MSA ‘diva’ outlasts ‘Idol’ groupmates

Published 6:00 am Thursday, February 5, 2009

During the infamous group singing portion of this season’s”American Idol,” Mississippi School of the Arts student JasmineMurray was the only member of “Team Diva” chosen to sing anotherday on the show.

The day when contestants sing in groups is one of the moreintense parts of the show as competitive personalities often clashand produce drama. This year’s group day, featured on Wednesdaynight’s episode, was no exception.

On Murray’s team was Katrina Darrell, who has become known as”Bikini Girl” after wearing her swimsuit to her initial audition.Wednesday night’s broadcast featured several groups, and Darrell’sactivities were the focus of much of the “Team Diva” segments.

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At one point, Darrell left the other three team members topractice on their own and returned to her hotel room. When the restof the group tried to comfort Darrell, she indicated she wasquitting.

However, the next morning, Darrell showed up at breakfast andready to rejoin the group. The unexpected move caused some concernsamong some of its members.

“We’re going to be that group that’s a train wreck,” said RoseFlack, who was shown doing most of the talking for the divateam.

But Murray, 16, remained optimistic.

“We’re going to do great,” she said.

After Murray’s group sang, the other three members were asked tostep forward. They were dismissed and Murray was congratulated onbeing chosen to continue in the competition.

Murray, who is listed in show credits as being from Starkvillebut identified herself as being from Columbus in an onlineinterview on the “American Idol’ Web site, is one of 75 contestantsremaining. The field will be trimmed during next week’s show andthe top 36 will be announced.