Thursday, February 20, 2014

...the American Idol season 13 hopefuls

2 girls with Pinoy roots sing for votes on 'Idol'

 

Posted at 02/20/2014
 
 
Malaya Watson and Marrialle Sellars chosen for Rush Week. Photo from the official website of American Idol.
MANILA – Malaya Watson and Marialle Sellars, the two girls with Filipinos roots who made it to the 13th season of “American Idol,” were among the contestants chosen by the judges for Rush Week.

Along with eight other girls, Watson and Sellars were given the chance to perform for America’s votes on Tuesday (Wednesday morning in Manila).

Performing sixth for the night, Sellars sang Katy Perry’s “Roar” which the judges thought did not showcase her real talent.

“Your voice and your ability to perform is better than that. I don’t think that was the best song for you. I don’t think that was the tempo for you. I feel like it all came off too karaoke,” said judge Keith Urban.

“Intonation, singing in tune is big. Try to stay more in tune. Sing in the pocket. The first time I saw you, I was so impressed. I didn’t see that superstar which I think you are,” said judge Harry Connick Jr.

While lauding the contestant's poise after she nearly tripped over her high heels at the end of her performance, judge Jennifer Lopez thought Sellars should have played the guitar just like what she did when she auditioned.

“I would love to see you come out and do that in your guitar so people would see what we saw in you. This is not the best showcase of who you are. But the tremendous poise in the end was crazy. You won my heart in that,” she said.

Last but not the least

With only one spot left in the top 10, the six remaining girls in the “chamber” were already feeling the pressure.

Amid the tense atmosphere, the judges said they are picking Watson to take the 10th spot, citing her powerful vocals.

Known as the tuba player from the Southfield High School in Michigan, Watson performed “Hard Times” by Ray Charles which earned the judges’ nods.

“Welcome to the top 10. The stress for everyone has been so great. I just want to give you a big ol' donut. We all know how talented you are. I look forward to seeing you settling into a space,” Connick said.

“You make glasses and braces seem so cool. It’s confidence, you can make it work. If America votes you through, I can’t wait to hear what you’ll sing next,” added Urban.

Lopez, meantime, described Watson’s performance as “epic.”

“There is no doubt that you are one of the big powerhouses of this competition. Every time you get up there, for me it’s just epic… I just want to say that you did a great job tonight. I have to say you’re amazing and I really hope we have you around for a long time,” she said.

The other female contestants who were also picked by the judges to perform were:
  • Majesty York – “Happy” by Pharrell Wiliams
  • Kristen O'Connor – “Turning Tables” by Adele
  • Briana Oakley – “Warrior” by Demi Lovato
  • Jena Irene Asciutto – “Paint it Black” by Rolling Stones
  • Bria Anai Johnson – “Wrong Side of a Love Song” by Melanie Fiona
  • Jessica Meuse – “Drink A Beer” by Luke Bryan
  • Emily Piriz – “Paris” by Grace Potter and The Nocturnals
  • M.K. Nobilette – “All of Me” by John Legend
On Wednesday (Thursday in Manila), 10 boys will also get to perform for America’s votes. Results will be revealed on Thursday (Friday in Manila).

 

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