Young Valley-Girl Scores 2Nd Place in Paula Abdul's “Live to Dance”

Young Valley-Girl Scores 2nd Place in Paula Abdul’s “Live to Dance”

Written by Nadine Toren

Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.

At her age, I rocked out to Paula’s “Straight Up,” and knew every word to “Cold-Hearted Snake.” In fact, Abdul’s “Shut up and Dance” cassette was the first tape I ever bought with my allowance.

But to 11-year-old Kendall Glover, Paula Abdul is the former “American Idol” judge that gave her a shot at stardom.

“I was very nervous because all eyes were on me out there,” said Kendall Glover.

All eyes were on Ahwatukee’s little lady as she made it through round after round in Paula Abdul’s hit CBS reality show, “Live to Dance.”

The Valley girl recently scored second place in the competition, strutting her stuff as a solo performer.

“I danced jazz, funk, and contemporary,” said Glover.

Glover discovered the open-call for auditions surfing the web a while back, only dreaming she‘d make it this far.

But week after week, America voted, and the tiny dancer kept wowing crowds.

She danced her sweet little heart out in front of lights and a live audience, as people from all over the country tuned into the tube, watching as Glover flaunted her talent.

“It was nerve-wrecking but exciting at the same time.”

During my interview with the 11-year-old, I almost forgot I was talking to a 6th grader.

The poised, mature young woman answered my questions with TLC, confidently confessing her plans for the future.

“When I grow up, I want to be a dancer, singer, and actress.”

Thanks to the show, this potential triple threat is now living her dream, having experienced life as a little star.

For nearly a month, Glover called the Los Angeles Embassy Suites home, and rehearsed day in and day out.

Her choreographer was Paula Abdul, the superstar Glover describes as “spunky” and “cool.”

“Paula gives you very good feedback and challenges you to do cool, hard things, and I love to be challenged.”

Glover took a welcoming break from sitting in class, skipping three weeks of school.

However, she studied three hours a day in Los Angeles in-between rehearsal with the other finalists.

“We all practiced together, ate lunch together, and hung out together like a huge family.”

They were like a huge family until the night of the finale, when everyone was out for themselves.

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Written by Nadine Toren

Her heart skipped a beat as the results were announced, and Glover became one of the top two.

In the end, the little girl walked away with second place, never seeing the $500,000 grand prize.

But to Ahwatukee’s rising star, it wasn’t about the Benjamins.

For Arizona’s own, publicizing her passion was the biggest prize of all.

“I like being second because I am young and still got this far.”

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