On Friday, Bradley University students and faculty gathered together for the first ever Bradley Idol competition. Ten contestants competed against each other for a $250 grand prize.
Julianne Stanger, one of the 10 competitors, is a sophomore management and leadership major at Bradley University, but has always had a passion for music.
“I have always grown up around music and I deeply appreciate all the opportunities I have had at Bradley to grow in the world of music,” said Stanger minutes before the show.
When asked about her singing career, Stanger explained how she has always been known for constantly humming and singing tunes from a young age. Her mother, who attended Bradley Idol, interjected with “our Julianne was always singing some sort of tune, whether it was a song she heard on the radio or a song she wrote on the spot.”
Stanger has been involved in choirs since 5th grade when she was asked to join her home church’s choir. Since then, she evolved into more choirs through school, as well as singing lessons and more solo opportunities. After Stanger graduated high school, she planned to not pursue music anymore, but it did not take long for her to change her mind.
Although Stanger is not involved in a music major of any sorts, she still is persistent in keeping in touch with her musical side. She plans on continuing her part in Bradley Chorale, as well as taking advantage of opportunities like Bradley Idol.
Stanger still has her dreams of competing in vocal competitions, as well as meeting some of her biggest music inspirations. Stanger expressed her obsession with Tori Kelly, an american pop and acoustic singer/ songwriter.
“If I could meet anyone in the music industry, hands down, it would be her. She is not only an amazing singer and writes her own songs, but she also seems like she would be fun to kick back and relax with,” Stanger said.
Stanger explained how grateful she was for the opportunity to even perform in front of such a great audience and to keep music as a part of her daily life through Bradley Chorale.
”Even though I did not win, I always feel like it is a win to even get this far or to even have the chance to get on a stage and sing into a microphone.”
