The Stars of Covenant Idol

Ready…Set…Idol! By the final performance of Covenant Idol 2010, the audience was so entertained that they were up on their feet dancing and singing along. Positive energy radiated through the room. Winners of the Eastside, Southwest, and Central Covenant House Life Skills Centers were joined by new contestants from the Crisis Center and Rights of Passage Program to participate in Covenant Idol Stars on Friday May 7. During the contest, the eighteen young men and women showcased their extraordinary talents including singing, dancing, rapping, and spoken word poetry. This event allowed kids to express themselves in a positive way. They were given a chance to show their talents and passions. All throughout the show, the judges complimented the performers by saying they would be willing to pay to see performances such as these, and they thought the youth should hop on a plane and head out to L.A. because their talent was that remarkable. The talent was so incredible that these judges had a genuinely difficult time choosing the winners.

Even though the judges designated winners, every performance was truly inspiring. To start the show off on a great note, all of the singers performed a collaboration singing to “I Need You to Survive.” The audience later jammed to Rappers such as Ryan “BM” and Martece “Young Blaze” who both performed original songs. The audience was also both shocked and amused by Martin rendition of Al B. Sure’s Nite and Day. We also had the pleasure of hearing the smooth sound of singers such as Tanisha “Ms. T” and Christopher, who both placed in the top five. The viewers were also fortunate enough to witness dancing that was reminiscent of greats such as Michael Jackson and Usher which was performed by Andrecia “Knockout” and Jessie who both placed second in the show. Many of the acts filled the room with excited energy and solicited standing ovations from the nearly 200 member audience. A number of youth also gave incredibly moving and emotional performances. For example, the first place winner, Quenlatta “Lala”, performed a powerful original piece of spoken word poetry that gave testimony to the faith and fortitude of the youth at CHM.

Covenant Idol was not only filled with stars as it related to its performers, but the judging panel was note worthy as well. This year’s showcase was fortunate enough to have entertainment royalty. Covenant Idol had the privilege of having Ms. Shannon of Mojo in the Morning who conveyed beauty, style and wisdom and Ms. Misha L. Helvey of Real Times Media who offered the performers a great deal of guidance and wisdom regarding the entertainment business. Not to disappoint, the judging panel also had Covenant Houses’ very own Mr. Harris who always had the audience laughing whenever he held the microphone and Ms. “Randrea” Parson who always seemed to offer advice that was both useful and relevant. All in all, the judges of Covenant Idol were amazing!

The talent demonstrated during all the Covenant Idol shows is evidence that the youth of CHM are nourished by the love and family atmosphere they find here. When the performers’ smiles lit up the room, everyone at Covenant Idol saw that CHM is giving these gifted young men and women the opportunities to let their talents flourish. The way the youth cheered each other on and helped one another overcome nervousness illustrated how they have truly formed a family here that will help them become the successful people they deserve to be.