Thursday, Jan 29, 2015
Best vocal performer will receive a $500 prize
by Aimee LaBrie
One of the campus' most exciting events, The R Factor, is about to relaunch this weekend on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 8 p.m. in the Yvonne Theater. Much like television's The X Factor, it is a competition to find the best vocal performer at Rider. This year, for the first time ever, all of the past winners will performer together for the $500 prize and the chance to perform at major events across the campus.
Nick Barbati, assistant director for campus life, sees this event as one of the year's highlights for students. "This program in particular will celebrate the history of one of Rider's favorite traditions and showcase some of the students who make our campus so special,” he says. “The R Factor is an event that spotlights student performers in a way that transforms them into the true stars that they will one day be."
This year's show, R Factor 5: The All-Stars, is a one-night event that will feature seven previous finalists facing off one final time to be named the 2015 R Factor Champion.
The contestants include season one finalists Rory Connolly and Angelina Valente; season two finalist Andres Feliz; season three finalists Leah Killmer and Peter Petrino; and season four finalists Matthew Esposito and Llundon Lawson.
All students are encouraged to attend and support the performers. This year's judging panel includes X Factor contestants Dani Knight and Jeff Gutt as well as R Factor judges Nick Barbati and Donte Carty.
For more information, “like" the Office of Campus Life on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rucampuslife.