Local teens make it to "American Idol's top 13

Oakland teens make it to “American Idol’s” top 13

AMERICAN IDOL XIII: Semi-Finalist: Malaya Watson, 16. Southfield, MI. CR: Michael Becker / FOX. Copyright 2014 FOX. 

By Nancy McCauley Branstetter, Special to The Oakland Press

POSTED: 02/20/14, 10:49 PM EST | UPDATED: 1 DAY AGO

AMERICAN IDOL XIII: Semi-Finalist: Jena Irene, 17. Farmington Hills, MI. CR: Michael Becker / FOX. Copyright 2014 FOX. 

American Idol’s result night was a mix of absolute celebration and deep disappointment for the 30 contestants vying for a place in competition’s Top 13. Weeks of long days, intense pressure, hard work and hopes were placed in the hands of fans who voted for their favorites after live performances earlier this week. The judges held three wild-cards to play. When the results settled- Jena Irene, Farmington Hills and Malaya Watson, Southfield stood among the Top Thirteen survivors. They move forward in the competition.

Malaya was the first to be called forward to take her spot in the Top Ten. With her long bouncy hair flailing behind her, she blew kisses and ran in circles, touching the hands of the audience, bubbling with joy. One by one contestants were called to the stage to fill the ten chairs. Jena Irene was not included. She had not received enough votes.

The judges, Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez, held three wild-cards, which means they could save three of the remaining contestants. Only five would be allowed to perform, and Jena was second to be called to sing for her “American Idol” life. Accompanying herself on the piano, she didn’t disappoint.

“This was a good use of this moment,” said Keith Urban. “You can sing and play.” You have a really good artistic sign right there.”

Host Ryan Seacrest asked Jena what she thought of her performance. With a deep sign of relief, Jena smiled and said, “It felt good. I’m not going to lie about it.”

As they have all season, the judges dragged out the drama as long as possible before naming Jena as one of the three wild-card survivors. Jena Irene and Malaya Watson join the “American Idol” Big 13.

The Top Thirteen

Surviving to the Top Ten, or in this case the Top 13 in the “American Idol” competition is a monumental milestone for contestants. Not only will millions of Americans know their names, but their music careers will be launched. They will be asked to join the American Idol tour, when it is announced, and the pressure will be cranked up to impossible levels.

The rules change for the finalists. They will be taken on a shopping trip, and given a budget to buy new outfits, and their hair and make up will be in the hands of expert beauty consultants.

At this point, the challenge for contenders will be to hang on to the natural qualities that the judges spotted early-on. The Top Ten is ultimate goal- the only thing better could be becoming the next “American Idol.”

15 girls started, 10 took the stage;Oakland teens move up

Oakland teens survive another round toward becoming the “American Idol”

Malaya Watson performs in front of the "American Idol XIII" judges on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014, on FOX. Photo by Michael Becker ó FOX Broadcasting. 

By Nancy McCauley Branstetter, Special to The Oakland Press

POSTED: 02/19/14, 7:02 PM EST | UPDATED: 1 DAY AGO

Jena Irene performs in front of the "American Idol XIII" judges on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014, on FOX. Photo by Michael Becker ó FOX 

FYI

“American Idol” will air at 8 p.m. ET Thursday on WJBK-Channel 2 (Fox-Detroit).

The pressure has been pumped up for contestants, and once again Fox’s “American Idol” contest crushed the dreams of five young female hopefuls by sending them home without letting them perform for the TV audience.

Judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. secretly decided who could perform. Jena Irene of Farmington Hills and Malaya Watson of Southfield survived, with Malaya grabbing the last spot in the coveted Top Ten.

Irene’s performance of “Paint It Black” by the Rolling Stones drew praise from judges. Urban complemented Irene’s confidence.

“You are cool and have the vocals to back it up, very cool,” Urban said.

Lopez told Irene that she is one of her favorites. And Connick questioned her song choice by asking if she knew what the song is about, a question he posed to several contestants.

After nearly two hours of suspense and palpable tension in a holding room among the other female singers, the judges called Watson to perform. After racing to the stage, Watson belted out Ray Charles’ “Hard Times,” earning the words she hoped to hear from Lopez.

“You are one of the powerhouse singers of the competition,” Lopez said. “You are amazing, and I hope you are around for a long time.”

Urban brought a huge smile to Watson’s face by telling her, “You make glasses and braces look cool,” While Connick added that he is looking forward to seeing her settle into her space.

