Sing-offs and Drum-offs: The FHS Idol Talent Show

What’s FHS’s way of perfectly ending the fall semester every year? The FHS Idol, of course. Performers from every grade came to show off their talents on the gym floor that day but only one went home with the first place title.

The first performance was an acoustic rendition of “Secrets” by One Republic, covered by Alyssa Pierson, sophomore, on guitar, and Danielle Campbell, freshman, accompanying Alyssa with her voice. Both girls sang and harmonized expertly, and I hope they both perform again next year. Second, Ian Kemp, senior entered stage and showed off his well-known talent on the drum set with an exciting drum solo that left the crowd in awe. So much in awe that he came back for an encore, but we’ll get back to that. Up next was Ariahna Green, junior, singing “Heartbreak Girl” by 5 Seconds of Summer, accompanied by no music at all. Her performance gave the crowd chills, and they showed their adoration by awarding her performance a standing ovation. Ariahna won second place in the show. Following Ariahna was an intermission in which the Gold Dusters executed a flawlessly choreographed dance to “Hand Clap” by Fitz and the Tantrums. When attention was back to the stage (the gym floor), Britin Mercer, junior, was there with his back turned. He had prepared an arrangement to “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond, in which he sang and exhibited quite the showmanship, and he performed it well. In fact, he had the whole crowd singing and cheering along the whole time. His riveting performance earned him third place in the show. After the crowd settled down, though, it was time to slow things down. Daniel Renshaw, senior, was up, singing a solo arrangement of the choral song, “Homeward Bound.” Not a peep was whispered during his entire set, as all were entranced by the mastery of his voice. Last but actually the opposite of least, came Hunter Clubb, senior, with his never-ending, first-place-earning, crowd-enchanting, drum solo. He proved his talent on the drums by playing without tiring, throwing drumsticks, and, most importantly, adding more cowbell.

After the winners were announced, Mr. Henson was in the middle of telling us it was time to go, when his voice was drowned out by the crowd chanting for an encore. Ask and you shall receive: Ian and Hunter went onstage to compete in possibly the last drum-off of their high school years, and absolutely did not fail to impress. Maybe next year someone will take the place of these talented performers, and hopefully all who did perform will come back again.