By Kelli Gile 

Walnut – A group of enthusiastic Suzanne Middle School students met up with singing sensation, Adanna Duru, at the Teen Center on Feb. 3.  The 2014 Walnut High graduate is competing against 220 other contestants on Season 14 of “American Idol.”

Duru shared favorite memories from her years as a Suzanne student.

“I loved middle school!” she said reminiscing about favorite teachers and classes.

One standout season was playing an Umpa-Lumpa in the cast of “Willie Wonka” in the 7^th Grade.

“I thought that was funny since I’m 5’ 8”!” Duru exclaimed.

The 18-year old Diamond Bar resident advanced to Hollywood Week after her successful audition in San Francisco.  Duru adeptly belted out Lady Gaga’s “You and I” before the trio of judges.  She recalled when Jennifer Lopez commented that she “had the total package.”

“I told myself ‘I need to remember this!’”  Duru gushed.

The following day, Duru received a Tweet from Lady Gaga that said, “Congratulations, you killed it!”

The teen believes she has grown as a performer since appearing on “The Voice” as a sophomore.

“Since then I’ve learned so much. I have so much fun on stage!” said Duru, who shared her strategy for the singing competition after receiving famous “Idol” golden ticket to Hollywood.

“I’m so grateful and happy. For me, it’s about staying focused, being in the moment, and doing my very best.”

Duru was eager to answer questions and sing for the 40 tweens.

“How does it feel to be famous?” asked 6^th Grader Eddie Banda.

“I feel the same, but sometimes I get recognized now,” Duru replied.

The young fans cheered when she offered up Ed Sheeran’s “Give Me Love.”  After the meet and greet, Duru happily took pictures and signed autographs.

“It’s cool she went to my school,” said Aaron Rubio, 7^th Grade. “She’s pursing her dream as a singer. My dream is to be in the MLB.”

“It was great seeing her today,” said 6^th Grader Sharon Suarez who watched the audition on YouTube.

“She’s beautiful and awesome,’ added Elijah Christian, age 11.

“I want her to go to the top and make her own album,” said 7^th Grader Jocelyn Cole.

“I’d go see her in concert!” Rubio exclaimed.

Duru gave the middle-schoolers some advice about reaching for their dreams.

“A lot of people will tell you that your dream is stupid. I’ve been told that so many times,” Duru explained. “Honestly, you’re capable of everything you believe you’re capable of if you really believe that you can do something and you have the discipline to know that when you fail it’s not the end. When you fail, you learn from your mistakes and keep changing and growing. It’s all about believing in yourself!”

Why does the teen want to be the next American Idol?

“Because there’s nothing else on Earth that I want to do besides making music; I feel like it’s my calling, it’s what I’m best at,” Duru said.