Latest news with #BidDay
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kylan Darnell went viral during Bama Rush. Now, she's ready to talk about the toll it took.
On Aug. 6, 2022, Kylan Darnell, then a freshman at the University of Alabama, woke up with excited jitters. It was the first day of sorority recruitment, a milestone that she says felt like the start of adult life. Dressed in a carefully curated outfit — Gucci patterned shorts, a Zara top and a stack of Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Kendra Scott bracelets — she hit 'record' from her dorm room, posting an outfit video that launched her into virality. It marked the beginning of her persona as a sorority girl, one that would come to define her online brand once she joined Zeta Tau Alpha at the school. 'Hey y'all, today is the first day of Bama Rush and I am so excited,' Darnell shared in a TikTok as she walked through her outfit of the day, or #OOTD. 'I'm so excited for this new chapter of my life and I hope you stay tuned with me.' Nearly four years and more than a million followers later, Darnell has become the face of 'Rush Tok,' the nickname for the corner of the internet documenting sorority recruitment. But behind the brand deals, designer outfits and elaborate costumes, the process was taking a toll. 'When I did essentially get famous online, I was really vulnerable,' Darnell says. 'I didn't really know how to navigate it… I tried my best to be absolutely perfect.' Over the years, she's figured out ways to manage the pressure. But this year, some of the online negativity she faced crossed the line. In an Aug. 11 video, Darnell shared with her followers that she was taking a break from the recruitment process to focus on her mental health. 'I'm in a mental health spot where I've been struggling,' Darnell said in the recent video. 'I won't lie to you guys about it, like, I've just not been enjoying it…. if I was to go on there and show these outfits and like, keep going, I would be lying to you guys and myself.' More: The Bama Rush obsession is real: Inside the phenomena of OOTDs, sorority recruitment Navigating online fame at a young age The video sparked discourse about Darnell's journey as a public figure and a wider conversation about the rush experience. Sorority recruitment, or rush, is a multi-day process at colleges across the country where young women interested in joining a sorority meet current members of Greek organizations with the hope of receiving an invitation to join a chapter. The intensity and experience varies by school, but the ones that tend to go viral highlight over-the-top dance routines, packed schedules and make-it-or-break-it outfits. The sorority recruitment process was thrust into the spotlight with the rise of #RushTok — a TikTok trend that took off in 2021, largely centered around the University of Alabama. Girls like Darnell went viral by posting OOTDs for each round, dramatic Bid Day reveals, and later, behind-the-scenes glimpses of life inside their sorority houses. The phenomenon inspired a 2023 HBO Max documentary on the process and a new Lifetime special, "A Sorority Mom's Guide to Rush!" When Darnell posted that initial OOTD video, she didn't expect to be placed 'on a pedestal.' Years of pageants and dance recitals had prepared her for sorority life, but as the first woman in her family to enter the rush process, she says she went in 'completely clueless' about social media guidelines or the reputations between different houses. 'Whenever I go back and watch the rush videos, I kind of want to cry every time I watch them, because I look so scared,' Darnell says. Recruitment days are often in scorching temperatures, and might start as early as 7 or 8 a.m. after schedules are released for the day. Many girls bring rush bags from house to house full of the essentials — mints, bobby pins, dry shampoo, hairspray, oil blotting sheets, perfume, fans, portable phone chargers, Advil, floss and deodorant. 'It's very exhausting,' says sorority rush consultant Trisha Addicks. 'You have to process what sororities you're invited back to, also process some disappointment, a lot of times, and get ready to go and be positive and open minded for eight hours.' Addicks says the rush process can take a toll on one's self esteem. She still remembers when she first rushed a sorority in 1986 at the University of Georgia and opened up her Bid Day envelope to find out that no house accepted her. She ultimately joined a sorority the following year after rushing again. 'I was devastated,' Addicks says, adding those feelings stayed with her years later. 'I felt isolated. I was embarrassed; I was crying.' More: New, unscripted sorority rush show drops Aug. 11. Here's how to watch. 'What's online is not always the clear picture' When Addicks went through recruitment, girls lined up in a hallway to open their bids, learning about each sorority's reputation, and who eventually accepted which bid, through word of mouth. Now, choreographed dance videos and Hollywood-level productions, complete with brand partnerships, props, and elaborate costumes, bring millions of viewers into the process. Bid day videos capture young women squealing and crying with joy as they rip open their envelopes and sprint down sorority row to their new homes. Their captions amplify the day's excitement: 'BEST DAY OF MY LIFE,' says one video. 