Lorna Nickson-Brown, UK 

As part of the PEARL Reporters visit to New York, the group of young journalists were lucky enough to experience the the historic landmark and world-famous "Apollo Theater." As well as experiencing "Amateur Night," - a show for aspiring artists and performers - the group received an inspiring and equally entertaining talk on the historical significance of the theater in American artistic accomplishment from Apollo tour director and actor, Billy Mitchell.

The Theater, which originally opened in 1914 as "Hurtig and Seamon’s New Burlesque Theatre," rapidly became the world’s most iconic theater in the launching of legendary artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and James Brown, to name a few. Previously banned from African Americans, the theatre grew to become a key centre for the nations emerging and established African-American and Latino performers.

Amateur Night, held every Wednesday evening since 1934, encourages aspiring performers to showcase their unique skills and, in turn, gain the support of a critical audience, in the hope of gaining access to professional and recording opportunities. Of course, due to the nature of the industry and the audience, only a few do succeed.

Each performer who graced the stage was sure to touch the traditional good luck charm, the tree of hope, with the belief that it would bring them the magic that it brought to so many who tread the boards before them. The night’s showcase featured a range of artists from male/female vocalists, gospel singers and dance groups. Of the evening's three winners, two boasted outstanding individual contributions in the form of a truthful female vocalist and a vibrant three-part dance group.

A live band and a charismatic vocalist carried the show, hosting an additional dance-off in which two PEARL Reporters graced the stage themselves; a stage which echoed the voices of many of the world's greatest and indeed most influential performers of all time.