When Najee Searcy was 5 or 6 years-old, his mom placed him in a children's choir for a year, known as the Northern Illinois Children's Chorus. He also has long sang along with music on the radio and to music videos.
"My voice and teamwork with my nationally recognized DeKalb High School Chamber Chorus has taken me all the way to Montreal, Canada, [and] it will take me so many more places I am sure," he said.
On June 1, at Progress Bar in Lakeview, Searcy sang John Legend's "Ordinary People" in the Windy City Gay Idol competition.
"I performed it to remind everyone in the realest sense that, no matter your credentials or uniqueness, we are all just ordinary people. Perhaps by pausing and taking a moment to enjoy life and each other, we will better our condition," he said. "It was remarkable. I loved every moment and was floating in my soul while sharing it. I believe the entire bar was utterly shocked and completely fulfilled with a beautiful performance. You know, when one is on stage so much can go right and so much can go wrong. That night, it all went right.
"Although I did not win, I performed well but only had one friend there to vote because I entered spontaneously. The performers who won gave their all and were fully supported by a lot of friends voting, which is how it should be done. I had a blast regardless."
Searcy said singing is his release. "Some of us cope with life in expressing ourselves through business, politics, physical or mental exercise, and art to name a few [way]," he said. "Singing and musicianship are the tools that allow me to release the pressure of emotions within my soul. This is why my voice carries so much emotion and hearth. I am forever fused with singing."
By day, though, he is a professional makeup artist for NARS Cosmetics at Bloomingdale's, 900 N. Michigan Ave.
"I get to make men and women look and feel glamorous all day long which in turn makes me feel great," he said.
He has been a makeup artist for almost four years.
"It is a job that requires creativity, patience, self-control and [is] lots of fun," he said.
THE STATS
Age
23
Neighborhood
Pilsen
Relationship status
"Dating a beautiful being."
Orientation
"I identify as a full-force cisgender gay male."
Jobs
A singer/songwriter, and makeup artist for NARS at Bloomingdale's
Hobbies
Biking, tennis and kayaking. "I never used to bike until I used Divvy and fell in love. I am now a proud bike-owner and rider."
Little-known fact
"I hear visual actions that make no sound."