College of DuPage is flooded with diversity. All sorts of ages, ethnicities, dreams and cultures fill the halls. Capturing the true diversity of COD is hard, but the first annual student talent competition, Apollo Live! did it seamlessly. From ukulele versions of Radiohead, operatic singing of Gershwin’s “Summertime,” to hula hooping to Red Hot Chili Peppers, it seemed as though every type of student was represented. Held on Feb. 17th in the Belushi Performance Hall, nine finalists took the stage to showcase their special talents to their peers and three judges who would help determine the student who would walk away with the prize of $1000.

   In honor of Black History Month, the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion put together the competition to honor the classic television show that’s been running for 70 years, Showtime at the Apollo, and its segment called the “Amateur Night competition.” During the competition, the audience would be the main deciding factors in who would win, the same rule held true for COD’s rendition. Claiming third place and $250 was a tie between the three man band called Indigofera composed of students Michael Carroso, Adam Wilk, and Matt Skibinski and Jackie Spathies’ hula hoop choreography to Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Pretty Little Ditty.” $500 and second place was claimed by Ricky White and his effortless dancing to Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean (the whole audience probably imagined White to be a reincarnation of Michael Jackson himself- he was that good). The grand prize went to Anthony Perry and his soulful singing of Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come.”

    Holding true to Showtime at the Apollo, the audience certainly helped decide who would walk away with first place. After Perry’s performance, there was not a single person sitting in their seat. From beginning to end, chills were all over the audience. Perry humbly thanked the crowd, all giving him a standing ovation. Behind his touching vocals came an even more important message, the hope that change will come. As he prepared to perform, the crowd was silent and in anticipation. Sitting on his bench, the spotlight moved onto his hands playing a few keys. The soft tune was met with a deep breath. As he moved to the microphone, Perry shared how the song makes sense in the time we are currently living in, “A lot of people talk about the Black Lives Matter movement and even I’ve been a part of police harassment and felt it was bogus,” said Perry. “People need to be aware and cognizant of those things. I just wanted to make it relevant. That song is timeless, change is gonna come. It is, we are living for that hope. I was trying to give that hope to other people.” The hope that Perry sang of was felt by the audience, not only heard. The hope that was sang during Cooke’s still held true, “Back in the day, it was a strong pivotal moment and the song resonated with a lot of people of the black community and gave hope. If people could just look around, open up your heart, leave the hatred at home,” added Perry.  The audience’s reaction proved that his performance was touching and left them with a well-received message.

In a world that seems to be confused and chaotic, something as uniting as music can share life’s most important messages.  Apollo Live! brought together talent from all different regions to one stage, expressing the true diversity of COD and of our own society. As Diana Martinez, director of the MAC, expressed, “Giving these students an opportunity and a real platform to perform can sometimes propel them into a professional career. Seeing someone pursuing their dreams is the most rewarding thing in the world! I loved the energy and passion of this cast,  they truly inspired me.” Take this platform and make it your own, no need to live in regret if you didn’t participate this year because this annual event will be back next year!