When the going gets tough, it’s time to remind THON dancers why they’re here. Cue the THON 2023 Kids’ Talent Show.

To open the talent show, a group of music therapists and Four Diamonds families came out to perform an original song set to the tune of “I Ain’t Worried” by OneRepublic. The lyrics featured THON and Four Diamonds references, sung by children with maracas, drumsticks, and more. By the end, the crowd was clapping to the beat.

Then, there was an intense lightsaber battle between brothers Levi and Christian Krodel, fittingly dressed in costume. Audience members gasped with every clash of the lightsabers.

Sarah Zeisloft took the stage with a dance routine to “I Ain’t Worried” by OneRepublic (the actual one, not the THON version!). An energetic dance filled with cartwheels and backbends captivated the audience.

Next up was Elianna Rodenhausser, who performed a dance routine with a bit of gymnastics mixed in. She was giving some serious Wednesday Addams vibes as she danced to “Goo Goo Muck” by The Cramps. The crowd erupted as Rodenhausser ended her performance with a split.

A few Lionettes came out on stage to help Shiloh and Harper Crimmel perform their routine to “Don’t Stop The Music” by Rihanna.

Sisters Clara and Scarlett Shepps were up next, performing a gymnastics routine. They were even decked out in Penn State leotards! Simone Biles should watch out.

Another pair of sisters, Mina and Melaina, stepped out on stage in costume to sing “Surface Pressure” from Encanto. One sister took control of the mic, while the other took over dancing duties. A double threat, if you will.

Back to dancing! Charlize headed to the THON stage to perform an original dance routine to Beyonce’s “Break My Soul.” A set of front flips had the crowd going absolutely nuts for her.

Devin Pulaski came to the stage with a whole inflatable band and performed “Could Have Been Me” by The Struts.

Time for an instrumental version! Georgia Bomgardner graced the stage with nothing but her violin, playing the crowd a rendition of “Ode to Joy.”

Rosalyn Miller, donning a purple sparkly tutu, gave an incredible performance of the Big Time Rush theme song. Perhaps the highlight of her performance was a cartwheel, though. With such an iconic throwback, it was hard for the crowd to not love this one.

Zayla Gora submitted a video of her tap dance skills. Her brother, Ayden, followed up with a video of his own skills — in hip-hop form.

To kick off the Teens’ Talent Show, Josiah Garcia performed the classic Harlem Shake. Garcia had the crowd absolutely jumping and dancing along with him.

Carly Wilfong was up next to dance to “Set It Off” from the Disney movie “Descendants.” With so many memorable songs from our childhood, it’s hard to not get excited about every performance.

Celia Cosentino brought out members of club ultimate frisbee for a choreographed dance routine to “What A Girl Is” from the Disney Channel show “Liv and Maddie.” These kids know exactly what songs are going to get the crowd hyped up, and it’s amazing.

Abby Munoz stunned the Bryce Jordan Center with her vocals as she sang “Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston. Before she even hit the first chorus, countless phone flashlights were waving in the stands.

Hailey Dougherty was up next to read an original poem. That takes skill — not just to write, but to gather the courage to read in front of so many people.

Members of Omega Chi Sigma joined Savannah Keenan on stage to sing Sweet Caroline. Obviously, this one is a Penn State classic. Even the R&R committee members in red shirts were dancing for this song.

Jackson Brennan absolutely *rocked* his performance on electric guitar, playing some recognizable tunes like Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Maybe we’ll see him back in the Bryce Jordan Center with a band someday!

The Fleagle family came on stage to perform “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey. This family is crazy talented. One brother was on the drums, another was on the keyboard, and the oldest brother, Braden, was singing. Braden said that the song was his inspiration to never give up during his fight with brain cancer.

A video of Adeline Cosentino was up next, and she sang Kacey Musgraves’ “Rainbow.” It was starting to get a little bit emotional in the crowd as students and dancers swayed back and forth. It really will all be alright.

To help wrap things up for the evening’s show, Julia O’Toole came to show off her aerial skills. Unfortunately, this can’t be performed on the THON stage, so the audience had to watch it through a video. O’Toole danced to “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons. Those gravity-defying skills are just unbelievable.