'American Idol' contestant on her mission of aloha

• Countdown to new 'Idol' winner has begun

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Maryknoll High School held a pep rally for Jasmine Trias yesterday before she returned to Hollywood. Photos by Rebecca Breyer • The Honolulu Advertiser

She was Maryknoll's Idol. And she was cheered, hugged, given lei and applauded at a Maryknoll High School assembly.

Except for the mountain of lei, she looked like an ordinary pupil, wearing the school uniform for girls, a white top over pleated blue skirt.

"I don't know if I would have gotten through all of this without all your support," Trias told the assembled crowd. "You guys pulled me through."

After weeks of being dubbed the "Maryknoll mystery girl," Trias finally performed in the round of 32 last week Tuesday. Her performance landed her in the final 12, and yesterday's assembly was not only to celebrate her homecoming, but also to send her back to Hollywood on a high note: She left for Hollywood last night to prepare for next Tuesday's performance, along with Maui's Camile Velasco.

Yesterday, however, was Trias' time to celebrate. She repeatedly wept, burying her face in her hands. She sang "The Power of Your Love," joined by her school ministry chorus. The prayer song is the only kind of performance that "Idol" allows while the singers remain in the competition.

The lyrics said it all: "Hold me close, let your love surround me, bring me in, draw me to your side ... your spirit leads me on in the power of your love."

A gentle rain — a symbol of good luck — fell as she finished the song.

Judged by the boisterous hoots and howls of approval, Trias is the American idol, as far as her school chums are concerned.

"Thank you very much," she said in a choked, emotional voice.

There were more cheers, more whistles, more hurrahs.

Jasmine Trias was touched by the outpouring of support from her classmates at Maryknoll High School.

"I don't think I can put into words what we're feeling here today," said Simon Lythgoe, an associate producer of "American Idol" who spent the weekend profiling Trias with a camera crew in tow. "Now I know I felt (the aloha spirit)."

For Trias, this was a quick trip home so she could see family and friends, thank her fellow students and faculty and pick up homework assignments. She also got to help Lythgoe understand what the aloha spirit is all about.

"She said her mission is to introduce Hawai'i to the world," said Lythgoe, whose father, Nigel Lythgoe, is one of the show's executive producers and the original acerbic judge in the British show, where he was dubbed "Nasty Nigel."

"I think she's succeeding," Lythgoe said.

Lythgoe has been filming Trias for an "Idol" package that starts airing on the March 16 telecast, when the 12 contestants start their final journey to idolhood.

"Imagine, (Hawai'i) had three finalists in the top 32," said Lythgoe, of Trias, Velasco and Jonah Moananu (who was eliminated two weeks ago). "We went to a larger city like Houston, and got only one — George (Huff). We picked three others (Diana DeGarmo, Jon Peter Lewis and Lisa Wilson) in Honolulu.

"I think we'll have to come back to Honolulu for 'American Idol 4.'"

As of now, Lythgoe's remark is just wishful thinking. No plans have been set yet, but the producers and the judges all loved it here. The weather. The "vacation." The talent.

This weekend, Lythgoe filmed Trias surfing at White Sands Beach, dancing hula at the Hawai'i Plantation Village, chowing down Hawaiian food at Ono's ("I tried that purple stuff, what is it, poi?" he said) and hanging out at home with her family.

He calls Trias an "exceptional idol."

"She's very disciplined, on time, never complaining. She's exceptional with press and camera, and so natural — she is who she is," he said.

Trias went shopping for her trademark faux flowers at the Aloha Stadium flea market on Sunday, where swarms of folks recognized her and wished her good luck.

"I'm being recognized wherever I go," she said. "It feels like I'm a celebrity."

Brianne Preza Haynes, 15, a Maryknoll sophomore, said: "Now, when people ask, 'Maryknoll, what's that?' they know, because of Jasmine. We support her a whole lot; I think she has a good chance to win."

Micah Kaina, 14, a freshman, said "she'll go all the way. But no matter what happens, we all still love and support her."

Kirsten Vieria, 15, another freshman said, "I believe she's a great role model; and coming from Hawai'i, a small state, she proves that size doesn't matter. If there's anyone there is to look up to, I think it's Jasmine."

"She gives me chicken skin when she sings," said Jessica Akamine, 16, a junior. "She's the best singer, and she's been a great representative of our school."

Michael Baker, Maryknoll president, who was 6,000 miles away in Montreal when Trias performed last Tuesday, arrived home Sunday night but was part of Trias' official welcome-home party.

"You have made our school, your family, this city and this state proud of you," he said. "What struck me most (about the 'Idol' contest) is the way the community has come together (to support you). You brought this community together as no one has in a long time."

Lythgoe perhaps said it best: "She's such a model citizen — and the perfect American idol."

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