Glassboro High School Senior Earns "Idol" Title

GLASSBORO – Glassboro High School senior Brielle Colina sang her way into history on Friday, January 6 as she claimed the title of "Glassboro Idol 2012."  Senior Shannon Dalton took second place. The two were among seven finalists to compete for the title during a fierce competition before a standing-room-only crowd of parents, teachers and friends. In its seventh year, "Glassboro Idol" is inspired by the TV show "American Idol."  This year's competition began with two rounds of auditions held in the fall. A field of 60 hopefuls was narrowed to the finalists. In addition to Colina and Dalton, they included seniors Ryan Breen and Danielle Daniels, juniors Kayla Harrison and Jahquay Ogawa and sophomore Xiomara Palau. As the winner, Colina received $75 and a recording session at Meteor Studios in Sewell.           

During the final competition, the seven students performed three rounds of songs, including hits from the 90s in the first round, hits from the movies in the second and a personal choice in the final round. The evening's emcees included students Tom Petty and Nick Fasulo. The program was highlighted by a performance of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by last year's Idol winner Kelley Pritchett as well as a dance performance by the Adams Dance Academy.           

Judges for this year's finals included Miss Vineland 2008 and Miss Heartland 2009 Angelica Nardi, former Miss New Jersey and Miss Delaware Runner-Up Chelsea-Lee Ray Hanke and Miss Atlantic Shores 2012 Bre Ray.           

Brielle notes that her biggest inspiration is her grandmother Concepcion Sanchez, also known as Chita, who would always sing to her when she was a little girl. Brielle looks up to her as a beautiful singer and role model and would like to thank her for that. Brielle's favorite artists include Norah Jones, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Bob Marley. Runner Up Shannon Dalton has always been very involved in choir and musical theatre. She is currently working on the musical "Beauty and the Beast." Shannon would say that singing is probably one of her favorite things to do. She would like to thank her friends and family for always supporting her and for pushing her to try her best. 

Proceeds from the Glassboro Idol finals benefit the high school music department activities.