A new phenomenon hits the stage of Newsome High School, as air guitarists, and lip singers alike come together to compete in the ultimate battle. Six groups hit the stage with hopes of winning the title to the first annual Newsome Battle of the Air Bands.

The contest consisted of two rounds. In order for a group, or soloist, to advance to the second round they had to receive a certain amount of audience votes. After both rounds, bags with the performer’s names on it were set up on the stage, so that the audience could come up and choose their favorites.

The show opened with a humorous performance by hosts Christina Zino, Senior, and Luke Johnson, Senior, lip syncing to a parody of Adele’s hit Hello. The audience laughed at the unexpected lyrics and the plethora of props that flew across the stage. Also, Johnson’s expressive performance made it that much more amusing.

Planet Rock was the first to come out; a group consisting of 3 air instrumentalists, with Dominique Ingraham, Junior, acting as the lead lip singer. They gave an impressive performance of Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk complete with a smoke machine, fantastic light effects, and pretend instruments.

Next to take the stage was Kyley, a spunky little soloist, who had the audience singing along with her. Her red flannel, pretend guitar, and smokey stage effects set the mood perfectly for her performance of Fall out Boys’ Centuries.

A grungy take on Panic at the disco’s Emperors New, was next, performed by Cassie. Her costume choice was what really made the performance wonderful, as she sported a long black coat, black jeans, and combat boots.

NSCM, consisting of 4 girls, rocked the house with their performance of Boom Boom Pow. All four performed enthusiastically, with the audience clapping along with them.

The audience was cracking up when the next act, Tori & Stockton, took on Hannah Montana’s Best of both worlds. Sporting the trademark blonde wigs, Tori was swift in her dance moves by having two outfit changes right on stage. By the end of the finale, she filled the auditorium with laughter by jumping off the stage.

        Closing up round one was The Euphoria consisting of 5 members, with 3 sporting ripped jeans. Gustavo Larrea, Senior, gave his all in his blonde wig and jean vest, taking the lead of Paramore’s Ain’t it Fun. They even put their own little twist, by ending with a guitar solo that left the audience speechless.

        The Fan Favorites were full of mixed emotions when the first round finally came to a close. “My favorite act was definitely the Hannah Montana one,” Connie Feeney, Senior, laughed as she praised Tori’s enthusiasm on stage. “Go girl Go, Go Tori!” Brooke Leistl, Senior, second that opinion.

        Adam Cook, Junior, and Hannah Pridemore, Senior, both agreed The Euphoria was their favorites, praising the unexpected guitar solo at the end.

        In the end, the final three turned out to be the rockin’ girl group NSCM, the humorous Tori & Stockton, and The Euphoria.

        Each group brought a new set of tricks to the table. NSCM performed a sugary sweet version of Wannabe.

        Tori & Stockton came out with an iCarly theme song mix. Just like the first round, Tori went out with a bang, finishing the act with a back flip across the stage.

        The second Hannah Montana song of the night was performed by The Euphoria, as they put their own spin Nobody’s perfect.

        As the audience and the contestants awaited the results there was a hush silence in the air; no one was truly sure who would take home the prize. Finally it was announced and with the competition being close, it was announced that The Euphoria would take home the title (and a small cash prize).

        From the entire night it was quite obvious that this year’s competition will be hard to beat, as the audience, the judges, and myself found this lip syncing battle to be one of the very best in Newsome’s history.