e h T Viking
Shaquila Doss
Reporter the Ultimate Prom. Grammy-nominated pop star Keri Hilson, who has performed with Lil’ Wayne, Kanye West, Chris Brown and others, came to MSU’s Spartan Club Saturday to perform a private concert for the attendees of Prom 2011. Three months ago, Nguyen entered the “Ultimate Prom” contest sponsored by Seventeen Magazine. She was asked to write why her school should win the contest and have a celebrity performer there. Nguyen wrote that it would be fun and exciting if Keri Hilson would come to Everett’s prom this May. She said that an event like that would bring some spirit back to Everett, who didn’t even get to have a winter homecoming celebration. “I wrote the essay for fun, I really didn’t think much of it,” said Nguyen. “I was ecstatic when I found out I won.” Hilson performed a 30-minute concert, and crowned the prom king and queen, Miller Lor and Brianna Black. As she began her set, Hilson told the crowd that “this ain’t gonna be no sucky prom.” She then performed her hit songs, as the crowd screamed and sand along. When she finished the concert with
her current hit “Pretty Girl Rock,” a few lucky girls got to dance with her onstage. “It was amazing that she actually came, and when I got the chance to get on stage with her I felt lucky to be one of the few that were chosen,” said senior Giana Nieto. “I was super excited.” Because of the star guest going to prom, security had been changed and more were added. Michigan State provided three public safety officers and three police officers for the evening. Students were asked to be on their best behavior, and senior adviser Judith Hightower said she never was worried. “[Behavior] never was a concern of mine,” said Hightower. “I knew they would be great. I was a little concerned that, because the kids go out to eat... that they may have not been able to get to the Spartan Club in time for the concert. The other areas of the night met her expectations, as well. “I was pleased with the decorations... the staff was fantastic help as well,” she said. “I thought the majority of the girls wore deresses that were quite appropriate.” Hilson, who presented Sunday at the Billboard music awards, said she enjoys playing to small crowds and feeling their energy. “It’s always more fun, it’s the intimate crowds that I remember the most,” said Hilson. This summer, intimate crowds will be in short supply, as Hilson tours with Lil’ Wayne on his “I Am Still Music” tour.
While many Everett students were getting ready for one of the most important days of their high school careers songstress Keri Hilson was preparing to make it the most memorable prom of all. After having a fitting three days prior to the event, Hilson flew from Washington D.C., landed in Michigan, and went straight to sound check around 1:00. As the day wore on, doubt began to escalate as the time of prom drew near. When word got out that Ms. Hilson had entered the building, excitement built among anxious students. Although many were angered by the wait as the concert start time was delayed, jaws dropped when Ms. Hilson finally hit the stage. “It was totally awesome and I was in [complete] shock,” said junior Elexus Beauchamp. It was clear Keri Hilson was the highlight of the night, making Everett’s prom one no one will forget. Viking Voice reporters Kani Caldwell and Amanda Robertson got the opportunity to sit down with Hilson after the show: VV: What was your day like today, can you walk us through it? KH: I had a fitting three days ago. And yesterday I had a concert in D.C. so we flew straight here here, landed at 1:00 and went to sound check. VV: What did you expect this prom to be like? KH: I really don’t like to come with expectations. I like to feel the crowd out, and go off of their reaction. VV: Did you think Everett’s reaction was a good one, and did you feel the love? KH: Yeah I did, especially when I threw out the towel [and a brawl nearly erupted]. VV: We know that you’re probably more used to performing in front of thousands of people, how was it performing for a smaller audience? KH: It’s always more fun, it’s the intimate crowds that I remember the most. VV: How would you compare your prom to Everett’s prom? A: My prom was probably a little more peaceful and quieter; we didn’t have performers so my prom sucked
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Kani Caldwell Amanda Robertson
NEXT STOP, VEGAS: Keri Hilson talks with reporters after her performance at Everett’s 2011 prom. After a brief rest, Hilson and her entourage had to catch a 4:00 a.m. plane to Las Vegas, where she was a presenter at Sunday’s Billboard Music Awards. SIGN OF THE TIMES: Keri Hilson signs posters as she talks with Viking Voice reporters. Every prom attendee received a signed poster as a prom favor.
compared to Everett’s prom. VV: What was your most memorable prom moment? KH: Oh, let me tell you the story. So I had to get my dress hemmed. I had a long dress, because I’m tall. We had this little carpet picture area, and half of the hem came out, there was no fixing it. No one noticed but me, but still it was really embarrassing. VV: If you could give any message to Everett students what would it be? KH: Be safe tonight! I’m concerned because you hear so many things happening on prom night... You don’t want to do anything you’ll regret for the rest of your life. VV: What are you going to do to top off your night? Do you have any
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Keri Hilson gives Everett the ‘Ultimate Prom’
Hilson: ‘if you’re really passionate, don’t give up’
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KIMBER SEEGRAVES, LIFETOUCH KIMBER SEEGRAVES, LIFETOUCH
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PRETTY GIRL ROCK: Keri Hilson gave prom attendees a night they will never forget. left: Hilson performs “I Like The Way I Are.” top right: Hilson congratulates junior Crystal Nguyen, whose entry in the “Ultimate Prom” contest won Everett the concert. bottom right: Hilson crowns senior Brianna Black prom queen.
When the senior class did not win the blood drive contest to pay for prom, many were disappointed. But thanks to junior Crystal Nguyen, Everett ended up with
Voice
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Volume 51, Issue 6 May 26, 2011 Everett High School 3900 Stabler Rd. Lansing, MI (517) 755-4472
plans for later? KH: First of all I’m going to get a lot of sleep. I have a show in Vegas tomorrow and at 4:00 [a.m.] I’m catching a flight, so when you guys are going to bed, I’ll be waking up. VV: Would you like to add anything? KH: Thank you so much for having me. For those of you who want to get into music, do focus on your talent and your craft and if you’re really passionate about it, don’t give up! And for those who still don’t know what you want to do when you’re older, get involved in a lot of different things. A lot of people go to college and become an adult and still don’t know what they want to do yet, so explore and try out a lot of different things.