[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 40 (Friday, March 26, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNITION OF TIARA PURIFOY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 2004

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tiara Purifoy of 
Beloit, WI, who recently appeared on the popular reality television 
show ``American Idol.'' After being named a semifinalist with her 
powerful rendition of Whitney Houston's song ``I Wanna Dance with 
Somebody,'' she was surprisingly eliminated before the singing even 
started on the wild card show on Tuesday, March 9, 2003. The show, 
which first aired in 2002, draws a nationwide audience in the millions, 
two nights a week. ``American Idol'' brings aspiring singers from 
across the nation to Hollywood, and awards the winner a recording 
contract and celebrity status. Tiara was selected at an audition in 
Hawaii.
  While her dream of being the next ``American Idol'' has not yet come 
to pass, Tiara is still a star in the hearts of Wisconsinites. Tiara 
began singing as a small girl at age four in her church choir. She will 
continue to sing and perform with her traveling family group the Gospel 
Belles, where she sings lead. Her appearance on ``American Idol'' was 
not her first brush with fame, however. She describes her greatest 
accomplishment thus far as being named Miss Beloit in 1999 because she 
was able to be a positive example for young people.
  Indeed, Purifoy proved to be a positive example to both young and old 
across the nation when she stood up to judge Simon Cowell, who is known 
for his hurtful and critical remarks to budding stars' performances. 
Despite praise from the other judges, celebrated performer Paula Abdul 
and Grammy Award winning producer Randy Jackson, Cowell told Purifoy 
she was capable of much more. With her absolute confidence and positive 
attitude, Purifoy retorted, saying she would let America decide. 
Indeed, America responded, and Purifoy moved on to the next round.
  Even though Tiara is not the nation's new ``American Idol,'' she will 
continue to share her sweet voice with her friends and family who 
continue to cheer for her back home in Beloit. Please share this 
opportunity with me, Mr. Speaker, to honor Beloit and Wisconsin's own 
American Idol.

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