Malaya Watson wows with jazzy take on Beatles song

MANILA – Filipino-American singer Malaya Watson wowed the “American Idol” judges anew as she performed a jazzy rendition of The Beatles’ “Long and Winding Road” on Wednesday night (Thursday morning in Manila).

Showing beautiful voice control, judges Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban agreed Watson is the most consistent among the nine remaining finalists of the talent show.

“Oh Malaya, gosh that was beautiful baby. Wow. You really chose a performance that showed us your voice and I could feel your voice,” said Urban.

“When you hit the first notes to the end of the phrase, when you hit the ‘lead me to your door,’ your vibratos are beautiful. That’s where your personality comes through. We feel it, that’s you and we get a sense of your spirit.”




Lopez, on the other hand, said Watson’s voice stands out among everybody else’s, adding that the 16-year-old singer reminds her of a young Michael Jackson.

“I think of you during the opening number with the head banging and the whole thing, I love that stuff. To me, you stole that number. And when you come out here with that type of control, because we know you can be some kind of off the rails in the best way, your voice really stands out above everybody’s else’s to me. It sounds like the sweetness of the young Michael Jackson, I hear hints of it. It’s so beautiful, you’re so blessed. You’re 16 and you blow me away,” she said.

Connick, meantime, advised Watson to forget stardom and work on her craft.

“I give you the award for the most consistently improving. I think you really listen to what we say. It was strong. One thing, this is non-performance related, I heard you say in the pre-performance package before how you’re on the road to stardom, we were always taught to work on our craft. Forget stardom Malaya. Put it out of your mind. Work on harmonies,” he said.

“Hang around with the piano, bass and guitar players and your tuba instructor and learn every note of every chord because with a voice, ears and attitude like you have, you really can become something great,” he continued.

On Thursday (Friday morning in Manila), the contestant with the lowest votes will be booted off the competition.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Malaya Watson shines in 'Dreamgirls' song

MANILA – Malaya Watson, the only remaining contestant with Filipino roots on “American Idol,” once again proved she belongs in the competition as she delivered a strong rendition of a Jennifer Hudson song on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila).

For the Songs from the Movies week, Watson chose “I am Changing” from the film “Dreamgirls,” which eventually earned a standing ovation from judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and the live audience.

Both Lopez and Urban noted the song was perfect for Watson.

“Good girl, Malaya. That’s the perfect song for you. Perfect way to end the show. That was killer. You have an amazing voice, oh my God. You’re so blessed,” Lopez said.

Despite showing some nerves, Urban said one of Watson’s strength is that she has “a really good understanding of the songs.”

“That song was perfect to play your strengths. The only thing is that there’s bits of places where you could reign it in a little bit but it’s just the adrenaline and the rush of the crowd. Anybody in here, you sense the energy is huge and you get caught up in it. But what you have inside that’s going to blossom, it is magnificent,” he said.

Judge Harry Connick Jr., meanwhile, said he can’t wait for Watson to bloom some more.

“I’ve heard people on the street come up to me and say ‘Oh this year, there’s no belter among the group.’ I’ve heard that. People say that. Again, this is the most diverse group I think 'Idol' has ever seen. You just showed everybody that there is a big belter,” he said.

“I look forward over time, over the course of this competition and over the years, your sound is just going to get bigger and bigger. It’s going to be a pleasure to watch. Nice job,” he added.

On Thursday (Friday morning in Manila), the contestant with the lowest votes will be booted off the competition.

On the other hand, those who will be voted into the Top 10 will be part of the “Idol” tour this summer.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Fil-Am Malaya Watson advances to 'Idol' Top 12

MANILA - And she's still in.

Malaya Watson, the only remaining contestant with Filipino roots, advances to the next round of American Idol Season 13.

The tuba player from Southfield High School in Michigan is now part of the reality show's Top 12 after one of its female contestants was sent home.

But it was not smooth sailing at first for Watson as she was the first contestant to be sent to the Bottom Three.

Watson sang her own rendition of Bruno Mars hit "Runaway Baby" during the Top 13's first performance night on Wednesday (Thursday morning in Manila).

Along with Watson in the bottom three were MK Nobilette and Kristen O'Connor. But it was O'Connor who was eliminated after the three judges--Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr--didn't save her after her performance.

Aside from Watson, the other contestants who also made it to Top 12 are:

Ben Briley
Alex Preston
Jena Asciutto
Dexter Roberts
Majesty Rose
Sam Woolf
CJ Harris
Jessica Meuse
Caleb Johnson
Emily Piriz
MK Nobilette

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

2 girls with Pinoy roots sing for votes on '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 point 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).

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com