Onward State - The THON 2016 Kids’ Talent Show Was Out Of This World
The center stage in the Bryce Jordan Center was once again transformed to showcase Four Diamonds children in the annual THON Talent Show. This years theme was “Out Of This World,” featuring cutouts of aliens behind the performers.
First to the stage was Sydney Bush, Delta Sigma Pi’s THON child. She opened the show with her own rendition of Walk The Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance.” Her performance had the crowd dancing and singing along, and members of Delta Sigma Pi danced with her during the musical interlude.
Ashley Otstott took the stage next. Ashley sang Rachel Platten’s moving, inspirational, and powerful “Fight Song,” a number that was practically written for THON and strong kids. The crowd swayed along with the melody and felt the emotion as Ashley sang.
Delta Tau Delta and Delta Zeta’s THON child Dylan Moser was next up, performing a medley of Twenty One Pilots songs including “Car Radio,” “Ode To Sleep,” and “Migraine.” And of course, he was sure to dab each time the beat dropped. Dylan ended his performance with a loud and enthusiastic “We Are” chant that earned a resounding “Penn State” in return.
Next to the Stage was Carly Wilfong. Unlike those who preceded her, Carly dedicated a Zumba routine to her best friend, Dominique, who lost her life to cancer. Her performance included “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)” by Shakira and THON 2015 favorite, “Timber.” Carly’s performance was the next best thing to the line dance, as she had everyone dancing along.
Adyson Machemer was next to take the stage. She too performed a passionate rendition of “Fight Song” and, once again, the Bryce Jordan Center all-in as Adyson proved she’s got a lot of fight left in her.
McKenna Speed walked on the stage in a sparkly princess dress and sang her favorite song from her favorite movie “My Little Pony.” When the music stopped, McKenna didn’t and the crowd couldn’t get enough.
Next to perform was singing duo Savanna Keenan and Claire McCarley. The pair sang another Rachel Platten song, “Stand By You.” Their matching tutus and headbands made the performance that much more in-sync, and they had everyone singing along.
Ashley Kauffman was up next, guitar in hand. She sang an original song called “Hope,” which encapsulated her experience with childhood cancer. Both her story and her talent moved the audience.
Sisters Rebecca, Stephanie, and Amanda Allen performed Meghan Trainor’s “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” and had the audience swaying their letters in the air and singing along. We’re not gonna lie, we saw a few phone flashlights waving around.
The final act of the show saw AJ Bobby’s version of Ingrid Michelson’s “Afterlife.” AJ was dressed head to toe in blue and he had Theta Chi and Tapestry dancing behind him. He concluded his performance with a very exuberant “We Are” chant, the perfect way to end the show.
There’s a lot of entrainment throughout THON weekend, but as per usual it seems the kids were fan-favorites so far. The best part about the Kids’ Talent Show? They’re all winners!