Teaneck Youth Performs At U.S. Open

Teaneck resident Ja'Neil Humphrey was a repeat winner at the U.S. Open – just not by playing tennis.

For the second year in a row, Humphrey, along with 12 other young people, was chosen to sing patriotic songs at the Grand-Slam event.

She earned her spot by sending in a video after just missing a chance to audition at Radio City. 

"We waited in line for three hours at Radio City Music Hall," Humphrey said. "After judging contestant No. 209, officials came out and told us they weren't taking anymore but that we had the option of sending in a video, and that's what we did.  Out of 250 kids, I was chosen along with 12 others to sing this year."

Her performance Aug. 31 after an evening match at the Open isn't on YouTube yet, but her 2009 performance is. From start to finish, Humphrey looked confident and composed as she sang a flawless rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner."

"Singing at the 2009 U.S. Open was cool," Humphrey said. "I was in hair-and-makeup with (singer) Justin Bieber; he was really nice. I also shared the same stage with (American Idol winner) Jordin Sparks; she told me I was awesome when I finished singing the anthem."

And, of course, she got to see some tennis stars. "Venus – wow, she's tall! But, unfortunately, I didn't get to talk with anyone," Humphrey said.

This year, Humphrey sang "America the Beautiful" at 11:30 p.m. after a match by Rafael Nadal, who later went on to win the tournament.

ALWAYS A PERFORMER

Humphrey said she discovered her singing talent when she was 4 years old.

"My mom was always singing at events, and I always went with her," she said. "One day, my mom had me sing with her, and from that day on I have been performing.  I love singing in my church choir and school choir at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. I also sing with a quartet group called 'One Voice.' We have been singing together for three years now."

Humphrey continues to nurture her talent by taking lessons from fellow Teaneck resident and voice coach Eric Hall.  

Along with singing, Humphrey said she enjoys tackling math problems with her dad, writing short stories and dancing.

A PENCHANT FOR PAGEANTS

Even though Humphrey isn't allowed to compete for a chance to sing at next year's U.S. Open (cutoff is at age 12), don't think this will be the last you'll hear from her. The talented young lady also has a knack for winning pageants.

In November, Humphrey will compete for the title of Miss American Preteen 2010 at Walt Disney World in Florida. Humphrey won her spot at the national competition by winning the Garden State Preteen Scholarship Pageant in July.

Humphrey aced the talent portion for her age division when she sang "I'll Be There" and "Somewhere over the Rainbow."

With Humphrey's voice and determination, Teaneck  should expect to see her on many more stages to come.