The concrete outside UCF’s Addition Financial Arena turned into a chill hangout Monday night as over 100 students gathered to watch a variety of performances at the “Knights Got Talent” show.
Olivia Mador, sophomore communications major, sat beneath pink and purple lights, guitar in hand, as she sang Gracie Abrams’ “I Knew It, I Know You.”
Mador stepped off the stage to applause and hugs from her friends. She said events like this are really needed on campus.
“I think it’s a great way to socialize and get to know people and showcase different talents,” Mador said. She later won the fan favorite award of the night.
Luke Agcaoili, a freshman finance major, strode onto the stage shirtless in a dynamic Polynesian fire act. Though real fire was off-limits, his glow stick worked as a perfect stand-in.
Agcaoili said the event does a great job supporting culture and creativity.
“It’s just a great way to be yourself. Just being yourself is good for your mettle,” Agcaoili said. His fire act placed second overall.
Adam Broughton, a senior film major, hopped on stage to sing an original song he wrote about UCF called “Reach for the Stars.” He hyped the crowd into shouting “UCF!” during the performance.
Broughton said he was grateful for the chance to show off his skills at the event. He called it a great experience to be up there before such a large crowd.
“Amazing opportunity,” Broughton said. “This is the biggest crowd I’ve ever performed in front of.”
As the night wrapped up, Broughton’s original song helped him take home the top prize.
Following him off stage after his big win, he slipped in a clever mention of his song.
“That’s the whole point of reaching for the stars, you know?” Broughton said. “You’ve got to dream big, challenge yourself and get outside the box.”