Editor’s note: Levi Coovert also works for the Daily Evergreen. This is not a factor in the story’s content
For as long as Cody Moehl, SEB director, can remember, Cougs Got Talent has been a beloved tradition on Pullman’s campus. Each year, students showcase their talents and skills, whether that is through a soulful song, energetic dance or stand-up segment that leaves the crowd laughing.
Open auditions were held in the weeks leading up to the event, allowing students with various backgrounds and majors to participate. Each year, the talent show draws a crowd eager to support their friends, witness new local talents and celebrate the vibrant culture of WSU. The event took place at 7 p.m. last Thursday.
The Student Entertainment Board has gotten many famous faces to be guest judges for the talent show, but artists are charging more than they used to. Because of different needs for funds, it was in SEB’s best interest to allocate money elsewhere.
SEB chose five “campus celebrities” to be the guest judges for the show, SEB wanted the judging panel to consist of prominent figures on campus.
When searching for campus celebrities to participate on the panel, SEB started at the CUB. The CUB is the hub for every student to catch up on work, get a bite to eat, watch cartoons and once a year view the talent show in the CUB auditorium.
After deliberation, SEB chose five judges: Jonah Oh of ASWSU, Cody Moehl executive director of SEB, Tara Wallack of WSU’s women’s basketball team, KZUU’s Dayton Zimlinghaus and Mariam Sylla, VP of WSU’s Black Student Union.
Frat Rat, WSU’s garage band, opened the show with an interactive rendition of Paramore’s “Ain’t It Fun.”
“You set the tone high,” Wallack said to Frat Rat.
Jenissa Hepton, freshman elementary education major and SEB member, sang “Burn” from Hamilton.
“I never actually did theater, but I am a secret theater kid,” Hepton said. “I love Hamilton, every road trip me and my family sing it.”
Hepton participated in every talent show at her high school. She sings and plays the drums. She was anticipating the auditorium to have more people and once she got on stage she felt it was less scary. Hepton’s past with talent shows and music prepared her to step on stage and sing the emotional song from Hamilton.
Out of 11 performers, four original songs were performed at the show. From Aqua Velva’s bass riff, to Trace Livecchi’s “Freckled Cheeks” – and the duo Yusif Chas and Sean Stephens’ (better known as Sebas Compton) hit that embraced the Cougs and dishonored the Huskies, it is no doubt why the performers wanted to show their talents to the community.
“You need to come to our 6 a.m. practices and perform. Now I want to run,” Wallack said about the performance from Aqua Velva – which got everyone’s heads bumping.
The master of ceremonies, Dallas de Bellis, junior PR major and SEB member, was supposed to host the show alongside another MC but due to a sudden change, had to do the job of two people. De Bellis hosted the Coug talent show last year and this time around it was different.
This year, de Bellis had the opportunity to get to know the artists performing at the event. Spending time with the artists from the audition to the rehearsal to the show. De Bellis said he enjoyed the experience with the performers.
The energy in the CUB auditorium remained high as the judges deliberated.
Ultimately, Livecchi’s “Freckled Cheeks” earned a third place trophy, Levi Coovert’s heartfelt original song secured second place and the rap duo of Chas and Stephens took the first place title at the 2025 Cougs Got Talent show, with their spirited, campus centered performance.
All three winning acts showcased original songs, demonstrating their performance skills and creativity as songwriters.
“If anything, I have to say, please try out next year! Everybody with a talent go ahead. It doesn’t matter if you’re a singer or not, it’s a fun way to get involved with campus or even just appreciate our local artists,” de Bellis said.
As Cougs Got Talent continues to be a campus tradition, it remains a testament to the power of student creativity and the Coug community that supports it.
