Niklas Plath, senior biology major, won first place at the final showcase of FMU’s Got Talent hosted by the Campus Activities Board (CAB) on Nov. 3. The showcase had a full house and was held inside Chapman Auditorium in the McNair Science Building (MSB).
Letica Wilson won second place and Otto Parrott won third. Only six of the initial nine from the previous showcase advanced to the finals. Those who performed in order were:
- Otto Parrott
- Shawn McMichael
- Letica Wilson
- Junior Castellanos
- Xavies Easterling
- Niklas Plath
The competition featured three judges, including CAB’s advisor Dominik Khilji.
“This is our final showcase for 2025. This relies on our engagement from you guys,” said one of the hosts.
Plath won the competition by opening with a classical piece on the piano that surprised the crowd when it shifted into Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Plath’s performance was a crowd favorite while the audience sang along. He also played the famous “Piano Man” by Billy Joel.
Otto Parrott was the first performer of the night. Judges noted how her voice had an ethereal, almost angelic quality.
“Your voice is so strong, powerful and you really hit that high note at the end. I think you’re doing a great job,” said one of the judges.
Shawn McMichael’s performance was especially meaningful to him since it was his last performance as a senior. His song was noted as very lively while he engaged with the audience, walking offstage into the crowd to give his significant other his famous fedora.
When asked what he would do with the winning money,
This instantly got him a laugh from the audience.
Letica Wilson sang “Leave a Light On” by Tom Walker. Wilson’s voice had a deep, rich sound and wowed the audience. Judges complimented her wide range and the song choice, noting the uplifting vibe and commenting that students really need that positivity right now.
Junior Castellanos took to the stage singing and playing an emotional song on his electric guitar. Judges claimed his authenticity strengthened his performance. “There’s something really honest about you, I just see a guy with a guitar,” said Khilji.
The sixth and final performance of the night was by Xavies Easterling, graphic design major, who sang “Closer” by Ne-Yo. When asked what he would do with the winning money, Easterling said half would go into fixing his car while the other half would go to family.
Aroha Afro-Latin Dance studio also took the stage during the showcase’s brief intermission. The audience was invited to join them by Adalia Ellis-Aroha, former part-time instructor of mass communication at FMU. This spread excitement throughout the auditorium as more than 10 students took to the stage to perform.
Before winners were announced, an intermission followed in which 2024’s winner of FMU’s Got Talent, Carlie Piver, performed “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson.
After Plath was announced the winner of FMU’s Got Talent, he was presented with a check for $500, while the two runners-up were told to return the next day to pick up theirs. Wilson would receive $250 and Parrot would receive $150.
To students and CAB, the event was remarked as a hit and a creative way for students to express their talent. For more events like this or for more information regarding next year’s talent show, visit FMU’s event calendar or visit CAB’s Instagram for more info.