I’m a proud alumna of UNC-Chapel Hill, so it was my great delight last night to see my fellow class of 2008 graduate, Anoop Desai, advance to the next round of American Idol.

Anoop tried out in Kansas City and came dressed in a plaid button-down, khaki shorts and, yes, what I believe were his rainbows. Randy Jackson called him “Anoop Dog” and Simon said he looked like he came from a meeting with Bill Gates.

But he sang “Thank You” and the judges definitely loved him, telling him they hadn’t expected that voice to come out of him. UNC folks of course know Anoop from his turn as a featured singer for the a capella Clef Hangers. My personal favorite that he sang at school was “She will be Loved.” He is currently a master’s student in folklore at UNC. On that note, Go Heels and here are some musical treats from Anoop!

Anoop singing “Angel of Mine”

Singing “I’ll Make Love to You”