Last night, Iowa State students and Ames residents alike enjoyed 14 extremely talented and young singers as they competed to win Cyclone Voice finals. They competed in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union as judge’s tables stood amidst the middle of the audience.

The emcee for the competition was country singer Lauren Alaina. She introduced acts, interacted with them, and even performed some of her popular songs, including “Road Less Traveled”, a song which could be No. 1 on the Country Music Billboard Charts very soon. She was humble and sweet, her southern charm contagious. You couldn’t help but laugh at her antics. For her first time at the gig, she was a great emcee.

As the competition would prove to Alaina and the audience, Iowa State has many talented students. The top 3 could have been any combination.

“I am really happy I’m not judging this,” Alaina said after hearing all the competitors.

Each of the students in the finals had their own unique flavor and style they brought to the stage. Some commanded the stage with ease, while others let their voice do the talking. This was not just a gratified karaoke session; This was Cyclone Voice.

The first to take the stage was Sharla Charlton, a junior in psychology. She performed a raw version of acclaimed song “I See Fire” by Ed Sheeran. Charlton had a great, tangible voice. It was easy to get lost in the music with her. For a kickoff performance, she really impressed and set the stage for a heated competition.

Second was Hannah Bird, a junior in nutritional science. She used her rich and soulful voice to perform “One and Only” by Adele. She did the song justice, with great emotion.

Brooke Whitney took the stage next, a freshman in animal science. She performed Alaina’s favorite song, “Jesus Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood. She had a great southern growl and really amplified her performance by believing in the words she sang.

Keely McEniryn was next, a sophomore in journalism and mass communications. “Scared to be Lonely” by Dua Lipa and Martin Garrix was her song of choice. This performance had the feel of a modern pop concert. She utilized her modern voice very well.

EllieMae Millencamp, a freshman in agricultural business, took the stage with guitar in hand. She performed an original song titled “Russian Roulette”. The song featured some great songwriting and could be a good country song one day. She did a great job of getting the audience familiar with a song they did not know.

Sixth was Samantha Kragel, a freshman in pre-interior design. She sang “Famous Last Words” by My Chemical Romance. She really owned the stage, and used her dramatic nature to amplify the song’s lyrics.

Emmy Cuvelier, a junior in performing arts, sang “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran. She had a different, higher pitched take on the song, which was unique. She did a great job of getting the most out of every note.

Nick Pigott, a senior in english, was the first male performer. This was his fourth time doing Cyclone Voice, and his experience really showed as he performed “Feeling Good” by Michael Buble. He was all class on stage, a modern Sinatra. He separated his act from others because he got the crowd involved.

Another male singer followed: Tyler Geiger, a freshman in agricultural business. His cowboy hat and blue jeans surely made Lauren Alaina proud as he performed “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash. He had the ideal country voice and did Cash justice. His guitar work was also impressive.

Jess Tharp, a sophomore in animal science, was next. She performed “Liability” by Lorde and utilized great expression in her voice and face. She did a good job of creating an intimate experience and made the song her own.

Megan Van Kirk, a senior in event management, followed. With a voice evocative of summer, she performed “Gravity” by Sarah Bareilles. Her performance featured great vibrato and great range, which is what the song demands.

Singapore native Derek Lutt, a freshman in pre-business, was next. His performance of “Run Away with Me” by Carrie Manolakos was extremely theatrical. He transformed the competition seamlessly into musical theater and was by far one of the more unique acts.

Next was Hailey Padgett, a senior in graphic design and advertising. Her performance of “If I Got You” by Alicia Keys was extremely believable. She had a surprisingly soulful voice and managed the highs and lows of the song well.

Last but not least, was Hannahjoy McNeal, a freshman in journalism and mass communications. Her rendition of “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5 was the perfect ending to the competition. Her voice was folksy and warm, and the raw, guitar only, version of the song amplified its message and mood well.

While the judges collaborated in deciding the top 3, Lauren Alaina entertained the audience with her songs. She has grown so much since her time on American Idol. Now 22, she has nearly mastered her craft and writes songs about her experience and her “crazy family”.

During the performance, she nearly fell to the ground in tears. At that moment, the fact that her song “Road Less Traveled” could potentially be atop the country music billboard charts hit her all at once.

Maybe it was being at a college, surrounded by people striving to do what they love, but Alaina struck an emotional chord with everyone in the audience as she admitted this was one of the most important weeks in her life. She never attended college, the road was her university, and everything she’s been working towards culminated here at Iowa State in the short, but special set.

After Alaina’s standing ovation, the judges announced the top 3 of Cyclone Voice. Placing third was Tyler Geiger, who won over judges with his authentic country style. Runner-up was Nick Pigott, who got attention for his commanding presence on stage. And the winner of the 2017 Cyclone Voice competition was Derek Lutt, who’s theatrics and powerful singing left the judges star-struck.

Derek Lutt shows that creativity and authentic, emotional performance is rewarded. The competition was a success, and has everyone excited about next year’s show, which surely won’t disappoint.