The Ball State University Singers didn't win the "Today" show's show choir contest Friday morning, but they're not letting the loss get them down.
Alan Alder, University Singers director, said the loss was a disappointment on a personal level, but the final stage of the competition was based on audience votes, not performance.
"We were in a situation where [the winner] came down to whoever received the most votes, not about the quality," he said. "I feel strongly that if it had been about a quality performance, we would've won."
The Singers appeared on "Today" from Sursa Performance Hall via satellite before the winner was announced. Host Hoda Kotb asked singer Lauren Mazur what winning would mean to the group.
"Obviously it would mean a lot to the Ball State University Singers and to Ball State University and the state of Indiana," she said. "We want to get our name out there, so we're very excited."
Instead, Dimensional Harmony from Boynton Beach High School in Florida won and is scheduled to perform on "Today" Nov. 11.
Alder said at least University Singers made it to the top four.
"The nice thing was we got the exposure we wanted. We were one of four selected out of thousands of groups. We were on television [Thursday] and [Friday]," he said. "It was very significant and a good thing for everyone. We were well represented."
Alder said University Singers handled the loss well.
"The kids did a great job. They handled themselves with grace, poise and really kept their composure," he said. "You just have to be happy with the winner and pick up and move on to the next project."
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