Lines swiftly extended and the masses of students huddled around the University Center Little Theatre doors long before Kean University's 2009 Talent Show got underway. At 8 p.m. on September 30, students with a broad spectrum of talent and culture took the stage and delivered a night to remember. The night kicked off with an acoustic guitar and vocal performance from first semester freshman, Mike Schwartz, with his rendition of Kanye West's Heartless. The charismatic performance impressed the crowd and even had host, Dayna Smith, saying, "Wow, didn't even know that song could be played on acoustic." Smith was one of three spirited hosts for the night. The others were J.R. Sahou. and Candice Corbett, .As the night continued, students watched acts of gospel a cappella, head-to-head rapping, harmonica beatboxing, impromptu rhymes, and captivating poetry. The crowd roared with each performance. Fourteen performances entertained the two hour event with a crowd dance contest serving as the intermission. Four female students transitioned from audience to act almost instantly when the DJ announced $40 would be awarded to the best dancer on stage. After four close rounds, accounting major, Eugenia Fowler knocked out the competition in a fifth and final round demonstrating she could do "the jerk" better than the rest. Fowler's confidence grabbed her an earlier lead in a crowd favorite, but it was that final round that sealed the deal and landed her the cash prize.

Some performers got to showcase a multitude of talents in their single performance. "EZ BoyZ", Alker-Kelly Antoine, a sophomore psychology major, and Pekens Antoine, a freshman biology major, sung a duet a cappella mesh of two of their own written songs I Give All I Have and How Come? Alker-Kelly noted, "We Just came out to have fun. You know, show some school spirit."

Joining them in showcasing the singer/songwriter talent was Mariam Abouhait, a freshman English major, who belted out her song Baby Boo. Kean Radio veteran, Lamar Green, who was introduced by his handle "Redikalis" held his stage with lyrical demand as he bust out rhymes that keep the audience on the edge of their seat.

Even the Kean women's basketball team came out to perform. The two athletes busted out dance moves, combining beatboxing with a cappella, and wrapped up things with homage to The Lion King's Mighty Jungle. One audience member shouted through the cheers proceeding their ending, "Ohhhh, they brought it back to Disney!"

The night's energy started high, and ended on a higher note. The night served as an open forum for talent, not as a competition. If there was a winner of the night, it would be the Kean student body for having such a night available to them. For students who missed the chance to join in this celebration of talent, keep an eye out for other University talent.