Applause and cheers greeted singer Griffin Jackson, rapper BSG (a.k.a. St. Louis) and band Kylin Rose when master of ceremonies Marcus Scott presented them with Music Entertainment Industry Student Association Idol Search awards.
The MEISA Idol Search was Friday evening at The University of Memphis' Rose Theatre.
The winners will be on Bluetrip Records' inaugural album, set to be released next year. They will also take part in BMG Music's $10,000 scholarship competition next fall along with the other nine entrants.
Scott closed out the Idol Search with a rendition of the Ray Charles classic "I've Got a Woman" and Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna' Come."
Kylin Rose is a rock trio that consists of Ryan Peel on drums and vocals, Nic Farina on guitar and background vocals and David Parks on bass. They played an original song called "Smokey Eyes," which was described by Idol Search judge and record producer Ralph Sutton as "the heat."
Sutton also invited them to his studio, House of Blues Studio D.
Griffin Jackson sang his original tune, "No More," with a trio of back-up singers. He was described as a "great vocalist" who is "very tasteful" by Jason T. Clark, Idol Search judge and chairman of the composing and arranging committee for this year's 48th Annual Grammy Awards.
Jackson said he didn't expect to win the competition.
"I'm really excited," Jackson said. "I'm still in shock."
Jackson is involved in several musical projects around campus, including Sound Fusion, the chamber choir and The University of Memphis Singers.
He is a sophomore classical performance major at the music school.
BSG (a.k.a. St. Louis) performed his song "On Tha' Flo'." His performance, which was marked with club-style rap music and dancing, captured the judges' attention.
"Your flow, your presence, your lyrical style were amazing," said Idol Search judge Carolyn Griffey about BSG. "You are a star."
BSG said hopefully his music will capture others in the future.
"It felt good," he said. "I didn't know if I was going to win."
Bluetrip Records, U of M's record label, and MEISA Idol Search served as stepping stones for many student music artists, who said the competition was also an opportunity to show their music.
C.J. Tyus, a piano player and singer, said that although he never doubted MEISA, he never thought it would grow as far as producing a University record label or even an Idol Search. He also said that in the music industry competition is doubtlessly tough and sometimes it is all about establishing connections.
Tyus also said he has never performed before, but being there was an honor.
"I wanted to see where my talent stood," Tyus said. "I was trying to get the whole feel of it. It felt good. I didn't know if I was going to win."
Some of the entrants also have had several previous recording experiences and the Idol Search was an additional accomplishment.
"I've recorded a million different demos already," winner Jackson said.
Jackson, who is also part of Sound Fusion and sings background for his aunt, said he hopes to become a recording artist in the future and will open every door to get there.
Kylin Rose said they have played for a year and a half and have already spoken to some of the producers.
"I feel like I'm on top of a mountain," said one of the band members. "It's good to get recognition."
