'Idol' finalist picks up tips from tube

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Jasmine Trias, one of three Hawai'i finalists on the TV show "American Idol," reacts to comments by the judges to the contestants. Trias, watching the program with her family and friend, Raina Okazaki, in Miliani, says she is not afraid of Simon Cowell. Photos Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

Jasmine Trias, front right, watches the "American Idol" show. Beside her is brother, Ronel, 15; behind, from left, is grandfather Rudy Trias Sr,; Jasmine's dad, Rudy Trias; and her mom, Nora Trias. 'American Idol' 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, 7:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, KHON-2 (Fox TV) Jonah Moananu competes Tuesday; Jasmine Trias competes March 2.

Ever since Jasmine Trias, 17, became an "American Idol" finalist, her family has gathered in front the TV set at their Mililani home every Tuesday and Wednesday night to soak up the tension, the trauma, the thrills of victory and the pangs of defeat.

They eat dinner together, eyes glued to the tube, wondering which of the weekly eight will advance to the next round, expecting the best but discovering the worst. They have a vested interest, of course, since they have an "Idol" finalist in their midst.

And watching Trias watch the on-screen shenanigans, as we did Tuesday, provides something of a primer on what kind of a candidate she is.

Or will be.

She's focused and confident, astute, gentle and caring.

"I'm not afraid of Simon," Trias said as the show started Tuesday, before Simon Cowell started dissing the contestants. "He's honest. He's cool."

A senior at Maryknoll High School, Trias is one of three Hawai'i finalists — Camile Velasco, 18, of Ha'iku, Maui — who was the top vote-getter Tuesday to advance to the final 12 — and Jonah Moananu, 21, of Kalihi, who will compete next Tuesday, are the other locals.

Trias, however, is the only one not yet given a chance to sing, talk or even wave on camera.

That low profile is behind her the affectionate label, "the Maryknoll mystery girl."

While the Triases were all eyes watching Velasco's performance, Moananu attended an "American Idol" viewing party at Dave & Buster's in Honolulu with Velasco's father, James West, some Maui 'ohana who had flown in for a viewing party and other Hawai'i fans.

Moananu sang for the gathered crowd and the KHON-2 cameras — a surprising development, since the show's managers control their public appearances. But his profile has been as big as his build; he's had ample "Idol" exposure, and his earlier beat-box shtick around town is well known among local hip-hoppers.

Trias is at the opposite end of the visibility pole.

Even her Honolulu audition last fall, when she wowed Cowell and fellow judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul the first time they heard her, was never shown on that "Hawai'i show" before the ultimate competition began.

And she was practically invisible — except for a quick group shot — when the roster of "Idol" wannabes was pared down to the elite 32.

"I hope they're saving the best for last," said Trias, who will be competing in the last block of eight contestants on March 2. If her fortunes run the way they have, she could easily go down to the wire and be the very last candidate to sing. The would be a stealth salvo.

As Matt Rogers, the football-player candidate, began singing last week, Trias sighed: "Oooh, he doesn't sound so good."

So when Cowell told the jock his performance was a 3 out of 10, her smiling face turned a little sad.

"The judges are rough," she said.

They're also not always in tune with the viewers.

•	In tomorrow's Island Life: A chat with Jonah Moananu, who will sing on "American Idol" Tuesday

When Briana Ramirez-Rial, the suspender girl, finished her song and was summarily dispensed of by Cowell's "just nothing" reaction, Trias didn't cheer or moan. Quietly, she made mental notes.

"It's got to do with the right song. You gotta pick the right song," said Trias, who wears glasses when watching TV but not when she competes.

Because she'd met most of the contestants, the volley of barbs and put-downs hurt her just as much. The fact that these digs were being handed out on national television made her realize that she has to try hard when it's her turn.

"The last two weeks will be tougher," said Rudy Trias, Jasmine's father, who will accompany her to the show.

"That's where you'll be sitting," grandfather Rudy Trias Sr. told her dad when the cameras showed contestant Kara Master's family assembled with other kinfolk in the studio.

"She was holding back," Trias said of a blonde contestant who had encouraged comparisons with Sarah Jessica Parker.

As soon as Velasco started her turn, Trias observed, "She sounds sick."

After Velasco's performance, however, the audience applauded. Trias let out a sigh of relief.

"She did well," Trias said.

"Camile has a good chance," said dad Rudy Trias.

Clearly, though, he's hoping that Jasmine — the family's best-kept secret — won't be a mystery girl after March 2.

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