Wilson takes home first in finale

The FMU Campus Activities Board (CAB) hosted its second annual FMU’s Got Talent finale at 7 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the Performing Arts Center (PAC).

The finale consisted of the last six competitors in FMU’s Got Talent 2019-2020 and the chance to win a $500, $250 or $100 reward.

The competition started off with Kristen Woodard, who sang “I Love You” by Billie Eilish. The evening continued with strong performances from all of the contestants, including Rian Avin who sang “Pretty Hurts” by Beyoncé, Myla Wilson who sang “When We Were Young” by Adele and Malcom Armstrong who performed an original piece, with a theme based on the popular thriller ‘Us.’

There were many surprises throughout the night, such as the return of last season’s FMU’s Got Talent winners, Rischard Brown and Christian Holloman.

“It was an honor to be back on stage again,” Brown said. “I wish all of tonight’s competitors’ luck.”

Another surprise performance was from the FMU gospel dance team, Praise in Motion, which performed two dances, one of which was African themed with the use of colorful flags, silks and headdresses.

As the night progressed, tensions rose as the crowd and contestants became eager to know who won the biggest talent competition at FMU. After a brief introduction of the homecoming court, and a few more guest performances, the ballots were counted and the moment finally arrived.

Cody Walker took 3rd place, Malcom Armstrong took 2nd and Myla Wilson took 1st. When the announcement was made, Wilson, at a loss for words, danced for joy and teared up as she took her place on stage.

This competition proved to be a journey for many if not all of the competitors, but especially for the second-place winner, Malcolm Armstrong. Armstrong had been eliminated in the second round.

CAB decided to hold an open poll for the public to vote on who should return from those who had previously been voted out of the competition. Malcolm received the most votes, beating his competitor Reid Coleman.

“I broadcasted it this time,” Armstrong said. “I got a second chance and I wasn’t going to waste it; I just want to perform.”

Armstrong started preparation immediately following the announcement of his return. He put together something he said he was very proud of and he left no one out on his big win.

“All of my friends were up on stage with me,” said Armstrong. “In that moment I felt like the underdog of the competition; I really felt like I accomplished something big.”