by Nicole Storey
culture@dailylobo.com
Elizabeth Dombek swung her large white wig around the stage, ripped off her cape and transformed from Lady Gaga to “Gangnam Style” artist PSY in a matter of seconds.
Dombek won first place in both the people’s choice category and the official judging at this year’s “Lobo’s Got Talent” show; she walked away with $575. A stepping trio made up of Erin Kathmann, Orlando Obeso and William Campillo won second place and $350.
“Habibis of the Middle East,” a belly dance group, and Adverse, a rapper, tied and split the third place winnings of $150.
Dombek is a senior majoring in cinematic arts. She said she has always had a creative streak; she participated in theater in high school and has performed in various shows during her college career.
Dombek’s act for the show is supposed to be funny, but she said that wasn’t her intention when she first started practicing her Gaga act.
“Two friends and myself had done Lady Gaga pieces that were very serious, and people were always laughing, and I was like, ‘Ahhh, but it’s so serious,’” she said.
Dombek said that once she realized people found her act hilarious, she embraced it.
“You know I’m all about laughing and people giggling and ‘Oh my god, what is she doing?’” she said.
Dombek said the talent show has grown during the last few years.
This was her third year competing. The first year she placed second, and last year she came in third. She said she hoped to receive a high five for her efforts this year.
“I don’t think people see dance as, like, a talent. It’s kind of like, you know, do it for a little while and you got it,” she said.
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Dombek said the wig and other elements of her costume were handmade.
“I put hours into this wig and … I mean, it’s a hot mess, but I still put work into this,” she said
Contestant Andrew Montano has played the guitar since he was 5. He entered last year’s talent show but was unable to participate because he was in a car accident that night.
“The car was totaled, so I had to walk home with my equipment and everything,” he said.
Three years ago, he learned about a new style of playing he calls “finger style.” He never strums the guitar, but only plays on the fretboard. He began posting videos of himself on YouTube playing covers of songs by Greg Merkle. Merkle discovered the videos and flew from New Jersey to New Mexico to play with Montano at his high school graduation.
“I imagine for most people, it will be something they’ve never seen before,” he said.
