This year, Southern Nazarene Live (SNL) lit up Herrick Auditorium with laughter, music, and unforgettable moments. Students and staff took the stage with confidence and creativity, showcasing everything from short films and hilarious sketches to heartfelt vocal performances. The night brought the SNU community together to celebrate and support one another’s talents.
To kick off the show, hosts Tiana Frantz and Grant McNew gave a shoutout to all the new engagements this year–proving once again that SNU may never beat the “ring by spring” allegations.
A crowd favorite and winner of the night was “The Bachelor,” presented by the SNU women’s soccer team. Featuring David Allen as this year’s bachelor, the skit followed up on last year’s joke in which Allen tried to audition for the show but accidentally went to the wrong place. This year, the team took that idea and ran with it.
Mallory Bennett and Hailey Najera explained, “We actually got forced to participate. Two-thirds of our soccer team lost during our soccer olympics, so the winning team decided our punishment was to do a skit in SNL.”
Though it began as a punishment, the team gave it their all. “We knew that if we were going to have to embarrass ourselves, we at least had to win,” Bennett and Najera said. With that motivation, they created a pre-recorded video introducing the girls who had already been rejected and revealing the final six contestants. Each contestant had one last chance to win over Allen’s heart—through dances, flips, artwork, and even dramatic screams.
In the end, Allen shocked the audience by rejecting all six contestants and instead giving the rose to Avery Pile—the teammate who came up with the punishment in the first place.
While The Bachelor took home the top spot of the night, it was just one of many memorable performances. The show also featured several stunning vocal acts by Cooper McKee, Danika Womack, Lexi Mackey, and Keziah Grant, whose performances ranged from soft and emotional to expressive and powerful.
In addition to the music, several acts brought humor to the stage, including “Dancing with a Star” performed by Brady Wilson, which—like the soccer skit—was also a punishment courtesy of SNEWS. The night also featured student films, including Eyes of SNU by Mya Uribe and Katherine’s Comeback by Katherine Barker, adding a cinematic touch to the lineup.
But the magic of SNL didn’t just happen on stage—it thrived behind the scenes. Co-host Tiana Frantz reflected, “It was kind of stressful, considering Grant and I had to figure out a lot of what to say, how to deliver it, and work with Allie and Cooper on the show’s order. The night before, Grant, Cooper [Milford], and I were in Herrick from about 5 to 11:30 p.m., and on the night of SNL, we got there at 4:45. It was all worth it, though!”
In addition to co-hosting, Frantz brought major style to the stage with multiple outfit changes–from sleek pantsuits to elegant gowns. “I had to be quick and remember my cues for certain things,” she said. “Adrenaline was definitely high, but it was so worth it!”
McNew also shared his appreciation for the production team: “I feel like I should say my only job was writing jokes. I wholeheartedly applaud Allie Miller and the rest of the team who worked to actually put the whole show together. Without them and their incredible commitment, SNL wouldn’t even exist.”
In the end, SNL was more than just a talent show–it was a night of laughter, creativity, and community. From those in the spotlight to those behind the curtain, everyone played a part in creating an unforgettable experience. The event carried on a beloved SNU tradition, highlighting not just talent but the heart of the campus itself.
Photos by SNU Creative