Kalihi teacher loses bid for 'Idol' status

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

It's over for Jonah Moananu, the Kalihi drama teacher who aspired to be the next "American Idol." Fox-TV viewers voted him off the series last night, putting a damper on his 22nd birthday today.

He sang an obscure tune, Carl Thomas' "I Wish," on Tuesday. Two power ballad singers won: Latoya London ("All By Myself"), who pulled 32.3 percent of the 13 million votes cast, and Amy Adams ("The Power of Love"). They join Camile Velasco of Maui, who advanced to the final 12 last Wednesday.

Hawai'i voting was down from last Tuesday, said Ann Nishida, media relations manager for Verizon Hawai'i. Verizon transferred 450,000 calls Tuesday night, a 5.3 percent increase over normal levels, but down from 1.5 million calls when Velasco advanced. The tally does not include AT&T Wireless or text messaging votes.

Jasmine Trias, 17, of Honolulu competes Tuesday.

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