At the end of the show, America voted. Thursday, Irene and Watson learn whether fans put them in the Top Ten, allowing them to move forward in the competition. The judges will be allowed to “save” three contestants, boosting the number moving on to 13.

Also Thursday on “American Idol,” the male singers will perform, and the field will be narrowed from 15 to 10.

Oakland County teens face tough challenges to be next 'American Idol'

Team Clarity consisted of Sikenya Thompson, Jena Irene Asciutto of Farmington Hills, Munfarid Zaidi and Allie Odom. Sikenya was on vocal rest and didn't practice with her group. Sikenya stumbled with her lyrics and looked like she was going to cry, but the judges encouraged her to keep going. In the end, only Allie was headed home. (Photo American Idol — Fox) 

By Nancy McCauley Branstetter, Special to The Oakland Press

POSTED: 02/10/14, 9:15 AM EST |

Oakland County "American Idol" hopefuls were surprised when they arrived for the next round in the musical competition.

A total of 212 young singers from across the country headed for Hollywood last month, each with a Golden Ticket in hand and a single vision­ to become the next Idol. Hopefuls from the Detroit audition included Malaya Watson of Southfield, Jena Irene Asciutto of Farmington Hills and Sarah Scherb of Birmingham.

To their surprise, the American Idol folks invented a new challenge for contestants called Hollywood or Home. Exhausted from their flight, they were taken to an airport hangar for what Host Ryan Seacrest described as "a shocking wake-up call." Without a break to rest from their flight, about half of the group was called to sing for the judges and fight for their place in Hollywood.

"We didn't know what was going on and were all freaking out," Ascuitto said. "We watched the judges walk in, and Jennifer Lopez said, 'the competition begins now.'"

The stress and tension was visible on the faces of the hopefuls in the latest episode, which aired last week on Fox. As they were called to perform so judges Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. could again listen to contestants they believed may not be Idol material. After a very long day and night, two buses pulled up outside the hangar. Connick told the group that one bus would take the contestants moving forward to their hotel and the next round, called Hollywood Week. The other bus was headed to the airport, where passengers would board planes to go home, never having a chance to unpack their bags.

Asciutto, Watson and Scherb were not asked to perform at the hanger, but faced the judges the next day. Ascuitto performed "Video Games" by Lana Del Rey, accompanying herself on the piano.

"My heart was pounding," Asciutto, 17, said. "My piano is like my blanket. It makes me more comfortable, so once I started playing, it all fell in place. We were supposed to say our names and why we should be the next American Idol. I was told to make it short, so I said that it's my time and my Mom would be very proud of me."

Following Ascuitto's performance, Keith Urban whispered to the other judges, "I like that song. I don't know it, and I am going to download it."

Malaya Watson also accompanied herself on the piano, singing "Brand New Me" by Alicia Keys.

"I chose that song because it showed who I am. I can sing and play piano," said Watson, 16. "I decided to wear comfortable clothes because I didn't want to wear something outrageous or pajamas. When it was over I felt like I had a boulder off my shoulders — phew."

At the end of the day, contestants faced their fate in the form of two lines­ the singers moving forward in the competition and the ones going home.

"I watched the really talented people move to one line, but I was not called,"Ascuitto said. "I was giving up hope when Jennifer Lopez told me to step forward at the last moment. I think my heart stopped for a second."

But there was no time to relax and enjoy the moment. Contestants were handed another challenge that took them out of their comfort zones and sent them scrambling not only to
form small groups, select a song to perform and choreograph it, but also find a way to stand out.

Drama erupted as the stressed, exhausted singers worked late into the night. Tears flowed and tempers flared as each group tried to find a way to work together. Ascuitto's group included a huge challenge in the form of Sikenya Thompson of Saginaw, who said she was sick and kept the others wondering until the last moment if they would have to perform without her.

Showing poise and professionalism fitting an American Idol, Ascuitto impressed the judges and earned her place in the next found of competition. Although Thompson struggled with her performance, she also was allowed to move forward.

Malaya Watson, with group members Olivia Diamond of Detroit and Queen Bulls of Ypsilanti turned in an entertaining performance of The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back." Jennifer Lopez told the group, "I want YOU back."

However, it was the end of the American Idol road for Sarah Scherb, whose performance was not aired. Scherb tweeted, "Unfortunately got cut in group round of Idol. I learned so much from my amazing experience, but it's definitely not over for me. Keep watching for me y'all."

The number of contestants now stands at 77.

