Sydney Miller was named the winner of GCU’s Got Talent at Global Credit Union Arena on March 5, following a piano medley performance that closed out the annual student talent competition. Her sister, Claire Miller, last year’s winner, also performed a violin medley while votes were counted, drawing another ovation from the audience.
The event highlights the musical talents within Grand Canyon University and offers students an opportunity to showcase their abilities in front of peers and family. The competition featured eight acts, with Sydney winning over other finalists including the band Canyon Avenue and singer Emma Cowden.
Sydney said she was inspired to enter by watching her sister compete last year. “Yesterday I was so upset. I was thinking, ‘I’m not doing this.’” However, once she began playing her medley—featuring songs by JVKE, Adele and Billy Joel—her nerves faded as the crowd responded enthusiastically. “That made me so happy,” Sydney said afterward.
Her family has a strong musical background; both parents sing and play piano, her brother plays drums, and her sisters are also musicians. Christopher Miller said of his daughter: “She really is an unbelievable musician; she plays everything by ear.”
Other performances included original songs by Canyon Avenue and Emma Cowden, as well as acts by Mallary Bauman and Shae Dale. Magician Tim Mullins added variety with a trick involving a teal 1963 Volkswagen bus that surprised the audience outside the arena. Mullins said about his craft: “I just fell in love with creating moments for people and putting smiles on their faces.”
Grand Canyon University operates in Phoenix, Arizona according to its official website. The university functions as a private Christian educational institution according to its official website and centers on Christian values to support students in realizing their potential according to its official website. It delivers undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as nursing, business and healthcare with flexible learning options according to its official website. The university has received high rankings for its nursing, campus and education programs according to Niche.com via the official website.
As Sydney is only a freshman at age 17, there is speculation about whether another member of the Miller family will participate next year. Claire commented on her sister’s abilities: “She can sing, too.”
