Students Showcase Their Unique Abilities at UT’s Oldest Talent Show

By Hope Vanderburg

Reporting Texas

Texas Revue contestants lined the Hogg Auditorium stage on March 7 as they waited to hear the announcement of the winners. Hope Vanderburg/Reporting Texas. Hope Vanderbug/Reporting Texas

When thinking of University of Texas traditions, the iconic Tower, the Hook ‘Em hand sign or Smokey the Cannon may come to mind. However, Campus Events and Entertainment’s annual Texas Revue has been around even longer than these legendary UT symbols. 

“To be part of something like this and still know that I have an impact is incredible because this does have that kind of history,” said Texas Revue Co-Emcee Joey Verstegen.

Texas Revue debuted over a century ago in 1920 as a traditional revue, featuring skits and songs following a single theme. Over time, it has transformed to become the longest-running talent show in UT history.

“Everybody in this talent show is genuinely so excited to be here showing their passions and you can feel it when they’re performing,” said Texas Revue Event Coordinator Karolina Vega.

The preparation for the show happens far in advance with auditions for the acts held back in November. Texas Revue Logistics Officer Jackson Horvath said they had the most auditions the show has seen in the past five years.

“There’s so many people that really do want to perform and deserve to perform and we’ve only got 15, but those 15 are really incredible,” Horvath said.

This year’s Texas Revue featured acts ranging from singers and musicians to a poetry performer and a Chinese diabolo artist.

Keeping up a century-long tradition also comes with making improvements and trying out new things. Horvath decided to incorporate some pre-show entertainment this year with a saxophone quartet and magicians.

“I think it’ll add a little bit more excitement, a little more pizzazz while people are walking in and getting more engaged,” Horvath said.

At the end of the show, all the winners received cash prizes. Singer-songwriter Jordan Cordel took home the big prize of best overall. Additionally, Nritya Sangam, UT’s competitive Indian classical dance team, received the “Cristi Biggs Memorial Award for Technical Excellence.”

The judging panel consisted of UT professors and employees, but the audience got their say as well. The audience choice award went to indie psychedelic R&B recording artist Martin Leon.

Contestants like Yousef Bader, a vocal impressionist, said he feels more connected to UT through participating in Texas Revue.

“It’s so nice knowing I could just be a part of this school on a closer level besides the academics,” Bader said. 

Vega said she hopes to continue growing the exposure for Texas Revue across campus in the future. 

“This is a really good opportunity not only for students to show their passions,” Vega said. “But for other students to support them in that.”