The annual Mock Rock lip-sync competition returned Friday night, Nov. 14, drawing one of its largest crowds in recent years. The free event, hosted by the Student Events and Activities office, began at 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral. By 6 p.m., the line stretched so far it nearly reached the library.
Mock Rock is one of SEA’s most cherished campus traditions, and this year’s performances kept the energy high throughout the night. The competition awarded $750 for first place, $500 for second and $250 for third.
YoungLife claimed the top prize with a high-energy act that quickly became a crowd favorite.
“Mock Rock with YoungLife was honestly one of the best experiences ever. We bonded so much as a team, just practicing, laughing and getting to know each other better. It made us feel even stronger as a group, especially since we do ministry together.” Team member Jimena Balandrano said.
YoungLife announced before their presentation that all prize money would go toward helping kids fund and attend summer camp. “Knowing it was all helping our camp fund made it even more motivating. Winning was so unexpected, but we were just really grateful that we got to have fun and kick off our summer camp fundraising in such a good way!” Balandrano said.
J Alvin’s “One More Time” performance earned second place, and the cross-country team took third with its “Don’t Worship Idol Awards,” inspired by the popular film K-Pop Demon Hunters.
Many students said this year’s show lived up to the hype.
“This is an event a lot of people look forward to,” senior Daniela Colmenares said. “I was surprised by how long the line was, but it was worth it because there were great acts. You could tell they prepared well. My favorite was the K-Pop Demon Hunters one. When I was a freshman Mock Rock came back, and I participated in the first one. I’ve gone every year since, and I think this has been one of the best.”
Others expressed mixed feelings.
“It’s been better in past years,” attendee Fernando Paz said. “Some acts deserved to place higher than they did.” He added that SEA usually holds trials to ensure a strong lineup, but a few performances didn’t resonate with him this time. Overall, he said he enjoyed the show, though “it could have been better.”
Paz also noted that some acts relied heavily on big stunts. “The ‘wow’ factor for some groups was just doing a backflip, and personally that gets a little boring,” he said.
Despite differing opinions, the night ended with loud cheers, bright lights and a renewed sense of campus spirit as one of JBU’s signature traditions continued to bring students together.
Article by Neskarly Marín and Tai Urbina
Photo Courtesy of Hope Brittenham
