The Ultimate Guide To Step Sing 2025: Winners, Shocking Themes, And What’s Next For The Collegiate Tradition

Step Sing 2025 has officially concluded, cementing its status as one of the most vibrant and fiercely competitive collegiate traditions in the American South. As of today, December 10, 2025, the dust has settled on the spectacular February performances, with two major universities—Samford University and the University of North Alabama (UNA)—crowning their champions after weeks of intense preparation, choreography, and musical arrangement.

This annual singing and dancing competition, which pits fraternities, sororities, and various student organizations against each other, is far more than a talent show; it is a decades-old cultural cornerstone that drives campus spirit, showcases incredible student talent, and raises significant funds for university programs. The 2025 season brought a fresh wave of creativity and high-stakes drama, setting a high bar for the upcoming 2026 events.

The Triumphant Step Sing 2025 Winners and Their Themes

The 2025 Step Sing season was defined by powerful performances, elaborate costumes, and themes that ranged from classic cinema to innovative storytelling. The competition is judged across multiple categories, including Music, Choreography, Costumes, and the Emcee performance, making the overall victory a true test of a group’s comprehensive artistic and logistical skill. Here is a breakdown of the top contenders and overall winners from the two most prominent Step Sing events.

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Samford University’s 75th Anniversary Showdown

The Samford University Step Sing, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2025, remains one of the most anticipated events on campus. Held at the state-of-the-art Wright Center, the competition saw a massive turnout from students, alumni, and the wider Birmingham community. The results were a testament to the power of a cohesive theme and flawless execution.

• Overall Winner: Phi Mu. The sorority secured the coveted top spot with a show-stopping performance.
• Winning Theme: Phi Mu’s performance was reportedly inspired by a stunning tribute to classic Hollywood films, utilizing iconic imagery and musical numbers to tell a captivating story. This choice resonated deeply with the alumni judges panel, many of whom have notable experience in music, theatre, and dance.
• Key Entities: Samford University, Wright Center, Phi Mu, Classic Hollywood films, Emcee, Choreography.

University of North Alabama (UNA) Step-Sing Results

The University of North Alabama’s Step-Sing, hosted by the University Program Council (UPC), took place during the second weekend in February 2025. This competition is particularly known for its focus on philanthropy, with proceeds often benefiting campus infrastructure improvements or local charities like the United Way of Northwest Alabama.

• Overall Winner: Alpha Gamma Delta. The sorority claimed the overall sweepstakes award for their incredible performance.
• Co-Ed Division Winner: Baptist Campus Ministries (BCM). The BCM group took home the first-place prize in the highly competitive co-ed division, proving that non-Greek organizations are a major force in the competition.
• Key Entities: University of North Alabama (UNA), Alpha Gamma Delta, Baptist Campus Ministries (BCM), University Program Council (UPC), United Way of Northwest Alabama.

The Deep History and Evolution of Collegiate Step Sing

To truly appreciate the intensity of the 2025 competition, one must understand the rich history and traditions that underpin Step Sing. This event is not a new invention; it is a decades-long tradition that has evolved from simple sing-alongs into elaborate, professional-grade stage productions.

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From Renfroe Hall to the Main Stage

The Step Sing tradition began at Samford University—then known as Howard College—in 1951. The inaugural event was called "Singspiration" and was a casual sing-along held on the steps of Renfroe Hall. It was initially staged twice a year before it evolved into the highly competitive, annual event we know today. The shift to a themed competition with costumes began in 1967, and the addition of Emcees in 1966 further shaped the current format.

UNA’s tradition started later, in 1973, where groups would perform on the steps of the risers at Norton Auditorium. Both universities' events quickly became major cultural touchstones, drawing thousands of spectators and becoming a central part of the Greek life and student activities calendar.

The Pillars of Step Sing Judging and Scoring

The competition’s integrity rests on a rigorous judging process. Samford, for example, revamped its judging system in 2023 to ensure fairness and transparency, moving toward a sweepstakes model with a first-place winner, a first runner-up, and a second runner-up. The judging panel often consists of Samford Alumni with expertise in the performing arts.

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The four primary criteria that judges evaluate are:

1. Music: Evaluating vocal quality, arrangement complexity, and overall musicality.
2. Choreography: Assessing the creativity, precision, and difficulty of the dance routines.
3. Costumes: Judging the originality, quality, and relevance of the attire to the group’s chosen theme.
4. Emcee: Scoring the hosts' stage presence, script quality, and ability to engage the audience between performances.

Additionally, a highly respected Spirit of Step Sing Award is often given to the group that best embodies the positive energy, sportsmanship, and overall enthusiasm of the tradition, regardless of their final score.

Looking Ahead: Step Sing 2026 Dates and Themes

With the 2025 season now a celebrated memory, the attention of the collegiate community has already turned toward the next annual competition. The planning committees and student organizations are currently in the early stages of preparing their bids, themes, and complex choreography for the 2026 events. The early announcements for 2026 signal a continuation of the tradition’s high standards and excitement.

Confirmed 2026 Event Details

The following are the most current and confirmed dates and details for the upcoming Step Sing 2026 competitions:

• Samford University Step Sing 2026: The event is scheduled to take place from January 29–31, 2026. This three-day run of sold-out shows ensures that all students and community members have a chance to witness the spectacle.
• University of North Alabama Step-Sing 2026: UNA has announced that their competition will be held during the last weekend of January 2026.
• UNA 2026 Theme Announcement: The University Program Council has already revealed the theme for the 2026 competition, which is "March Through Time." This broad, imaginative theme will allow student groups to explore historical periods, future concepts, and the evolution of culture through their performances.

The success of the 2025 winners—Phi Mu and Alpha Gamma Delta—will undoubtedly serve as a major source of inspiration and competitive pressure for groups designing their 2026 shows. The winning formula consistently involves a unique theme, perfect synchronization, and a deep understanding of the competition's historical roots and judging criteria.

As the student organizations begin their rigorous rehearsals, the collegiate community eagerly awaits the next chapter in this spectacular tradition. Step Sing remains a powerful example of how student-led, competitive performance can foster community, showcase extraordinary talent, and create lasting memories for thousands of participants and spectators.