ECSU student will perform on "Showtime at the Apollo"

ECSU student will perform on “Showtime at the Apollo”

March 13, 2006
 
Marcus Cox is carefully considering his options now that a trip to New York City has been confirmed. The junior at Elizabeth City State University was the grand prize winner during the “CIAA Night at the Apollo” contest in Charlotte, NC. That event was one of many held in conjunction with the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) basketball tournament. The competition led students from participating universities to display their vocal, acting and musical skills in the presence of their peers at regional competitions and the final competition in Charlotte. Twice, Cox won the approval of his audience and now is booked for an appearance on the nationally syndicated “It’s Showtime at the Apollo.”

A song by Grammy-award winning artist, John Legend, captured Cox’s interest. Twice, he sang “So High” and returned to Elizabeth City a winner. First, Cox won the preliminary competition in Petersburg, VA and later he won in Charlotte, NC. He is carefully considering the song for a third time while waiting to hear the exact date he will perform in New York. The segment isn’t scheduled for broadcast until fall 2006. Cox’s rich, crisp, baritone vocals distinguish him from many of the recording artists now crowding the airwaves with a nearly cookie-cutter, nasal tone. His determination to remain focused on his graphic design curriculum at ECSU is an indicator this young man has not been swayed by the cheers of supportive fans.

“It was a great experience competing against so much talent during those competitions. There were 14 different acts in Charlotte. The band, Ray Chew & the Crew, is really good. They’ve played live for John Legend, so I was really glad to sing with them accompanying me,” Cox said. “Now, I’m looking forward to the show in New York.”

Coca-Cola officials presented Cox with a $1,000 grand-prize award. After the show, Cox greeted a slew of fans, Chancellor and Mrs. Mickey L. Burnim and his competitors. Special guest and award winning singer Pattie LaBelle also congratulated Cox backstage before performing for the Charlotte crowd. After finishing mid-term exams this week, Cox said he will finally relax and relish the events that secured the upcoming televised performance.