Taking the Spotlight

UC’s Annual Singing Competition Is a Must-see Event

BY AMANDA GAULT Staff Writer

Spotlight is back for its eleventh season, taking the University of the Cumberlands campus by storm. The Campus Activities Board hosts weekly fun events that increase students’ on-campus experience. CAB hosts a singing competition every spring semester with $1,500 at stake. “Spotlight is the annual singing contest held during the spring semester,” states Lisa Bartram, the Campus Activities Director.“ It is a fantastic event showcasing our campus talents while promoting school spirit. It’s always fun watching students support each other.” Twenty-four contestants entered the competition with the hopes of winning over the judges. They performed duets that grabbed the audience’s attention, but only twelve contestants moved on to the next round. The first round was based only on the judge’s scores, but moving forward; students can help their favorite performers advance in the competition. Every time a student comes to support their favorite performer, they get to vote in person and online. Spotlight could not run without its host, contestants, and judges. Martize Smith, the winner of Spotlight Season Ten, is thrilled to host Spotlight this year. “Spotlight has always been a favorite of mine. From the music to the fans, the contestants, and sometimes even the drama, Spotlight forever holds a special place in my heart,” states Smith. “Using our gifts to not only compete but to please others is always something I looked forward to.” Smith is a senior from Decatur,

Georgia, majoring in criminal justice. He was a contestant for two seasons of Spotlight and can easily claim some of the most memorable performances as his own. He never fails to win over the crowd and continues to do so in his new role. After the first night of Spotlight this season, the audience was on the edge of their seats. The judges had a very tough decision because they had to send twelve contestants home. Two contestants go home each week, and the rest are one step closer to winning $1,500. Spotlight also welcomes a new guest judge to the panel each week. Jacob Ratliff, the Campus Pastor, was asked to join the panel for duets. The scores come from three different ways; judges, inhouse voting, and online voting. The audience not only plays a significant role in how the contestants advance, but they also have the opportunity to be involved in other capacities.

The Campus Activities Board provides extra entertainment during each show. They have t-shirt time, which is a crowd favorite. The audience goes crazy over the iconic Spotlight shirts with a design corresponding to the season’s theme. This year, the t-shirt features a pair of blue headphones on a black background. CAB is also active on social media and features the crowd in much of its content.