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APOLLO THEATER

Showtime At The Apollo is a syndicated television show broadcast from the famed Apollo Theater in New York City. In early 2002 the production company set out on a 17-city tour searching for winners in a contest co-sponsored by Sears and McDonald's - the McDonald's/Sears National Kids Talent Search. On their stop in Houston in May 2002, Tony was one of 100 children to perform before a panel of judges and audience and was declared the first place winner. In addition to a home computer and college scholarship he won a trip to New York City and the opportunity to sing at the famed Apollo on a televised episode of It's Showtime At The Apollo. In October 2002 Tony and his parents enjoyed a fabulous trip to The Big Apple where they enjoyed meeting the wonderful Apollo/McDonald's/Sears sponsors and other talented young winners from several other cities. The trip included transportation in stretch limousines, a tour of the city and a memorable and humbling visit to the World Trade Center site.

On October 5, 2002 11 year old Tony made his professional stage debut at The Apollo Theater where he was introduced as an Apollo "Star of Tomorrow" by actress and Showtime At The Apollo host Mo'Nique. He was a guest singer on that episode which aired in November 2002. One of his favorite memories of that day was getting a hug from singer/actress Queen Latifah while they visited together backstage before the episode on which they both sang. It was an honor for Tony to be selected to perform on the same stage as her and other greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Michael Jackson, D'Angelo and Lauryn Hill. Entertainers from Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to the modern rock bands of Korn and The Strokes, have all been inspired by the legends who have emerged from the Apollo Theater. Furthermore, all of them have welcomed the chance to be part of the Apollo's legendary audience or to perform on its hallowed stage.

Tony and the other winners were featured in the February 2003 issue of Ebony Magazine.

Click here to go to the Apollo Theater's official website:

http://www.apollotheater.com