Memphis middle-schooler takes ‘Today Show’ spin in stride
http://tri-statedefenderonline.com/articlelive/articles/4298/1/Memphis-middle-schooler-takes-Today-Show-spin-in-stride/Page1.html
By Brittany Jackson
Published on 10/29/2009
On Monday evening, I had the pleasure of interviewing 12-year-old Deidra Shores at the end of a day she will never forget. Deidra is a student at Colonial Middle School and that morning she had been in New York competing in the Today’s Kid Reporter Contest on the “Today Show”.
On Monday evening, I had the pleasure of interviewing 12-year-old Deidra Shores at the end of a day she will never forget. Deidra is a student at Colonial Middle School and that morning she had been in New York competing in the Today’s Kid Reporter Contest on the “Today Show”.
It didn’t take long to note that Deidra has a powerful combination going for her; she is so mature and has such a nice, positive personality.
I asked Deidra a series of questions that relate to the “spotlight” now shining on her. Her responses were understandable, fresh and at times amusing.
First off, she told me that she loved New York and that it was her first time going to the city. When I asked her to share a little bit about herself, she told me that she has a bubbly, unique personality and that she is an only child.
Deidra said she likes to keep herself away from negative people and energy and just make people laugh! She aspires to be in the entertainment business, possibly as an actress. And whatever happens is what was meant to happen, she said.
On Tuesday night, NBC officials called and told Deidra and her mom, Vanessa Conner, to be at the local affiliate at 7:30 a.m. the next morning for the live announcement of the winner on the “Today Show”.
The “Today Show” odyssey began when Conner learned of the Today’s Kid Reporter Contest, shared the news with Deidra and then made the calls to set up the local interview.
I asked Deidra what she was doing when she received the news that she was going to New York to be on national television. She began to laugh and told me she was at home on her laptop and watching television when the call came. She could not believe that she was a semifinalist in the competition.
Deidra said she actually had lost all hope when she had not heard back sooner. The call left her in utter shock. Deidra acknowledges that she talks a lot and said that when she received the news, it was the one moment in her life when she just did not have anything to say.
While being in the “spotlight” at such a young age likely would be a bit intimidating for many, Deidra said she likes the attention. But there is no cockiness in her. She seems to have a firm grip on remaining humble.
People ask about the show and the contest, but they don’t act like they are all of a sudden “obsessed” with her, she said. Laughing, she added that one person asked her if it was even that big of a deal. That made me laugh.
Middle-schooler wins ‘Today Show’ semi-final
There she was sitting in the local NBC-affiliate studio with a smile bright enough to radiate around the country even without the aid of live television.
Deidra Shores of Colonial Middle School on Wednesday made it to the semi-finals of the “Today’s Kid Reporter Contest” on the “Today Show.” To say she was excited might be the understatement of the month.
“First she said she was going to run around the studio if she won,” said Deidra’s mother, Vanessa Conner. “I said, “Don’t you move from that spot.’”
Deidra stayed seated, but when she learned on live TV that she was moving on to the finals she bounced and pumped her arms as if she had just received the best birthday gift ever.
“I didn’t expect to even make it through the semi-finals,” she said during the “Today Show” interview. “I am so happy right now.”
For the competition, Deidra did a spot titled “Where on the earth is Matt Lauer?” – the “Today Show” co-host. The final round will air Nov. 5.
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On Monday evening, I had the pleasure of interviewing 12-year-old Deidra Shores at the end of a day she will never forget. Deidra is a student at Colonial Middle School and that morning she had been in New York competing in the Today’s Kid Reporter Contest on the “Today Show”.
Memphis middle-schooler takes ‘Today Show’ spin in stride
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Brittany Jackson |
It didn’t take long to note that Deidra has a powerful combination going for her; she is so mature and has such a nice, positive personality.
I asked Deidra a series of questions that relate to the “spotlight” now shining on her. Her responses were understandable, fresh and at times amusing.
First off, she told me that she loved New York and that it was her first time going to the city. When I asked her to share a little bit about herself, she told me that she has a bubbly, unique personality and that she is an only child.
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| Deidra Shores (second from left) on the set of the “Today Show” with Natalie Morales, Al Roker, and others in the Today’s Kid Reporter Contest. (Courtesy photo) |
On Tuesday night, NBC officials called and told Deidra and her mom, Vanessa Conner, to be at the local affiliate at 7:30 a.m. the next morning for the live announcement of the winner on the “Today Show”.
The “Today Show” odyssey began when Conner learned of the Today’s Kid Reporter Contest, shared the news with Deidra and then made the calls to set up the local interview.
I asked Deidra what she was doing when she received the news that she was going to New York to be on national television. She began to laugh and told me she was at home on her laptop and watching television when the call came. She could not believe that she was a semifinalist in the competition.
Deidra said she actually had lost all hope when she had not heard back sooner. The call left her in utter shock. Deidra acknowledges that she talks a lot and said that when she received the news, it was the one moment in her life when she just did not have anything to say.
While being in the “spotlight” at such a young age likely would be a bit intimidating for many, Deidra said she likes the attention. But there is no cockiness in her. She seems to have a firm grip on remaining humble.
People ask about the show and the contest, but they don’t act like they are all of a sudden “obsessed” with her, she said. Laughing, she added that one person asked her if it was even that big of a deal. That made me laugh.
Middle-schooler wins ‘Today Show’ semi-final
There she was sitting in the local NBC-affiliate studio with a smile bright enough to radiate around the country even without the aid of live television.
Deidra Shores of Colonial Middle School on Wednesday made it to the semi-finals of the “Today’s Kid Reporter Contest” on the “Today Show.” To say she was excited might be the understatement of the month.
“First she said she was going to run around the studio if she won,” said Deidra’s mother, Vanessa Conner. “I said, “Don’t you move from that spot.’”
Deidra stayed seated, but when she learned on live TV that she was moving on to the finals she bounced and pumped her arms as if she had just received the best birthday gift ever.
“I didn’t expect to even make it through the semi-finals,” she said during the “Today Show” interview. “I am so happy right now.”
For the competition, Deidra did a spot titled “Where on the earth is Matt Lauer?” – the “Today Show” co-host. The final round will air Nov. 5.
Next step for Deidra Shores by Vanessa Conner, Deidra’s mother “First let me give everyone my sincere ‘Thanks’ for all your support with getting Deidra’s story out and helping Memphis to receive the positive spot light it truly deserves! “The next step for Deidra is to return to the ‘Today Show’ for a look at all 4 Finalist the morning of Nov. 5th. Not sure on a time yet. Finalist will be given a real assignment to report on Friday, Nov. 6th. This assignment will be conducted, shot and edited by the ‘Today Show’ staff. The subject matter of the Assignment will be reviled to us sometime Friday. Hope it’s not animals in a tropical setting! We are set to return to Memphis sometime that weekend. Details are still being worked out. “The new piece assigned to Deidra will be shown on the ‘Today Show’ Monday, Nov. 9th with the work the other 3 Finalist also produced. Viewer Voting will begin immediately after it airs and will last until Tuesday 5 p.m. EST just like this last round. Viewers will be able to cast their vote by going online at www.todayshow.com or text their vote to 622639 with her contestant #, which I assume will change in this next round. “We really appreciate your support and helping to get Memphis/Deidra all the way!” For Deidra’s reaction go to http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/33506014#33506014 |