'Flying without wings'

With a voice that awed the audience and immense support from family and friends, Whitney Frazier felt nothing short of shocked when she took first place as UB's Idol Tuesday evening.

The sophomore communications major almost won third when the Emcee of the event announced the wrong winner. About three minutes after Megan Straton, a sophomore design major, was announced the victor, a "recall" was announced, and an incredibly happy Frazier took her rightful place as Idol.

"I cannot believe it," Frazier said after the show. "I feel completely shocked. There are no words that can describe it."

Frazier's win will give her a higher level of confidence as a singer and the chance to feel like an on campus celebrity. As the UB Idol winner, Frazier will be opening at Spring Fest on Sunday April 22, an opportunity she is "extremely excited" for.

"You never know who is watching," Frazier said. "It is a huge deal for me.

Almost placing third wouldn't have troubled Frazier any, she would have been content with the learning experience, she said.

Singing has always been a part of Frazier's life, although this was the first time she has sang on stage. Growing up, she was known to sing her heart out at church every week. Her younger brother boasted that his sister was "the best singer" in their church.

"I have always loved singing," Frazier said. "I never do competitions because I haven't built up enough confidence."

Whitney's fans could be heard loud and clear Tuesday evening. Her frantic supporters in the audience were, by far, the rowdiest, and made up a good 40 percent of the audience.

Many audience members in the theater knew who Whitney was before she even walked on stage. The signs her fans carried, reminiscent of love crazed enthusiasts at hockey games, said "We love Whitney" and "Cheer for Whitney."

Friends and family from as far as Syracuse "booed" her competitors at the end and cheered her on after each performance. Chants of "Whitney" erupted more than once.

Frazier's boyfriend, also a student at UB, is responsible for Frazier even entering the UB Idol competition.

"He kept telling me that I had to do it, so I called my mom and she said it was a great idea," Frazier said. "I am so happy he made me do this, it is something that has built my confidence."

"I'm learning not to be so afraid," Frazier added. "This is my thing, this is where I am comfortable, and this is where I am happiest."

Her last song choice, "Flying Without Wings," the same song American Idol winner Ruben Studdard sang, was chosen by Whitney because she said it makes her feel like she is actually flying and capable of anything. Before she sang it, she dedicated it to her friends for their support.

Frazier's mother, who drove three hours from Syracuse for the event, was beaming with pride.

"Every time I see her perform I feel so proud," said Frazier's mother. "Whitney is our blessing."

The confident Frazier is now sure that she will "definitely" pursue music - this is only the beginning. The overwhelming support from her nearest and dearest brought tears to Frazier's eyes as she spoke about them.

"Having the people who are nearest and dearest to my heart raised my confidence so much," Frazier said. "My mom, and younger brother and sister drove in from Syracuse and my friends showed such amazing support, I'm just overwhelmed."