Jitters at a minimum, the student performers are cool, calm, professional - the show comes off with nary a glitch. Applause is frequent and hearty. As Gladys Knight performs, the students relax and watch via video feed backstage, marveling at her talent.

In the weeks following the event, debriefing meetings take place with the Blue Ribbon Committee and production team. The various groups determine what Big Ideas went right and which might have gone better during this year's Big Show - in preparation for next year's Big Night.