Guests were welcomed with glow necklaces. Necks illuminated the auditorium creating a certain ambiance.
The lights went out and the crowd went wild. Burgundy velvet stage curtains opened and screams got louder and louder. A dozen or more bodies, on the stage, dressed in yellow, orange, pink and blue T-shirts, as the beat for Bruno Mars, '24K Magic' begins. The ladies of Detroit International Academy for Young Women and their brothers of Frederick Douglass Academy begin to move.
Eighth grader Malisa Smith says, “'24K Magic' is my favorite song.”
Katilyn Jenkins, 14, was a performer for the piece. She said: “I was nervous. I was performing in front of people I’ve never seen or met. I practiced for two weeks.”
Smith said: “I was impressed and entertained by their performances. They exceeded my expectations.”
Malika Muhammed, 13, said: “I practiced for four weeks with my team. I was very nervous. Having the audience cheer for me made me feel special.”
Star performed their hit, "I Can Be." Dejana Jackson, Trinitee Fullilove, and Mykaila Fears took stage wearing black bodycon dresses with gold sequin accents.
“The choreography was right and everybody was on beat," said Destiny Jackson, 14.
Quanita Montgomery, 14, said: “I wasn’t expecting the boys. It added something extra to the act.”
"Run Me My Money" by Kash Doll was performed by Senior Amari Harris was a show stopper. “Kash Doll was hype, she had a lot energy. The crowd went crazy when she started,” said Jackson.
Other performances included TLC, Black Ice, Destiny’s Child, SWV, and Teo with guest appearances by Justin Allen, Edward Banks, Daj Jordon, Jaelon Randle and Dorian Rodgers.
Sophomore Dikea Seaton said: “I felt that the Grammy’s were fantastic. I love that they outdid themselves.”
Drama teacher Nina Cook said: “Everyone got along great. They worked amazingly together. The guys were willing compliant partners. They respected each other and had a really good time. I would love to work more with them in the future.”