• "American Idol" airs at 8 p.m. EST Wednesday and Thursday. http://www.americanidol.com/

The Oakland Press

Oakland Community College play puts women in men’s shoes

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

By NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTER
Special to the Oakland Press

The Orchard Ridge Theater Program of Oakland Community College has taken Tom Stoppard’s
classic play, “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” and given it a 21st century feminine twist. In this production, women will perform the traditional male lead roles, Rosencrantz,
Guildenstern and The Player.

Stoppard pulls two minor characters from Shakespeare’s tragedy “Hamlet”-the courtiers Rosencrantz and Guildenstern—and gives them the leading roles in his play.
The hapless duo has been asked to spy on t
heir childhood friend, Hamlet and report his strange behavior and intentions to Claudius, the murderous king and Hamlet’s uncle.

“When casting the show, I knew these three women were perfect for the leads,” said director
Dennis North. “They bring an originality to show, which makes our production very unique.”

As the play unfolds, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern witness Hamlet’s insane behavior, his murder
of Polonius and the court now in chaos. The pair is also trying to figure out how they should behave, what actions should they take and where their loyalties should lie.

“These guys are trying to climb the Medieval corporate ladder, while deciding if they can live within a moral code,” North said. “This is an existential play, so our leads constantly ponder,
‘Do they really have any say in their own destiny or has it all been written out for them?”’

Lilli Bishop, cast as The Player, says her voice is a little raspy from lowering her register to
better suit her character. Bishop has also altered her stride.

"One day the leads were all sitting together with our legs crossed and hands in our laps, and I
said, ‘We need to model our characters,’ so we all shifted to more masculine positions,” Bishop
said. “The tables have turned because in Shakespeare’s day all roles were played by men, and
in this production women are now playing the lead male roles.”

Kaitlyn Giguere, who agrees that developing a heavier walk and body positioning has been a major part of character development. Giguere will play the role of Rosencrantz.

“Guildenstern and I set on the floor and I have to fight to sit cross-­‐legged and not tuck my legs to one side." said Giguere. “We also console one another, and we can't be sweet so we might pat
a shoulder and say, ‘There, there.”’

In preparation for the play, the public is invited to a special stage reading performed by OCC theatre instructors of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” from 10a.m. to noon March 22 at Smith Theater.
Performances of “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” are scheduled for 8 p.m. March22,
23 and 24, and March 29, 30 and 31 in Smith Theater at OCC's Orchard Ridge Campus

General admission is $8; students and seniors (age 60-­‐plus) pay $5. Tickets may be purchased at the OCC Raiders Store or at Smith Theatre Box Office on the day of the performance. Tickets may also be reserved in advance by calling 248-­‐522-­‐3666.

Milford's Will Young covets roles in 'Our Town,' 'Ernie'

Published: Monday, March 28, 2011

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Actor Will Young (left) and Director Dennis North sit on the set of "Our Town" on the OCC Orchard Ridge Campus. Photo courtesy of Kurt L. Mathiak

Director Dennis North works with the cast of "Our Town" at OCC Orchard Ridge Campus. Photo courtesy of Kurt L. Mathiak

By NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTER
Special to The Oakland Press

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Actor Will Young plays the part of Stage Manager in "Our Town" at OCC Orchard Ridge Campus. Photo courtesy of Kurt L. Mathiak

Actors often wait a lifetime for their dream role. Will Young of Milford is pinching himself to make sure he isn’t dreaming, as he has not one but two perfect roles, and not back to back, but at the same time.

Young accepted the role of Stage Manger in the Oakland County Community College (OCC) Orchard Ridge Campus production of the American classic “Our Town,” before recently landing the part of Detroit Tigers broadcasting legend Ernie Harwell in the upcoming play “Ernie” by Mitch Album. Young smiled broadly as he described himself as one busy guy.

“I’m in rehearsals for Ernie six days a week for six to eight hours, before heading out to join the cast of ‘Our Town,’ ” Young said. “It would be impossible without the support of the ‘Ernie’ director and stage manager who arrange my schedule so I can get to the two weeks of ‘Our Town’ rehearsals.”

Young, who grew up in the small Minnesota town of Cokato, saw “Our Town” when he was in seventh grade, said he coveted the role of the Stage Manager, thinking he would never have an opportunity to perform it. Years later he landed the role in a production at the Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea, then was offered that childhood dream role again by his long-time friend and director, Dennis North.

“Will is an Equity Actor and this is the first time OCC has brought a professional actor into a production,” North said. “When I decided to do ‘Our Town’ this season, I thought of Will because for me, Will owns that role. You won’t find a better Stage Manager.”

Young is a member of Actors’ Equity Association which is the labor union that represents more than 48,000 actors and stage managers in the United States.