'HOME AT LAST AT PHI MU,' reads another. 'only the best go AXO,' another declares, sporting the sorority's hand signs. 'What makes the sting of rejection so much worse and the feelings of inadequacy and all of that, is because you're seeing other people on social media so excited, so happy, living their best lives, even though we all know that what's online is not always the clear picture,' Addicks says. Darnell says her experience was so genuine because she went in without preconceived notions, and she worries TikTok could set up unrealistic expectations for girls going through the same process. 'I feel bad because I've had so many girls in my DMs through the years text me and say, 'Hey, I'm gonna go to University of Alabama because of you, I've seen some of your videos, it looks so much fun, I want to live the way that you're living '' Darnell shared in a TikTok. In some ways, Darnell is reliving that process again through her younger sister Izzy, a freshman at the University of Alabama who shared her recruitment journey online throughout the week before ultimately revealing she dropped out of the process. Unlike her older sister, Izzy is coming into college with more than a million followers, upping the online scrutiny she's facing. Darnell shared that part of her decision to step back from rush was influenced by the negativity her younger sister was facing online. 'It's hard to watch any family member get picked on,' Darnell says. 'I started to become a mama bear, and I really had to take a step back and be like, 'OK, this is your process, not mine.'' There was a point in Darnell's life where her whole personality was her sorority, but as a senior, she's looking ahead to life after college. She hopes to pursue sports broadcasting. Online, it's been harder to separate her brand from sorority life. When she took a step back from posting Greek life content last year, rumors swirled that she had dropped Zeta, which she clarified is not the case. In recent days, users online have flooded Zeta social media accounts with comments asking about Darnell, to the point where Darnell asked the sorority's social media manager to delete comments. 'People thought that they were supporting me, but they didn't get that by going and commenting negative things on my friends pages, that just makes it awkward between us,' Darnell says. 'I had to take a step back after that.' If she could go back in time, 'I would tell my freshman self to really take it in and to appreciate being a freshman in college, but I would also tell myself to not take everything to heart,' Darnell says. 'Now I'm more comfortable in my own skin, I've learned so much about myself. I've got a different level of confidence than I had back then.' Rachel Hale's role covering Youth Mental Health at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input. Reach her at rhale@ and @rachelleighhale on X. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sorority star Kylan Darnell was a RushTok sensation. It took a toll Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Just in time for Bama Rush Week, see photos of Alabama Bid Day from past years
Ever wonder what Bid Day at the University of Alabama was like before it went viral on TikTok? Check out these photos of Bid Day before it became famous worldwide. When is Alabama Bid Day? The University of Alabama's annual sorority recruitment event, held Aug. 17 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, is when thousands of students find out which sorority has accepted their membership bid. Bid Day is the culmination of Bama Rush Week, which begins Aug. 9 at UA. Rush week gives fraternities and sororities the opportunity to host events, where new students can get their first chance to meet members. Bid Day photos from past years This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama Bid Day: See photos from past years from sorority recruitment Solve the daily Crossword
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Why did Kylan Darnell ‘step back' from Bama Rush? TikToker shares recruitment advice for sister Izzy
