Lisle student wins COD's 'Apollo Live!'

With his rendition of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come," fine arts student Anthony Perry of Lisle captured first place in College of DuPage's inaugural Apollo Live! talent competition.

Second place went to Naperville pre-pharmacy freshman Ricky White, who celebrated the 30th anniversary of Michael Jackson's performance at the Grammy's with a masterful remake of the legendary "Billie Jean" dance that introduced the moonwalk to the world.

Two performances tied for third place: Jackie Spathies of Carol Stream, who performed to Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Pretty Little Ditty," and the band Indigofera - Michael Carroso of West Chicago and Adam Wilk and Matt Skibinski of Carol Stream - that played "Voodoo Child" by Jimi Hendrix.

Additional outstanding performances included Abraham Godson of Wheaton, who played piano and sang an original song titled "Sleep;" Jeri Quinones and Kathryn Garrido, both of Naperville, who performed a hip-hop/pop-and-lock dance to "Let it Go" by Chonique Sneed and other artists; Marissa Martinez (Mari V) of Hanover Park and Chris Taliferro (Kieferrofresh) of Carol Stream, who sang an original song, "Coastin';" Rex Itczak of Lemont who played the ukulele and sang "Creep" by Radiohead; and Jane Evelyn Duffy of Naperville who performed "Summertime" from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess.

The Apollo Live! talent show was emceed by COD students Keven Huey and Josh Barnibe, and was performed as part of a series of Black History Month events hosted by COD throughout February.