America's got talent--but so does the rest of the world.
The International Student Organization (ISO) talent show will take place Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. in the Student Center ballroom.
"Most of the contests that go on on-campus are mostly for undergrads, and most of the internationals are graduate students, so ISO thought of doing the show just to give them a break and a chance to come up with their hidden talents," said ISO president Vaishali Sharda.
The talent show went on hold for a period of time before it restarted four years ago. The event is free and anyone can attend,
As of Friday afternoon, 14 participants were signed up for the show, with registration remaining open until midnight, Sharda said.
However, anyone--not just international students--can participate in the talent show.
Talents for the show range from playing instruments to singing and dancing. One person is signed up to play two instruments, piano and harmonica.
Rachel Jernigan, junior in communication disorders, signed up for her first talent show since middle school and is singing "Broken" by Lindsey Haun.
"Part of my New Year's plan was to become more involved and get out there and not keep my talents as much to myself as I have in the past," Jernigan said.
Although she sings in public regularly, Jernigan said she is slightly nervous to perform because so many of her friends are attending the show.
"I created a whole Facebook event called 'Come Support Rachel in the ISO Talent Show,' and I've had like 50 people respond," Jernigan said.
Jernigan said she heard about the talent show through her friend Tsega Lemma, the vice president of ISO, and he encouraged her to sign up.
Ting Wang, doctoral student in education, is another participant in the show.
Wang has been an active participant in ISO activities since arriving at Auburn in 2009 from her hometown in northwest China.
For her act in the show, Wang is performing a famous Chinese song traditionally used to celebrate spring festival.
Wang said she is both nervous and excited to perform in her first talent show.
Her friends, including the person who received the prize in last year's show, encouraged her to participate.
"I'm doing it for the prize and to make friends," Wang said.
First place in the show receives $250, second, $150, and third, $100.
Last year AU Rhythm performed at the talent show not as participants, but to add another dynamic to the show. Sharda said the organizers are trying to find another group to play for this year's show.
ISO regularly sponsors events like the talent show, including free dinner Fridays at 4 p.m. on the third floor lobby of the student center.
These events are designed to be fun and to give international students a chance to meet and mingle, Sharda said.
Every international student automatically becomes a member of ISO.
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