Pi Sigma Epsilons UTM Idol proves to be a success raising hundreds of dollars for cystic fibrosis.

The competition lasted from March 22-March 24 and was held in Watkins Auditorium.

There were five total contestants, which included: Lauren Brannon, Melissa Alford, Elizabeth Tomlinson, Amber McAdams and Kayla Lindsey.

After the first night of voting three contestants were left to sing in the second round and they were: Lauren Brannon, Amber McAdams and Kayla Lindsey.

Over 1,000 votes were cast each night to determine who the next UTM Idol would be.

“It gave a lot of students the opportunity to showcase their talents on campus,” said Pamela Bartholomew

After the last night of voting the next UT-Martin Idol was determined and Lauren Brannon was named the first UT-Martin Idol.

Representing Chi Omega, she sang Stand By Your Man. Her prizes include the opportunity to sing on WCMT 101.7, a trophy and local publicity.

“I’m really honored and I had a lot of fun and I would like to encourage more UTM students to get involved next year,” said Brannon.

When asked to discuss the success of the first annual event president Amy Watson said, “It was a great opportunity to see local talent and we made our goal to raise money for cystic fibrosis and we hope to make next years event bigger and better!”