University of Alabama senior and Zeta Tau Alpha member Kylan Darnell, one of the most recognizable faces of the viral Bama Rush phenomenon, has announced she will take a 'step back' from recruitment events this year to prioritize her mental health. Kylan Darnell announced that she is taking a step back for her mental well-being(Instagram) The reigning Miss Ohio Teen USA and TikTok creator, who has amassed over 1.2 million followers by documenting sorority life, said the decision came after years of navigating intense public scrutiny, reported E! Online. Kylan Darnell on supporting her sister Darnell revealed she is focusing on guiding her younger sister, Isabella 'Izzy' Darnell, who is currently participating in the University of Alabama's highly competitive sorority rush. Kylan was quoted in the report saying that she advised her sister to just be herself and added, 'A lot of girls try to fit into the SEC sorority girl mold, but I wanted Izzy to stay unique.' The TikTok creator admitted that Izzy, who is just 18, is 'tougher' than she was at that age and capable of brushing off criticism, both in person and online. Also Read: What is 'Good Genes' sorority rush? Rushtok college trend goes viral amid Sydney Sweeney American Eagle jeans ad row University of Alabama's sorority recruitment process The University of Alabama's sorority rush spans four intense rounds: open house, philanthropy, sisterhood, and preference, which culminates in Bid Day at the Bryant-Denny Stadium. Known for its competitive atmosphere, the process has become a national talking point after gaining viral traction on TikTok and inspiring the HBO Max documentary Bama Rush, as per E! Online. Sorority consultants, some charging thousands for mentorship, coach potential new members on conversational skills, wardrobe choices, and avoiding taboo topics. Critics, including recruitment coaches themselves, have described the process as 'psychological warfare' and 'emotional boot camp', Fox News reported. Stepping back for peace According to Fox News, Darnell arrived at Alabama with little connection to Southern Greek traditions, and the experience was a rush at first. However, the public scrutiny has begun weighing on her as time passed. She was quoted in the report saying this year was more stressful and added, 'I need to step back. I can't fool myself anymore this week, it is really affecting my mental health.' Darnell, however, noted that her decision to step back from social media does not discourage others from engaging with and becoming active in Greek life. She said that although she enjoyed her time in the sorority, at present, she is choosing to put her mental health first. Also Read: ABC News debate moderator Linsey Davis was Kamala Harris' sorority sister? MAGA digs out video, 'no proof' junk others Cheering on the sidelines Even though Darnell remains a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, the next few days she plans on taking a break from her social media by doing recruitment with her sister and having quality time with her family. Bid Day is August 17, and for the first time in her college career, she will be cheering from the sidelines instead of being at the forefront and online, the Fox News report added. FAQs Q: Who is Kylan Darnell? A: She is a University of Alabama senior, Zeta Tau Alpha member, former Miss Ohio Teen USA, and TikTok influencer known for documenting sorority life. Q: Why is she stepping back from recruitment this year? A: She is stepping back to focus on her mental health and support her younger sister during the rush. Q: What is Bama Rush? A: It is the University of Alabama's sorority recruitment process, famous for its high-energy, competitive nature and viral TikTok coverage. Q: When is Bid Day? A: The Bid Day for Alabama sororities is set for August 17. Q: Is Kylan leaving her sorority? A: No, she remains an active member but is not participating publicly in recruitment this year.
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bid Day 2025: What you need to know about University of Alabama's sorority rush
Bid Day means the University of Alabama's fall semester will soon begin. The University of Alabama's annual sorority recruitment event, held Aug. 17 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, is when thousands of students find out which sorority has accepted their membership bid. Bid Day is the culmination of Bama Rush Week, which began Aug. 9 at UA. Rush week gives fraternities and sororities the opportunity to host events, where new students can get their first chance to meet members. Videos from UA's sorority rush week went viral on TikTok in 2021. The #bamarush and #alabamarush hashtags on TikTok have attracted millions of views during the past few years and continue to do so. Sorority rush week has even spawned its own lingo, with acronyms like OOTD (Outfit of the Day) and PNMs (Potential New Members) becoming popularized. In 2022, a film crew came to Tuscaloosa to document UA's rush week through the eyes of the students who took part. The resulting documentary, "Bama Rush: Acceptance Is Everything," premiered on the HBO Max streaming service in May 2023. During Bid Day, the students meet inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, where they are handed a manila envelope. The students open their envelopes at the same time and then run to their new homes. More: Bid Day at the University of Alabama: 25 phrases you need to know After "running home," they are then greeted by their "big" (their assigned "big sister"/mentor) and new sorority sisters while they are showered with T-shirts, hats and other items bearing the sorority's Greek letters. Bid Day marks the end of Bama Rush Week, but it's only the beginning for these young women as they embark on their college experience as sorority members. Bid Day used to be known as "Squeal Day," after the squeals