Katja Sings in Knox Idol Competition- Round #2

In the second round of the Knox Idol Competition the 15 surviving students had to sing an "oldies" song. "Oldies" to a 12 - 14 year old is a song from the 1980's or earlier. Depressing, that, considering it is when I graduated high school! Oh well, time does not stand still...

Katja had a hard time chosing a song but in the end went with Whitney Houston's "One Moment in Time". See recording below:

The day she sang her voice was going hoarse but most people that aren't used to hearing her sing (most everyone judging and/or watching) didn't know that. So, she was able to cover it up pretty well. Now, her fingers are crossed in hopes of surviving to the next round and having time to rest her voice. She is "mouthing" her songs in choir class all this week to give her vocal chords a break. Hopefully, they will be recovered by Friday.

Another reason for me to feel old.... Katja has a boyfriend. When exactly did she become old enough to even have a boyfriend??? I certainly don't recall making an announcement, or giving my permission. Apparently, none was needed. Anyway, his name is Chris and seems to be a very nice boy (major plus if she is determined to have a BF).

Reasons I seem to like Katja's boyfriend so far: (this may, of course, can change at any moment)

1. He seems smitten with her. He has for a looooong time. I can't fault his good taste.
2. He has good grades and good behavior at school. (I have inside sources... ;)
3. He carries her books or viola to the car or door whenever appropriate. Very gentleman like behavior...something you don't see much of among kids their age these days. I know, I am a teacher.
4. He has an artistic side... sings beautifully, plays the cello, and is taking piano lessons.
5. He likes Robbie and does not treat him like "Katja's annoying little brother" (as Katja sometimes does when Chris is not around) = major points!
6. He went with us to the county fair and rode on some of the rides with Robbie, leaving Katja to be the "odd one out" several times so Robbie wouldn't feel excluded. He didn't say anything about this, he just did it. Scored major points with me there!!!
7. He enthusiastically helps with things like the trash and picking up Jack's toys when visiting our house. Great role model for Robbie in that respect. Che-ching! - more points....
8. He treats Robbie like the brother he never had and Robbie verbalizes that he thinks of Chris like an older brother. Sighh... ding-ding-ding-ding-ding= Jackpot!

He and Katja have been best friends all year but finally decided to "go out" together after all their friends pestered them about making it "official". YES, YES, I had to do the trite parental thing and ask "where are y'all going?" And YES, yes, she groaned and found NO humor in my question. It's a right of passage thing. I had to ask. Those of you with younger children will have a hard time resisting when your time comes...

He also sang in the Knox Idol competition and should make it to the next round. His song, Halleluyah (from Shrek) is below:

The next round is "Top 40" (in the past year). Katja hopes to sing "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus. We'll see if she and Chris make it to round #3!