The rivalry between Florida State University and University of Florida is fierce across many endeavors – and it also exists in the arena of performing arts.
A cappella teams from the two universities are facing off against each other in a 64-team, tournament-style competition along with colleges across the U.S.
Florida State University’s a cappella team, All Night Yahtzee, has 17 members who are looking to advance from the second round.
Joshua Emmanuelli sings with All Night Yahtzee, and is the group’s public relations director.
“FSU and UF have a big history of competition, whether being with football, and now a cappella,” Emmanuelli told WFSU Thursday. “We’re going against Gestalt, which is a great group from UF. So if we move on from this round, we go on to round 3.”
People interested can watch video performances from All Night Yahtzee and other groups and vote on the website UpstagedU.com.
Emmanuelli says the competition is a friendly one. It’s a chance to put a spotlight on a cappella teams, and maybe even get the art form in front of new fans.
“Technically you’re supposed to watch all the videos before you vote,” Emmanuel said. “And I think that’s really amazing because it gives recognition and attention not only just to popular groups, but also some more less-known groups within the community. And I think it’s a really great opportunity for all of us to grow.”
Whichever team ultimately wins the tournament will get $11,000 in total prize money, and half of that will go to a good cause. Teams were able to pick a charity of their choice, and Emmanuelli explains All Night Yahtzee chose a cause close to their hearts:
“So, All Night Yahtzee chose the charity For The Girls, it’s a nonprofit that raises money toward Black trans people’s gender-affirming procedures, and also for their rent. We really wanted to choose this charity because that community is one of the most unprotected communities in America.”
As of Thursday afternoon, FSU’s team held a narrow lead with 53 percent of the vote. Voting for the second round ends Friday night.
If the team advances to round 3, All Night Yahtzee would face the winner of a matchup between the Melodores, from Vanderbilt, and the Prismatics from Belmont University.
All Night Yahtzee also has a new album coming out in December.
