'American Idol' keeps Jasmine under wraps

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

We smiled when Honolulu's Jonah Moananu swayed "American Idol" judges with his oversized aloha-style grace, smile and silky voice.

Word has it that Jasmine Trias, 17, will remain in the shadows until March 2, when she is finally introduced to the prime-time audience along with seven other "Idol" hopefuls. Fox TV

Jasmine Trias?

Barely a blip on the screen — for now.

Call her Fox's ace in the hole — or the Maryknoll mystery girl. As "American Idol" glides into its initial round of eliminations tomorrow night on KHON-2, the 17-year-old senior has yet to perform on camera.

So far, the only way anyone would know she's advanced to the final 32 is by going to the www.idolonfox.com Web site or reading the newspaper. And word is Trias will remain in the shadows until March 2, when she is finally introduced to the prime-time audience along with seven other "Idol" hopefuls.

At least that's the buzz, as the first eight of 32 finalists start competition this week, with two to be selected each week, hoping to be one of the two finalists on March 24.

Camile Velasco of Maui overcame camera shyness to star.

Jonah Moananu said Justin Timberlake is one of his favorite artist, but "don't tell anyone." Fox TV

Of the three, Trias remains a mystery. The Mililani resident was a thumbs-up favorite with judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell in Honolulu auditions last fall. Why she has been seen only in fleeting wide-shots — never interviewed, never performed — is an unanswered question.

"Jasmine has a strong voice; I think she's really good," said Jordan Segundo, a Hawai'i finalist from season two, who has the voice of experience on his side. "I'm curious why they haven't really 'done' her yet, but it appears that they're saving some people for later on."

He doesn't know Velasco, but he said Moananu was a neighbor of his until recently. "... he's real nice — and a Farrington grad, too," said Segundo, who also is an alumnus from the Kalihi high school.

A viewer wants everyone to know that Moananu is Samoan, not Hawaiian, "though he may wear Hawaiian clothing to represent the Islands. For us Samoans, he also represents the Samoan islands."

So the anticipating and the waiting begins.

AT&T again will be involved in voting or text-message voting; watch the show for details. There will be a two-hour window of voting after the airings in Hawai'i.

Because finalists have been bound to confidentiality clauses with "Idol," access has been restricted.

At www.idolonfox.com, the Fox-TV Web site, we gleaned these snapshots of our candidates:

Jasmine Trias

• When she started to sing: "Since I could talk."
• Formal training: "I attend the Performing Artist Academy (music school in Waipahu; started at 8, quit at 10, back at 14)."
• Other talents: "I play the piano, the 'ukulele, the guitar; I dance hip-hop and hula."
• Goals: "I want to have a recording contract ... and live my dream of becoming a star. Or go to school and finish up my education to become a nurse."
• Favorite artists: "Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera."

Camile Velasco

• When she started to sing: "I've sung all my life but just started performing at 16."
• Goals: "To be a respected singer and songwriter."
• Favorite artists: "Prince and Beyoncé."
• If she doesn't make it: "Go to college and learn to create beats and study music."

Jonah Moananu

• When he started to sing: "Since I could speak; it's my parents' fault. Thanks, mom and dad."
• Other talents: "I free-style rap, which is rapping off the top of your head. I am currently Hawai'i's emcee battle champion. I can also beat box; make beats with my mouth, stuff like that."
• Goals: "I plan to get married in two or three years; which also means that another goal would be being financially well-off before that. I would like to put out at least one full album. I would also like to travel a bit before having kids. Oh yeah, I would eventually like to have a Chevy Tahoe, my own house and a beagle hound."
• Favorite artists: "Justin Timberlake (don't tell anyone) and Christina Aguilera ('cause she's dirty)."

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.