Annual Lip-Sync Battle replaced with the Interstellar talent show, showcasing the stars of SCHS

Members+of+the+Saxophone+Choir+perform+a+self-arranged+set%2C+representing+the+SCHS+Marching+band.

Arella Taparan

Members of the Saxophone Choir perform a self-arranged set, representing the SCHS Marching band.

The stage was lit with bright colors and loud music as students stepped onto the stage for an enticing collaborative dance. Interstellar had begun.

Friday night, Jan. 25, SCHS held its first talent show in many years. Junior Laila Davison and senior Muddassir Chowdhury were the emcees for Interstellar, which replaced the annual Lip-Sync Battle. The talent show had a galaxy theme and was hosted with many space jokes and puns, which launched the audience into laughter. There were a total of 16 performances, each representing a club.

The acts varied from the Black Student Union’s stepping routine to freshman Saurav Ghandi’s percussion performance on the tabla drums. Dancing and singing were the most common talents, with groups like Snap, Crackle, Pop and OMO! showing off their moves.

Some performers, like junior Vanessa Ebora of OMO!, set aside their jitters.

“It was nerve-wracking at first, but as I was on stage with the group, we felt our energy go up and it put us in the mood,” Ebora said. “We expressed that through our dance.”
Representing the Awakening Christian Club, juniors Samantha Hamilton and Caroline Poso sang a duet, their voices melding into a harmony that soothed the audience.  

The calm mood from this act loomed over the theater, making room for a spike of energy with the Association of Urban Dancers’ performance. One of the largest groups of the show, the vitality from their dance moves invigorated the audience.“The best part about this [Interstellar] is having an encouraging audience to cheer them on,” audience member freshman Emily Le said.

Interstellar allowed the students of SCHS to perform and showcase their talents, while bringing a positive atmosphere to the audience.

“I think it’s a really cool way for everyone to display their talents and abilities,” Le said.

Junior Connie Flores closed Interstellar by singing an incredible rendition of “Writings on the Wall” by Sam Smith. The soft tone of the calming song paired with her stunning vocals gave many goosebumps.

According to ASB president Sofia Kritikopoulos, the clubs represented will receive 80 percent of the overall profits from the show, split evenly among the 16 acts. While totals are still being counted, each club should be receiving at least $75.

Both the audience and the performers were engaged and supportive of the show, and many hope the show becomes a new SCHS tradition.

“It was so inspiring just watching everyone else,” freshman Blake Levins of the Association of Urban Dancers said. “It was basically a full house, and it made me so happy just seeing how supportive our school is.”