MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Witherspoon, Fillingane, Norwood, Horhn, Simmons (12th), Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jordan, Blackmon, Branning, Frazier, Dawkins, Turner, Barnett, Chassaniol, Dearing, Jolly, McDaniel, McMahan, Stone, Watson
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE POWERFUL MUSICAL TALENT OF MCCOMB, MISSISSIPPI'S LA'PORSHA RENAE JENNINGS AND CONGRATULATING HER FOR HER OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE ON THE "AMERICAN IDOL" TELEVISION PRODUCTION.
WHEREAS, the last two "American Idol" finalists were from Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, McComb, Mississippi, native La'Porsha Renae Jennings was the runner-up to Amory, Mississippi, native Trent Harmon who was crowned the final "American Idol" on April 7, 2016, in a match-up of Mississippians; and
WHEREAS, at age 16 La'Porsha Renae tried out for "American Idol" during its tenth season. After her college graduation at the age of 22, La'Porsha moved to McComb with her one-month-old daughter Nayalee Keya. Accompanied by her daughter, she returned to audition for the 15th and final season of "American Idol" in Little Rock, Arkansas, and earned her Golden Ticket by performing in front of the judges with Radiohead's "Creep"; and
WHEREAS, during American Idol's three-night series finale the audience saw some of the strongest performances of the night from La'Porsha Renae and Trent Harmon and there wasn't a single dry eye in the house after their night of soulful, show-stopping routines. What made everything even more special was the 22-year-old songstress's devotion to her adorable infant daughter, to whom she dedicated her final performance of the night. "This is going to be the closest race in Idol history," Judge Keith Urban said in one of the most accurate predictions of the entire season; and
WHEREAS, when La'Porsha hit the stage singing Dionne Warwick's 1964 classic "A House is Not a Home," it was clear from the enraptured looks on the judges' faces and Lopez emotionally singing along to the beautiful tune that La'Porsha might have the edge; and
WHEREAS, round three saw La'Porsha come out swinging, once again singing an emotional cover of Rihanna's "Diamonds." La'Porsha delivered the kind of masterful, diva performance that would normally make her lock to win in most seasons, if not for her worthy competitor. At the end of the number the emotion of the night overcame her and brought the singer to tears, and that raw show of heartfelt joy carried over to the judges who couldn't contain their love; and
WHEREAS, on Saturday March 26, 2016, "American Idol" Top 4 Finalist La'Porsha Renae was in her hometown homecoming and Saturday McComb pulled out all the stops for her! There were thousands of people lined up just to see the American Idol Top 4 Finalist. One of the more intimate moments was at Jubilee Performing Arts Center. La'Porsha got emotional watching the young students perform, with a precious moment of the day coming when they gave her a group hug after the performance. But minutes later, she was sitting atop a mustang in a parade all about her. She held her daughter who had been along for the journey. She headed to the stage to see thousands of fans waiting for her. Fans who had been following the show were thrilled to see their favorite live up close and personal; and
WHEREAS, hours after the end of the American Idol, La'Porsha Renae announced that she had been signed to Big Machine and Motown Records. American Idol Mentor and Big Machine Label Group CEO, Scott Borchetta told Billboard the reason for the signing is "Because of the overwhelming fan demand for La'Porsha and success of the farewell season of American Idol"; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we commend the professional excellence and positive image that has been projected by a young Mississippi citizen who has brought honor to her family, her community and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the powerful musical talent of McComb, Mississippi's La'Porsha Renae Jennings and congratulate her for her outstanding performance on the "American Idol" television production, and extend our best wishes to La'Porsha Renae and her family for future success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to La'Porsha Renae Jennings and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.