The majority of the 23 member cast of “Our Town” is OCC students and former students who say they are watching and learning from both North, who is also a professional actor, and Young.

“Will raises the bar,” Lilli Bishop (cast as Mrs. Gibbs) said. “He makes you want to be the best you can be.”

Young said he feels a sense of responsibility to model a professional work ethic and support his fellow actors.

“The first time he came to rehearsal, he knew all his lines,” Garett Harris (cast as George) said. “My jaw dropped.”

Balancing the two productions not only requires careful scheduling. Young explained that he needs great focus while on each stage. A self-proclaimed worrier, Young admits he is anxious about representing the icon and beloved Ernie Harwell, and is carefully studying his body movement and expression.

“ ’Ernie’ is a labor of love by Mitch, and I am honored to be chosen for the role,” Young said. “I have most of the lines in both shows, so I am now speaking for about nine hours a day between the two show rehearsals. I’m not complaining, believe me.”

Young added that both projects offer him phenomenal roles and both have beautiful words and are incredible pieces.

North described “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder as a spiritual play with a journey of love and loss. Noting the play has no formal set and few props, so audience must bring their imaginations to the performance.

“Our Town” can be seen at the Smith Theater on the Oakland County Community College Orchard Ridge Campus at 8 p.m. on March 31 and April 1 and 3, and at 3 p.m. on April 3. Tickets are available by calling 248-522-3666 or at the box office. Tickets for adults are $8 and $5 for students and seniors.

“Ernie” opens at City Theatre on April 28.

By NANCY BRANSTETTER
Special to The Oakland Press

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Antoinette Nikprelaj is Dr. Scarlet Sangfro in "Scar 23."

Antoinette Nikprelaj of Rochester is preparing for the role she hopes will launch her to Hollywood stardom. The 24-year-old actress is learning the skills she will need to save all mankind in the year 2099.

Nikprelaj is starring in the upcoming “Scar 23” — a futuristic, sci-fi thriller in which she plays a time-traveling scientist, heroically trying to save Earth — shot entirely at the Livonia-based Maxsar Digital Studios.

“I gave her a screen test and she was perfect. We put her in an apartment near the studio and away from her family so that she can concentrate on her training with our technical consultant Darcy Leutzinger of the Warren Police Department,” said Philippe Martinez, the film’s producer and director. “When I saw Antoinette, I knew she was our star, Scarlet.”

Nikprelaj’s Cinderella story began last year when the former model was urged by her cousin to audition as a stand-in for a Hollywood star who was originally set to play the kickboxing and fearless scientist in the Maxsar film, primed for its first feature-length CGI release.

After the meeting with Martinez, Nikprelaj walked away with the starring role of Dr. Scarlet Sangfro, replacing previously cast actress.

Months of pre-production self-defense and weapons training have been grueling, but the sacrifice proving most difficult for the young star is being away from her husband Nua and 3-year-old daughter Gianna.

“I miss them so much,” said Nikprelaj. “They are my life, but I am doing this also for them, because I see a great potential to become successful.”

In terms of training, she says that staying focused, especially in those sessions when the long hours have exhausted her, is her greatest challenge. Adding that pushing herself beyond her comfort zone taught her that she is a much stronger person than she thought.

“The pressure is on me to make it believable,” said Nikprelaj. “I am working with my acting coach, Megan Brown, on every detail including how to stand and where to put my hands. I actually play several versions of myself — one sexy, one strong and another is very sad.”

Nikprelaj moved into the Detroit area as a child with her Albanian-born parents.

She began modeling as a teenager, landing a national ad campaign for the women’s clothing chain “The Limited.” Her young career soon grew. She appeared in several music videos, then won roles in “Just Go With It” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” playing a mermaid opposite Johnny Depp’s iconic Captain Jack Sparrow.

“Johnny Depp is very kind and talented,” said Nikprelaj. “In the film he tries to kidnap one of mermaids so the mermaids fight the pirates. We had a chance to speak often, and he told me it is important to remain true to yourself, follow heart, and hope people like what you create.”

Depp’s insights are emanating through Nikprelaj in “Scar 23,” written by Stevie Robinson of Dearborn. The $16.5 million film will be the first full-feature computer generated (CGI) film shot in Michigan.

That means, however, that Nikprelaj will not act with anyone — she will stand in front of a 30-foot-tall, image generating green screen for every scene, some that include battles with all sorts of terrifying creatures.

“This will be an acting challenge,” she said. “My imagination has to be very elaborate. I will do lots of fighting, and I am learning to ride a custom made motorcycle, created just for me.”

