Bowie's Got Talent Showcases New Talent

By Colleen Ervin

Bowie State University's amateur talent show "Bowie's Got Talent" served as both an early attraction for Bowie's homecoming and a way for talent infused individuals to compete for one slot as the opening act for the 2010 homecoming concert. With big names headlining the concert such as Rick Ross and Wacka Flocka there was no shortage of enthusiasm or friendly competition between the show's performers.

The Oc. 12 event began at 9 p.m. as students flowed in and flooded every available seat in CLT 102. Some disappointed students were turned away at the door due to limited seating, though with the overwhelming turnout, had the show been held at Madison Square Garden, there probably still wouldn't have been enough spaces available.

After sitting through the first few performances it was quickly revealed that rather than "Bowie's Got Talent," perhaps "Bowie's Got Rappers" would have proven to be a better fitting title for the show. One after the other if not by twos and threes rapper after rapper filed onto stage many with an entourage in tow.  To many onlookers surprise just when it appeared that a smooth R&B cat began to sing a sweet ballad...he began rapping too! Like a true concert the up-and-coming artists pulled beautiful women on stage, traveled through the audience microphone in hand while still performing, and also gave away their own self-produced mix-tapes.

Perhaps influenced by music today, or the shared experience on the campus of BSU, for whatever reason, the most popular issues for the evening without a doubt would be girls, money, and representing their neighborhoods. The challenge to the judges would be to find which artist(s) embodied the talent that would prove to be most reflective of the Bowie State University student body.

A unanimous decision by the judges crowned A-Class and Young Danger the kings of the rap-filled talent explosion. It was later revealed during a brief interview post celebration that this would not be the first time that A-Class and Young Danger wore the winners crown. In 2008 they also performed at Bowie State's Yard fest, and received the honor of opening for that year's homecoming concert as well. Aaron "A-Class" Carter explains "I am most looking forward to meeting Rick Ross once again; he was there when we opened the homecoming concert a couple years back." Devon "Danger" Carter still surprised at securing another opening act position chimes in "I am excited about meeting every artist scheduled to perform. I just hope to have a good time and perhaps network and make some connections."

With these show, Bowie State University proved a few very important things: Students are very encouraging and supportive of their student body and the gifts that they possess; BSU knows how to host one heck of an event, and, most importantly BSU proved if nothing else, Bowie's Got Talent!