‘American Idol’ reject makes it to next round of ‘Rocks’

Simon Cowell from ‘American Idol’ might have called him a joke on Wednesday night’s show, but Quindon Taner from Plano was no joke at Thursday night’s Mustang Rocks competition. Although Taner said Simon evoked more nervousness than Thursday night’s crowd, his shaking hands didn’t affect his performance. Dressed with his speckled sweater, torn jeans, and eagle belt buckle, Taner stole the show with his acapella version of “The Sparrow.”

Takesha Kizart finished a strong second, but still could be asked back to perform in the final night of competition, March 8. Kizart is a senior musical performance major at the University of North Texas. Jamie Hunter from Duncanville and Michael Yeshion, a SMU sophomore theatre major, were also big crowd pleasers.

Before the announcement of the winner, various people in the audience had different opinions on which singer performed best.

“Michael is the friendliest, so that’s who I’m rooting for,” said Anthony Belvin, a member of the event staff. Yeshion proudly displayed his school spirit throughout the game, placing his pony ears high before each SMU free-throw.

The whole show was entertaining, and it will definitely draw a crowd, said Rebecca Brown, a sophomore business major.

“My vote is with Quindon though, hands down,” Brown said.

And he took the prize. Actually, Taner took more than just the title of winner. He left with $100 in Kroger Groceries, his favorite prize. He receives ATT Cell Phone minutes too.

Taner will face three new contestants at Saturday night’s game. This time he hopes to win over the judges with Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All.”