 "Photo: Dan Fletcher/The Daily Northwestern")
By Nathan Adkisson The Daily Northwestern
Although Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell didn't make it to Evanston Township High School on Thursday night, that didn't stop more than 40 ETHS students from performing in "E-town Idol," a competition to determine the school's best singer and dancer.
About 200 people watched the performances in the auditorium of the high school at 1600 Dodge Ave. Participants sang songs, such as Rihanna's "Unfaithful" and Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up."
A clear audience favorite was a four-person break dance troupe called Variations. Using Ciara's "Like A Boy" for background, they gave four breathless minutes of flexible "pop-and-lock" choreography that drew most of the audience members out of their seats. Another memorable performance came from Arielle Ilme, a rapper with a powerful voice who performed "A World Without Phonies," a plea for people to retain their own identities.
ETHS senior Ashley Miller, one of the students who helped organize the event, said she saw a lot of talent within the student body. Miller had the idea last year, and school administrators approved "E-Town Idol" for this year.
"I wanted to bring different kinds of people together from different races and backgrounds," Miller said. "I want them to have some something to look forward to every year. If it's successful, we'll have it again next year."
The winners of the dance and singing categories each received cash prizes, the amounts of which were based on tickets sold, Miller said. Everyone who purchased a ticket received a ballot for both categories.
At the end of the competition, votes were cast for the best singer or rapper and the best dancer. De'erin Hickman was named the best singer for her a cappella performance of All-4-One's "Let Me Be Your Angel," and Variations' performance earned them the award for best dance.
Students were not the only competitors. ETHS employee Marion Caselberry performed an inspirational song for the students.
"This event gives our students a way to show their talents in a competition in a fun way," said Caselberry's daughter, Nikki Shepherd, who works as a security guard in the school. "They might be able to show those talents after they leave here."
Kwane Brown, a teacher at ETHS, said he thought "E-Town Idol" was a success.
"There are performers here who would not ordinarily be involved in student groups," Brown said. "They are all very supportive of one another."
Reach Nathan Adkisson at n-adkisson@northwestern.edu.
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