Look out Kelly Clarkson and Idol wannabes. Think "American Idol" with a fresh collegiate twist and you've got "Campus Idol." Whether you're a Seacrest fan or Simon loather, one thing's for sure: Idol fever is spreading across colleges faster than winter flu in campus health centers. We checked out some of the nation's hottest on-campus idol competitions and how schools are scouting out their "X-factor" students.

Let's Get It Started
At the University of North Texas (UNT, Dallas, TX) Eagle Idol event, the joint was a-jumpin' and jivin'. According to Trevor Shiv, senior and president of the University Programs Council, who's already planning the next show this February, the finalists got all decked out in tuxedos and evening gowns. Ten contestants competed in front of three local celebrity judges. The winner was chosen by applause (yes, they have a decibel meter) as the clapping hands reach a fever pitch. In fact, Trevor notes one savvy contestant actually strategized his cheering committee. "'Eagle Idol' is similar to 'American Idol' where people bring cheering sections and posters," he explains. "This one contestant was smart: [He had] his entire fraternity show up to support him!"

Chris Thomas, advisor of the school's University Programs Council, explains the quality of the performances, including a memorable performance of "Cry Me a River" by a Timberlake crooner. "Two years ago we had an epiphany," notes Chris. "Instead of paying an event organizer to come on campus, we'd create our own [event]." And create they did. Their campus TV station took footage during the audition process (more than 500 students originally auditioned) as well as throughout the actual competition. To spice things up, they aired segments during the evening's final performances. As for prizes? The big winner received $1,000 along with access to studio time.

Idol Alum Conducts Competition
UNT isn't alone in its campus-wide song fest. At West Virginia University (WVU, Morgantown, WV), real-life "American Idol" alum Marci Lane, a semi-finalist from season three, was tapped to be mistress of ceremonies. "Being a finalist was crazy, but it was hands down the most rewarding experience I have ever had in my life," notes Marci, who sang "Bridge Over Troubled Water" in auditions for Randy, Paula, and Simon.

As for her role in "Mountaineer Idol"? "I worked closely with contestants to prepare them for the competition, helped direct the show, and hosted with my best friend and roommate Stephen Smith (also the coordinator for this year's competition)," explains the senior public relations major.
It was actually Marci's TV elimination that led to her creation. "This competition means a lot to me. It showcases the musical talents of students who may not have another outlet to perform," she says.

With a $1,000 cash prize up for grabs, the "Mountaineer Idol" talent exhibition challenges contestants to sing 30 seconds of a song a cappella. A five-person panel of non-students evaluates each performance and narrows the competition down to 10 finalists. Unlike at UNT, weekly rounds are held to whittle it down to two contestants. The two finalists go head-to-head in a finale, kicking off Mountaineer Week school spirit activities. Last year's winner, Carlton Smith, sang "You Remind Me" by Usher, and earned $1,000 and the chance to sing the national anthem at a WVU men's basketball game.

Got School Spirit?
Sara Enloe, freshman and winner of Central Michigan University's (CMU, Mt. Stanhope, MI) "Central Star" competition, recalls that the experience required nerves of steel. "It was really exciting. I had a pretty bad head cold, and you know how nasally you can be during those fun times in your life. I just hoped no one in the audience would notice."

The country crooner used her stage presence to make the audience feel the love while she sang "This One's for the Girls" by Martina McBride. "Anything that makes you want to dance or tap your foot is a good choice," she advises. "Overall, it was great being involved, and I am pumped to perform again!" As winner of the competition, selected by the two student judges and one faculty judge, Sara won a $25 gift certificate to the CMU bookstore, and of course, on-campus fame.

Flyers, Banners, and Buttons
Some schools, like Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA), award non-monetary prizes, but those are just as cool, says John Rodgers. He earned a mountain bike for his crooning efforts. "Lehigh Idol" wasn't the only highlight in Pandini's, the restaurant in the school's student center where the competition was held. A DJ was on hand to spin tunes and get the crowd going, along with local radio station WLVR. Event organizer Ginger DeBias notes, "I wouldn't say that DJ Nathaniel Mills was a Ryan Seacrest - but he has a crazy personality, so it worked."

Education Idols

• RUBEN STUDDARD, "American Idol's" second season winner, gave up his football scholarship to turn his attention to music and major in voice at Alabama A&M University (Huntsville, AL); he graduated in 2000.


• CLAY AIKEN, who went on to fame after his second-place win in season two, completed his bachelor's degree in special education in December 2003 from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.


• CARRIE UNDERWOOD was a senior at Northeastern State College (Tahlequah, OK) majoring in mass communication when she started her quest to become the fourth "American Idol" winner. She has plans to complete her degree in the near future.


• Before BO BICE was "American Idol's" top performing rock star contestant on season four, he graduated from the University of North Alabama (Florence, AL) with a degree in massage therapy and music production.

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