Delivering a spine tingling rendition of recently departed Whitney Houston, Nicole Vanessa Ortiz takes first prize in this legendary competition, which began in 1934. According to Wikipedia, the Apollo Amateur Night has spawned the careers of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Gladys Knight & the Pips, The Jackson 5, Patti LaBelle, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Ben E. King, Mariah Carey, The Isley Brothers, Lauryn Hill, and Sarah Vaughan among others.
From Apollo Theater:
Nicole Vanessa Ortiz performed her rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” to a standing ovation. After previously competing in 2011, Nicole successfully worked hard to rejoin the competition!
Mia Chanel and Sharifa Graham also impressed the audience with Beyoncé’s “Listen” and Musiq Soulchild’s “Sobeautiful.”
All three performers shared their joy backstage with family, friends and the Apollo crew. Even though Amateur Night is a competition, they bonded by knowing they’re one step closer to achieving their dreams.
QUICK RESULTS
Nicole Vanessa Ortiz (1st place), Mia Chanel (2nd place), Sharifa Graham (3rd place) and Tears of Blood (Child Star(s) of Tomorrow) advanced to Show Off! on April 4th.
THE REMIX ROUND
Contestants who did not win in last night’s show still have a second chance through the Amateur Night Remix Round! You can click here to vote your favorite contestants back into the show. The Remix Round contestants are Ericka Hart and Latrell Phoenix. Anyone can vote, so spread the word to your friends around the world!
You never know what will happen at Amateur Night! YOU tell the performers to be good or be gone!
1st Place: Nicole Vanessa Ortiz
2nd Place: Mia Chanel
3rd Place: Sharifa Graham
Child Stars of Tomorrow: Tears of Blood