During any other assembly, a student using a phone would likely have that phone confiscated. However, in an effort to bring more student input to the annual Eagle Idol competition results, online voting replaced a panel of adult judges, allowing students to choose their Eagle Idol.

The Eagle Idol talent competition Friday, March 8 featured a variety of acts compared to prior years, which only included vocal performances. Students paid $2 for admission, and $1,475 in proceeds was given to the Canyon ISD Education Foundation. After the six acts performed, the student body voted with personal technology devices including phones and ipads to choose the winner. Some students encountered technical difficulties, resulting in emcee Brandon Farren using a decibel meter to measure audience reaction to select an Eagle Idol.

“The page wouldn’t load,” freshman Hunter Escamilla said. “I’d rather it be teachers because students are biased.”

Fewer than 250 out of more than 800 audience members’ votes registered. Based on audience reaction, senior Talyn Duncan received first place, the jazz band received second and junior Riley Kelly received third.

“It was one of the best yet,” Principal Tim Gilliland said. “We had a packed house and great performances.”