West Virginia University - News and Information Services
'American Idol' finalist George Huff to perform at WVU Friday
“American Idol” fans and wannabes: Can’t wait until January to get your “Idol” fix? Here is your chance to see George Huff perform at West Virginia University. The “Idol” finalist will be singing Friday, Oct. 13, as part of Mountaineer Idol, set to begin at 9 p.m. in the Mountainlair food court.
Huff captured fans’ hearts with his big smile and velvety voice during season three of “Idol.” Prior to his appearance on the show, he was washing dishes and frying omelets in the back room of the cafeteria at the University of Oklahoma in an attempt to pay back his student loans and finish a degree in music.
During “Idol,” Huff charmed audiences and wowed the judges with renditions of classics such as “Lean on Me,” “Dock of the Bay” and “What a Wonderful World.” Millions of fans around the world voted Huff into the season’s top five.Huff’s appearance highlights the fourth elimination round of Mountaineer Idol, WVU’s version of the popular singing competition. Friday’s event is free and open to the public.
The final six contestants are: Dani Brake, a senior broadcast journalism major from Fairmont; Kaitlin Buchanan, a freshman elementary education major from Morgantown; Kasey Hott, a sophomore broadcast journalism major from High View; Justin Johnson, a junior history major from Ripley; Stefania Piatkiewicz, a senior nutrition major from Phoenix, Ariz.; and Karrah Smith, a graduate student in international marketing communications from Bruceton Mills.During elimination rounds, performers are judged on singing ability, overall performance and how well he or she adapts to each genre of music. The two students with the lowest scores at the end of each round will be eliminated.
The final two rounds are Friday, Oct. 27, at 8:30 p.m. in the ’Lair ballrooms (closed to the public) and Sunday, Nov. 12, at 3 p.m. in the ’Lair ballrooms (open to the public). The finale wraps up 59th annual Mountaineer Week activities at WVU with the winner receiving $1,000; first runner-up, $750; and second runner-up, $250.
Mountaineer Idol is sponsored by Coca-Cola and organized by WVU Student Affairs in partnership with Fox 46. For more information, contact Sonja Wilson at 304-293-2702.