Celebrity judging at Syracuse University music competitions usually isn’t part of her job description, but tonight Chancellor Nancy Cantor will earn her paycheck in a much different manner.

University Union will host this year’s installment of SU Idol, a one-night event that mimics the popular television show ‘American Idol.’ Like any self-respecting offspring of the televised music competition, SU Idol will have a celebrity judge, a position the chancellor will fill. UU President Darren Goldberg said Cantor was asked to participate as a judge, and she was excited to take advantage of the opportunity.

‘It’s a different experience for her,’ Goldberg said. While the show will focus on the 10 contestants who previously went through auditions last week, having the university’s chancellor as a judge is an alternative point of interest to those who go. ‘It’s a celebrity factor, but it never hurts to have someone who doesn’t know about music. It gives varied opinions,’ said Greg Broughton, a sophomore aerospace engineer. Joining Cantor in the judging process will be Jen Kirkegaard, a staff member from the Office of Student Life and Deniece Holley, a senior television, radio and film major who co-directs many of UU’s concerts.

‘(Holley) knows the industry and what’s going on,’ Goldberg said. The 10 contestants will sing a song of their choice before the panel of judges and an audience of fellow students as they compete for the No. 1 spot. The judges will then narrow the singers down to three finalists who will sing an additional song of their choice. After the finalists have completed their final songs, not even the influence of Chancellor Cantor will be able to determine the winner. It will be up to the audience to decide which performer wins the competition. A wide variety of musical talent is expected to be performed by hidden talent within SU, but only one can be crowned the SU Idol of 2009. ‘It’s a mix. There’s songs in the top 20’s and some old songs,’ Goldberg said. ‘… You get blown away by some of their talent and voices.’ ansteinb@syr.edu