UGA student stuns TODAY crowd with singing of 'Wicked' on plaza

A first-year University of Georgia student got a chance to showcase her singing Tuesday morning during a surprise moment on The Today Show.

Laila Carter, a journalism and political science major minoring in music who attended North Oconee High School, was on the TODAY plaza on spring break with other members of UGA when host Craig Melvin asked for her. Carter told Melvin that she wanted to one day be on Broadway, 'it's my biggest dream,' she claimed, when he asked if she would like to showcase her singing talents.

Wearing a winter trapper hat with a UGA Bulldog logo on the front, Carter belted out The Wizard and I from Wicked, made famous by Carole Shelley and Idina Menzel.

She blew the hosts away, receiving high fives from Melvin and Carson Daly, who quipped that he hosted a singing show, 'The Voice', that he wouldn't mind seeing her audition for.

"Turn the chair for that," said Al Roker, referring to being selected by a judge on The Voice.

"You're clearly going to make it to Broadway," said Melvin. "When you make it to Broadway, you come back and we get the exclusive."

"Yes sir, yes sir," said Carter

"If you don't make it to Broadway, we've got a singing competition on this network you can be on," Daly said, "You come see me."

UGA president Jere Morehead shared the video to his social media and showcased his pride for Carter and the university.

"Thrilled to see one of our incredible students, Laila Carter, representing the University of Georgia on the Today Show this morning in New York City. Hope all of our first-year Foundation Fellows are enjoying the Big Apple during Spring Break!"

Ryne Dennis is the Deep South Connect Team Editor for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X@RyneDennis and email [email protected].