The Southern Utah University Office of International Affairs held its annual karaoke on Thursday, Nov. 6 in the Sharwan Smith Student Center Living Room. With over 150 attendees, the place was filled with music, laughter and enjoyment.
Students performed various songs, such as ABBA’s “Mamma Mia,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “House Tour” and “Golden” from Kpop Demon Hunters.
Participants could sign up via a QR code to choose their songs and received prizes, including inflatable guitars, glasses and wristbands, after their performances.
Lizzy Ensign, a junior at SUU, performed Madonna’s song “Material Girl” and invited the audience to join her in clapping along to the beat.
“I think it’s really cool how there’s more things besides just karaoke. Like there’s food and you can just hang, but also enjoy some really great music and just have an overall fun time,” said Ensign. “Because, no one’s expecting you to be perfect. It’s karaoke. So you just go out there and perform.”
Students were also treated to a temporary tattoo booth and a wide variety of food. Whether to recharge their batteries after a performance or to eat away their nerves before going on stage, cookies, sodas and soup were available.
“(Karaoke) is such a fun event that gets students engaged and participating. We thought it would be a fun way to help students de-stress as we’re at a stressful point in this semester,” said International Student Advisor Melissa Montiano. “We’re just here hoping that anyone that walks by will have fun.”
During the cover of John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads” song, highschoolers visiting SUU stopped by and sang along with the crowd. Additionally, August Kingdon, a freshman at SUU, joined the event despite having other commitments.
“I was just walking past and I was supposed to be grocery shopping right now, but karaoke is more important,” said Kingdon.
For both international and domestic students, this type of event allows participants to step outside their comfort zone and immerse themselves in the university’s social life.
“It’s all for fun. Literally, that’s what karaoke is,” said Ensign. “No one cares how you sound. As long as you’re up there and having fun.”
For upcoming events or information on the Office of International Affairs, check its website or Instagram page.
Author:Fanny Felixine
Editor: Heather Turner
Photos by Margaux Feret
life@suunews.net
