March 19, 2015
Stars from one of America's favorite TV talent shows are coming to Northeast Texas Community College. American Stars In Concert Celebrate Motown will feature four†American Idol†Stars live in concert Thursday, March 26 at the Whatley Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m.
American Idol†finalists Gina Glocksen (season sx), Von Smith (season eight), Melinda Doolittle (season six) and Rickey Smith (season two) will come together to pay tribute to Motown's finest. The set list includes songs from legends like Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five. Additionally, NTCC's own LaQuon McKinley will perform on stage along with the stars. McKinley, an NTCC student, won the local NTCC Idol contest in November, earning the chance to sing at the concert.
"American Idol†has been entertaining us in our homes for many years now. This is a great opportunity to see some of your favorite finalists perform your favorite Motown hits live at the Whatley Center, Carolyn Franks, NTCC Director of the Whatley Center, said.
Melinda Doolittle became a household name in†2006 on America?s most watched stage,†American Idol. Melinda captivated†millions of viewers week after week with her indelible vocals and assured them†she was a stand-out soloist.††Doolittle†released her debut album††Coming Back To†You (2009, and garnered rave reviews from critics, including The New York Times†which hailed Melinda as one of the most 'phenomenally gifted' in years.
Gina Glocksen gained international fame as the 9th place finalist of the 6th season†of†American Idol.††Although Gina was pegged as the ?rocker chick? for her†season, her musical style stretches far beyond the realm of rock.†Since her time on†Idol†Gina continues to sing throughout North America and†beyond.
Von Smith was most recently seen on†Nigel Lythgoe's†Opening Act†on the E!†network, where his experience was documented as Lady Gaga chose him to be her†opening act for her tour in Australia in 2012. Since then he's been featured on†TimeMagazine.com after appearing in several viral videos with the band†Postmodern Jukebox, garnering several million views on YouTube.
Rickey Smith is a native of Keene, Texas. He was a finalist in Season 2 of American Idol in 2002 and also participated in American Idol Rewind in 2006. He has also appeared on TV's†Family Feud.
The concert is sponsored by Pilgrim Bank. Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for students. Reservations are not required. Cal 903-434-8181 to purchase tickets or visit ntcc.edu/whatley to learn more about this or other upcoming events at the Whatley Center.
