Ernestine Collins Named “Pali Idol”

By DIVYA SUBRAHMANYAM Sophomore Ernestine Collins, a second-time contestant and singer at her church, became the 2006 Pali Idol at Palisades High School’s fourth annual singing contest last Friday night. The event is a local spinoff of Fox TV’s hugely popular “American Idol.” The competition began with a group of more than 80 contestants, which was pared down to 20 semifinalists, and then, the 11 finalists who performed on Friday night. During the event, the finalists performed and were narrowed down to the three top singers Each of the four judges cast one-fifth of the deciding vote, while the audience acted as the remaining fifth. Members of the judging panel included PaliHi Principal Dr. Martinez (in her second year), Joe Lando, Lilli Lee and James Swindel. Lando co-starred for 10 years on “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” and now guest-stars regularly on ABC Family’s “Wildfire.” Lee, a former producer for the Emmy Award-winning entertainment program “Extra,” has covered “American Idol” competitions. Swindel ha worked in the sales and marketing departments at Island Records and Arista Records for two decades. The program opened with all the finalists in an ensemble performance of “Celebration,” by Kool and the Gang. Several of the singers stepped up to the microphone for short solos, each unique to their voice and style of singing. Then, one at a time, the finalists performed their pieces. Collins, who has a husky but soulful voice, sang “I’m Ready for Love” by India Arie in the first round. She had “a lot of fans,” observed Lando about the large cluster of students who erupted in cheers when Ernestine’s first performance was announced. For the finals, she sang the more powerful “I’m Going Down,” originally recorded by Mary J. Blige. This song showcased Ernestine’s range to a greater extent than her gentler first piece. “You sound like a real American Idol!” exclaimed Lee. Martinez agreed, saying “That song was perfect for your voice’good job.” Ernestine said afterwards that she grew interested in singing when she was quite young. “It started when I was three years old. I saw Patti LaBelle on TV and I just dropped my blocks. I’ve been singing since then.” Active in her church, where she got her singing start, Ernestine also participates in track and field. After two years of Pali Idol experience, she now plans to try out for the national “American Idol” next year. “My heart was pounding when I was on stage,” she said, “[but now] I feel like I can do anything.” The two other finalists were Jasmine Einalhori and Shannon Kinnard. Jasmine’s first-round choice was “I’m Going Down,” and she sang the Lauryn Hill version of “Killing Me Softly” in the second round. Both choices showcased her powerful vocal range. Lee also observed her stage presence, telling Jasmine that she was “very involved” with the music on stage. Shannon sang “My Heart Will Go On,” Celine Dion’s memorable theme from “Titanic.” Martinez complimented her “dynamic voice,” while Swindel expressed admiration for her “powerful pipes.” Shannon’s second-round choice was the classy, smooth, “Don’t Know Why,” by Norah Jones. Collins was awarded $200 and Einalhori and Kinnard received $50. The other eight contestants were Justin Jones, Denise Kotlarenko, Jakeem McGee Lewis, Jordan Lloyd, Raiai Lee, Mia Pruitt, Lauren Tizabi, and Laura Yazdi. They each received gift cards to Tower Records. Pali’s Leadership class and their teacher, Chris Lee, organized the event. Lee, also an American history teacher, hosted the program along with Annie Tippe, the 2004 Pali Idol. During the intermission/first voting period, a documentary from the media class, called “Pali Idol: Behind the Scenes,” was projected to a screen above the stage. It featured interviews with candidates who didn’t make the final cut, but unfortunately, the film’s sound faltered and the viewing had to be cut short. The best thing about this competition, said Lee, is that “it gives people a chance to perform, [people] who wouldn’t normally be able to. Also, this was the best year in terms of support. The contestants were a lot closer than they have been in the past and the camaraderie was great to see.”