MTSU’s upcoming spring concert featuring GloRilla didn’t happen overnight — it was the result of months of planning, student input and behind-the-scenes coordination.

According to organizers, the process to select the headlining artist begins as early as the summer, when a student-led committee starts researching potential performers and gathering feedback.

“It can be a pretty lengthy process starting in the summer and going through fall as we identify artists, availability and student interest,” Tyler Adkins, assistant director for SPARE, said.

The Signature Events Committee — which includes members from Student Programming and Raider Entertainment (SPARE), Student Government Association and at-large students — works together to narrow down options throughout the semester. A major factor in that process is the university’s listening habits survey, which helps gauge student interest.

“We use that survey to the best of our ability to get an idea of what people are listening to and who people want to see,” Gavin Pine, student concerts manager for SPARE, said.

While the survey provides direction, Pine emphasized that it does not guarantee a specific artist will be booked.

“It isn’t necessarily what artists are available or in our budget, but it’s a good indicator of what people want to see,” Pine said.

This year, that feedback pointed clearly in one direction.

“GloRilla did turn out to be our most listened-to artist on campus,” Adkins said. “We were very excited that, when we started pulling at that thread, … the pieces just kept coming together.”

While multiple artists are considered each year, organizers said the final decision ultimately comes down to aligning student interest with logistical realities.

“Our number one priority is matching with the student voice,” Adkins said. “From there, availability becomes one of the top [factors].”

Because many major artists prioritize large tours over college campus performances, scheduling can play a major role in who is ultimately booked.

“In those cases where we do hit a brick wall and we get a no, … we’re able to fall back on other options that would be just as good,” Pine said.

Budget is another key consideration. Funding for the event comes in part from student activity fees, which must cover not only the artist, but also production, travel, security and other expenses.

“We try to balance those in a way where we’re able to put the most toward the artist that students want to see while still covering production and other elements,” Adkins said.

That balance can sometimes mean choosing between a higher-profile artist and a more elaborate stage setup.

Despite those challenges, organizers said this year’s selection felt like the ideal outcome.

“More often than not, if we’re going after somebody, there’s at least a mutual interest and we just have to see if we can get all of the pieces to come together,” Adkins said. 

Beyond the performance itself, the concert also provides opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in event production and planning.

“I don’t think there’s a single internship that would allow me to have this level of decision-making and involvement in a show this big,” Pine said.

As the concert approaches, Pine said the experience of helping organize it has been just as impactful as the event itself.

“I’m really grateful to have this opportunity … to say I helped put together a GloRilla show,” Pine said.

Organizers say their goal remains to create an experience that reflects student interest while continuing to grow the tradition of large-scale campus events.

GloRilla will perform at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, in the Murphy Center.