounds at 7 p.m. last Tuesday through Thursday in the Maintenance Shop of the Memorial Union. Finals will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union.