Maui's newest star back home

By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui County Bureau

KAHULUI, Maui — American Idol? Maybe.

Camile Velasco will head back to California for the finals in about a month. Timothy Hurley • The Honolulu Advertiser

That was abundantly clear yesterday as friends, family and scores of newly minted fans came to Kahului Airport to greet Camile Velasco, the cute-as-a-button pancake waitress voted to join the final 12 on the third season of Fox's hit talent show, "American Idol."

The tears of joy that seemed to flow with ease on last week's shows came out once again as she emerged with her family from the airport's second level and saw a throng of nearly 200 people, including Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, a camera crew from "American Idol" and the chanters, musicians and keiki dancers of Kahului hula halau Na Hanona Kulike 'o Pi'ilani.

Velasco, wearing blue jeans and a pink top revealing a bare midriff, shed a few more tears as she was bombarded with hugs, loaded up with lei and asked for autographs.

"This is incredible, off-the-hook," she said after the hula troupe performed. "I can't believe all these people did all that work for me."

Velasco, who last month was serving pancakes at her parents' International House of Pancakes restaurant in Kahului, said she was ecstatic to be back on Maui and more than ready to "go home and cruise" after a whirlwind of Mainland appearances, photo shoots and media interviews following her TV triumph.

Talking with a slightly scratchy voice from a lingering cold, the singer-songwriter said the "American Idol" experience so far has been humbling yet inspirational, offering a boost to her dream of a career in music.

"I feel very honored and inspired to make more music," she said.

The keiki of Na Hanona Kulike 'O Pi'ilani performed for Maui's "American Idol" finalist Camile Velasco at Kahului Airport yesterday. Timothy Hurley • The Honolulu Advertiser

"Not too long ago, people didn't recognize this face. It's kind of weird," she said.

Asked if she felt she could go all the way, she said, "I feel like I've gone all the way already, especially with all of this."

Velasco's stepfather, James West, said he warned the 18-year-old that there would be a big fuss over her homecoming. But, he said, she hadn't fully grasped how big.

"As we were coming down (from the second level), I whispered in her ear, 'See, I told you so,'" West said.

Among those waiting in the crowd were former St. Anthony High School classmates Tia Perdido and Lisa Cabral.

"She did awesome," Perdido said. "She's so good, I think she'll make it all the way."

Cabral said Velasco's performance gave her chicken skin. "We're so excited for her," she said.

Lea Campbell of Ha'iku, a classmate from as far back as the seventh grade, said she remembers Velasco singing in a play at Doris Todd School in Pa'ia and even then showing the kind of potential noted by "American Idol" judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.

"She definitely had the talent, and I knew it would one day be discovered," she said.

Ladd Long of Wailuku was picking up arriving family members and decided to wait around for a chance to see Velasco. He planned to snap some digital photos and e-mail them to his daughter, Alexis, who's been rooting for the Maui girl in California.

"I hope she goes all the way," Long said. "She's got that sweet local girl flavor, and it's great to give a chance for everyone else to see it."

Velasco heads back to California for the finals in about a month. During the interim, Velasco plans to practice her singing, go to the beach and enjoy life.

The "American Idol" camera crew will also follow her around, taping segments of her home and work environment for future shows. Velasco wants to show the crew her hometown of Ha'iku, and Haleakala and Ho'okipa Beach, among other places.

"This whole experience has been 100 percent fun and beautiful," she said. "I'm still in awe. Every day is amazing."

Reach Timothy Hurley at thurley@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 244-4880.