Sister duo wins Ypsi Idol

By Christine Laughren
Jan. 15, 2009    ·    2:51 p.m.

While millions of loyal television watching Americans were tuned in to American Idol Wednesday evening, Ypsilanti High School’s cheerleading squad welcomed dozens of community members to the High School auditorium for Ypsi Idol.

Approximately 25 students participated in 18 different performances, but it was sisters Princess and Christine Onyebuchi who took the first place prize, $300, for their original song and dance "clap your hands."

Christine and Princess said as soon as they found out about Ypsi Idol two weeks ago they started practicing their dance moves and writing lyrics. Christine said they practiced almost every day.

“It was a lot of work but it was worth it,” Christine said.

Sabrina Gissendaner won second place, $150, for her solo performance of Etta James’ “At Last” and third place, $50, went to the three-person gospel group Anointed. Winners also received gift baskets filled with items donated from Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College and area businesses.

Ypsi Idol was organized to raise money for the junior varsity and varsity cheerleaders. Tickets were $5 in advance and $8 at the door. Varsity cheer coach Stacie Richardson said she hoped to raise at least $300 to buy an array of things for the cheer team.

“Hopefully we can buy some equipment like floor mats, pay for assistants and trainers and maybe buy some food,” Richardson said.

She said Ypsi Idol was a good way to showcase the local talent as well raise money.

“All the students that have participated have really enjoyed themselves and the community has been supportive,” Richardson said. “The basketball coaches really got behind us and made their players come which we really liked.”

The majority of the 18 performers, like James Barmore and Devon Lunch, sang acapellas. However, there was a little variety with original raps by Q’tarus Morgan and Aaron Washington Jr. Marissa Harding also performed an original song.

Judges Tina Walker, Syvia Vick, Leslee Clerkley and Michael Gannon scored performers on their overall presentation, and their ability to engage and keep the focus of the audience.

Gannon, a YHS alumnus, said he had about five performances at the top of his list.

“In the end, I went with the sisters because they had an original score, an original dance, original lyrics and they worked the stage,” he said.

The evening wrapped up around 8:30, after a final performance by all the contestants, giving Ypsi Idol participants enough time to make it home to get another dose of Idol on television.

This is the first year YHS has done Ypsi Idol, but Richardson said she already has plans for next year.