The willowy 5-foot, 7-inch actress is currently putting in eight-to-nine hour days between her physical training and sessions with Brown.

Through it all, Nikprelag says she knows she’s lucky to have the opportunity, sometimes likening it to her own personal fairytale coming true.

“They have a nickname for me — ‘Cinderorky,’” she smiled. “That’s ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Rocky’ mixed together. An unbeatable combination.”

For more information about “Scar 23,” which is due out in 2012, visit www.cinepropictures.com.

Actor Dennis North shares his craft with studentsActor shares his craft with students

Actor shares his craft with students

Published: Saturday, December 18, 2010

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Director Dennis North directs Oakland County Community College students in a scene from Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten Connor Payne, Dennis North, Aaron Burton. Photo by Kurt Mathiak

Dennis North directs Oakland County Community College students in Everything I Need To Know I Learned in Kindergaten. Erin Ginger, Mitchell Wilson, Connor Payne, Sabrina Acovski, Dennis North, Aaron Burton, Lilli Bishop, Brittany Bradley. Photo by Kurt L. Mathiak

Photo by Kurt L. Mathiak/www.seewhatsinsidetours.com Actor Dennis North directis students in a production of "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten." Students are Sabrina Acovski (from left), Connor Payne, Lilli Bishop, Erin Ginger and Ryan /Ernst

By NANCY McCAULEY BRANSTETTER
Special to The Oakland Press

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Dennis North directing students in a production of Everything I Need to Know I Learned In Kindergarten Sabrina Acovski, Connor Payne, Lilli Bishop, Erin Ginger, Dennis North, Ryan Ernst. Photo by Kurt L. Mathiak

Actor Dennis North enjoys challenging roles that stretch his skills and demand he create characters who movie fans either adore or give them goosebumps with a capital G.

When North is not on a film set or a stage, he’s teaching his craft to students at Oakland County Community College, Orchard Ridge Campus, Oakland University or Wayne State University.

“I teach by often using my real experiences to convey a lesson. It’s been a blessing to be able to teach what I actually do,” North said. “For a lot of students, it’s a first-time experience taking an acting class and I really try to make it a good one.”

North has appeared in lead and principle roles in nearly a dozen films and television programs including “Gifted Hands,” in which he played a doctor and shared scenes with Cuba Gooding Jr., starred as a terrifying pedophile in “Small Beautiful Hands,” and just wrapped up a role as the father in the Miley Cyrus/Demi Moore film, “LOL (Laughing Out Loud).”

“‘LOL’ was truly fun because we had this international feel, the director/writer was from France; the (director of photography) was from Ireland; crew from Detroit, L.A., France and New York; and the actor playing my son was from London, U.K.,” North said. “Miley Cyrus is very nice person, very down to earth.”

Growing up in Los Angeles, North moved to the Midwest as a teenager. He came to Detroit for his master’s degree at Wayne State University and landed his first film, “Singapore Harbor,” shortly after graduation. Since then, he has been featured in “SWAT,” “Butterfly Effect: Revelation, Restitution,” now in post production, “Salvation Boulevard” starring Pierce Brosnan, also in post production, and others.

North is dedicated to acting and mentoring his students, and uses a video camera in the classroom to record student performances. He says the camera is a wonderful tool that allows students to see what works in a scene and what doesn’t.

“We performed monologues and scenes and he would have us perform it without any direction, and then coach/direct us for a second take,” said Oakland University theater major Lauren Knox. “When we played the tape back, we’d see our own improvements. He doesn’t settle, and didn’t let us settle, for anything less than the truth in our performances. I can still hear him saying ‘Yeah, I just didn’t buy it that time.’ or ‘Beautiful. That was it. I believed you, you were telling the truth,’ in response to some of our work.”

Rami Paulus took four acting classes from North at Oakland County College and is now in Hollywood testing the waters.

“I feel prepared, 1,000 percent thanks to Dennis,” Paulus said. “He takes the time to teach us the correct way because he wants to build actors. He gives us the armor we need to be successful by mentoring and caring about us.”

North is as comfortable on film as on stage. With his production of “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” wrapped up last month, North is directing “Our Town,” which will be performed at the Oakland County Community Smith Theater in Farmington Hills next March.

“I’ll tell you one other thing that’s been great to be able to say to students — Michigan is a great place to work, especially film. The Midwest has always been a great area for theatre and commercial work, but when it comes to film, I’ve truly never been able to say that before but now, at least as long as the incentive holds out, I can. It’s nice.”