of delight from pledges as they learned which sorority house had accepted them. So, which sororities are these young women vying to join? They consist of the following: Alpha Chi Omega. Alpha Delta Chi. Alpha Delta Pi. Alpha Gamma Delta. Alpha Omicron Pi. Alpha Phi. Chi Omega. Delta Delta Delta. Delta Gamma. Delta Zeta. Gamma Phi Beta. Kappa Alpha Theta. Kappa Delta. Kappa Kappa Gamma. Phi Mu. Pi Beta Phi. Sigma Delta Tau. Sigma Kappa. Zeta Tau Alpha. UA has traditionally been home to a thriving fraternity/sorority system. According to the Division of Student Life website, 36% of UA's undergraduate student body belong to Greek letter fraternities and sororities. That means that around 12,000 students belong to UA's 71 Greek organizations. In 2024, UA had an enrollment of 40,486 students. Since 2011, UA has had the largest overall college fraternity and sorority membership in the nation. Classes begin Aug. 20 for the 2025 fall semester at UA. Portions of this article previously appeared in The Tuscaloosa News. Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@ To support her work, please subscribe to The Tuscaloosa News. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Bama Rush: Sororities to hold Bid Day at the University of Alabama Solve the daily Crossword
New York Post
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Pushy moms are blowing $10K on Gucci bags, Cartier rings to give their daughters a leg up during sorority rush: 'I want it more than her'
Don't mess with these mamas. Colloquially known as 'the NFL draft for women,' sorority rush has officially begun — and a new reality show is honing in on the overbearing moms who'll stop at nothing to get their daughters into their desired house. 'For every girl going through rush, there's a mom behind her that wants it as bad as she does,' Brandis Bradley says in the trailer for the new series, 'Sorority Moms Guide To Rush,' which premieres on Lifetime next Monday night. 'I might want it more than [my daughter],' one mom admitted in the trailer, while another said, 'I'm living vicariously through her.' Money-minded mamas are sparing no expense, splashing serious cash on clothes, bags and jewellery, so their girls get a leg-up during the grueling process. @officiallifetimetv Sisterhood starts here! 💕 Step inside sorority Rush like never before – following mother-daughter duos from applications to Bid Day 💌👗 #SororityMomsGuideToRush premieres Monday, August 11th at 10/9c only on Lifetime! #RushTok ♬ original sound – LifetimeTV 3 Though some critics slam the culture as toxic, many girls say it's a dream to be in a top Southern sorority. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images 'A rush budget to me is non-existent,' one mother declared in the trailer of the reality show. One girl — or rather, her mother — spent over $10,000 in preparation for it, which had her father rolling his eyes and her brother declaring: 'You could buy a car with that.' Once girls snag a spot in one of the coveted clubs, the expenses don't stop. Dues to stay in sororities, paid each semester, are often thousands of dollars on top of initial rush costs. The University of Alabama is no doubt the most notorious for its elaborate Greek life recruitment, but the girls on the inside say it's not just 'Bama — it's basic protocol at any SEC school worth its salt. 3 Schools like the University of South Carolina (pictured here), the University of Arkansas and the University of Mississippi are particularly well-known for Greek life rush. USC Kappa Kappa Gamma / TikTok 'Bring your pocketbooks, because you've got to pay to play on sorority row,' Bradley warned. Brand-new Gucci bags, Cartier rings, and Golden Goose sneakers are all must-haves for sorority sisters-to-be — but these trendy favorites come with a hefty price tag. Even these accessories alone set families back over $5,000. Some parents even hire rush coaches to ensure their girls get a spot in a 'top-ranked' house. 3 Some sororities are more coveted than others. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images The counselors guide the girls through every step of the process — interviews, social media presence and outfits, among other things. While there are budget-friendly options for frugal freshmen, some parents are willing to spend as much as $4,000 for a top-tier tutor. 'Maybe I need counseling or something,' one mom reflected in the trailer. Parents in the series explained that Greek life has been a component of the SEC college life for generations, but others say that Southern sorority life hasn't always been like this. 'It's like 'Toddlers and Tiaras' but make it college,' one commenter wrote under the trailer, while another remarked, 'Thank God I rushed in 2003 and didn't need all this! It's so superficial.' Despite the noise, many college gals are still psyched to rush. 'It's not this deep. Anyone and everyone can rush. It's an amazing opportunity to meet friends and people you'll know forever. I didn't know a single thing about rush, went in with an open mind, and ended up where I was supposed to,' one gal gushed in the comments.
