Say the words “American Idol” in a crowded area and very few, if any, will have to question what you are talking about.

Recently starting its seventh season, the popular reality television show continues to capture viewers and contestants from all over the country. The singing movement has even reached Wilmington, drawing in the UNCW campus and student body.

Creators Leigh Stracke and Stephanie Robison came up with the idea last year during the 2006 Fall RA Training. “We decided we wanted to create a program that brings the UNCW community together celebrating the talents of our students,” Dub Idol co-creator Leigh Stracke said. “We are so ecstatic that we are getting so much amazing support from UNCW.”

Playing the name of the event off of the hit television program, UNCW’s Dub Idol final show will take place Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. in Kenan Auditorium. Student admission is free.

Optimistically printing 200 programs for last year’s show, the creators had no idea so many people would show up. “With last year’s show being sold out, we are hoping to have the same turnout this year,” Dub Idol co-creator Stephanie Robison said.

Judges will include Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Pat Leonard, Vocal professor Marina De Ratmiroff, and more. The first place winner will receive $1,000 worth of prizes, followed by the second place winner’s $500 worth of prizes and the third place winner’s $300 worth of prizes.

“The winners can choose from a variety of prizes that will add up to their winnings,” Robison said. “The prizes include anything from a flat screen TV, the new iPod, couches, day spa packages, etc.”

Students participated in preliminary tryouts the week of Jan. 14, performing for a variety of Student Affairs Professionals including Larissa LaCour in the CAIC office, Dee Casey in CARE, and the Resident Coordinators in HRL.

“The numbers skyrocketed from last year,” Robison said. “Ninety-one students from all over on and off campus tried out this year. When just comparing off-campus student tryouts, last year we had three people try out and this year we had 18.”

Judges chose 14 finalists and held hometown parties for those students living on campus including Brandon Bell, Julia Carr, Tyler Easter, Katie Feeney, Zack Goff, Colby Lewis, Elizabeth Nista, Bernadette O’Neil, Adam Powell, Jordan Sasser, Bekah Shaver and Sarita Shaw.

“I’ve been taking voice lessons and singing competitively for about six years, but I have never done anything quite like this before,” freshman finalist Elizabeth Nista said. “And I’m very excited for this experience because it’s the chance of a lifetime.”

The hometown celebrations took place in each finalist’s dorm and consisted of food and drinks, poster making and T-shirt and ticket raffles. Contestants also sang a few notes for the audience.

“We wanted to further the community aspect of the program,” Stracke said. “We had great success promoting Dub Idol, the amazing finalists and the Area Chapters.”

Practices for finalists took place the week before the show and singers were required to prepare songs no longer than three minutes and to use only pre-recorded instrumental music.

“The competition is very fierce this year, but I enjoy challenges like these because it means that the show will be that much more interesting and entertaining for the audience,” Nista said.

“We want to give an extra thanks to all of the organizations, Student Affair professionals, and the students and faculty helping out with the program,” Stracke said. “Special thanks to all of those who tried out. Without you, we wouldn’t be the program we are this year.”