Nakia "Little Shirley" Claiborne
Contestant #8312
Before her audition, Nichole Claiborne, a.k.a. Nakia or "Little Shirley" (for Shirley Caesar), was a seemingly limitless supply of energy and infectious excitement.
Nakia said, "Sometimes you gotta keep your composure, you don't want people to think you're crazy" — and then she continued shaking, laughing, and bouncing all over.
Nakia's performance of Martha and the Vandellas' Dancing in the Street was entertaining and had Paula dancing, however when Nakia sang a slow song, the imperfections in her voice were apparent. Once the judges turned her down, Nakia was deflated and came out of the room a complete 180 degrees of her previous self.
