Norville captures Patriot’s Got Talent with “Our First Kiss”

Austin Norville’s performance of an original song earned first place at “Patriot’s Got Talent” on Wednesday night at the University Center Auditorium.

Norville defeated six other contestants, Monique Pasterczyc, Chase Neilson, Jennyfer Keohane, Patriot Talon adviser Vanessa Curry, Joseph Solomon and Brian Stites in the competition sponsored by the Campus Activity Board.

Joseph Solomon took second place for his rendition of Missy Higgin’s “Where I Stood,” and Brian Stites earned third for his performance of an original song.

Chelsea Lyttaker, the University’s 2010 Homecoming Queen, Ashley Ward, Scott Good and Brittany Childs, director of Greek Life, served as judges for the event. Slam poet Collin Gilbert served as the master of ceremonies.

Each judge scored the contestants on appearance, stage presence, creativity/difficulty, personality and overall performance.

Norville played guitar and sang “Our First Kiss,” a song he wrote about a new relationship.

Lyttaker praised Norville’s songwriting and admitted she forgot to take notes during the song because of the performance.
Childs called Norville “adorable,” but said enunciation can help future performances.

“I was shocked,” Norville said. “I honestly thought some of the competition was better than me, but I’m honored to win.”
Norville said he signed up on Tuesday after hearing about the competition from a friend. Ward said she was “blown away” by Solomon’s voice. Good praised Stites’ songwriting and suggested he make more eye contact with the crowd.

Norville received $100 in various gift cards for winning the competition while Solomon received $25 to Chili’s and Stites earned a $25 iTunes card.