Hawai'i singers survive another round on 'Idol'

By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer

Jasmine Trias, left, and Camile Velasco get to stick around to sing next Tuesday. Advertiser library photos 'Idol' chatter For more information on "American Idol," visit the show's official Web site: www.idolonfox.com, or go to our discussion board to register your "Idol" thoughts and read what other people are saying.

Fans of Maui's Camile Velasco squirmed in their seats during the last few minutes of the "American Idol" results show last night as Velasco found herself among the bottom two vote-getters. The high drama came one week after Velasco suffered through a commercial break to find out she wasn't one of the bottom three viewer-vote getters in the first round.

And before we unveil the results, we'll throw this little tidbit in: When "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest announced that Tuesday's show drew 19.5 million votes — a million more than the previous week — few knew that Hawai'i's call-ins dropped from 2.98 million last week to 1.68 million Tuesday night.

The silver lining: Velasco, along with Maryknoll senior Jasmine Trias, didn't need the overwhelming home-state drive to survive the second round.

Velasco's nationwide support was enough to nudge 25-year-old Matthew Rogers, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., from the competition.

It was a taxing night for Velasco. The Ha'iku waitress looked anxious waiting nearly 20 minutes of the half-hour show to find out her fate. She broke into tears and hugged Rogers after the results were announced.

"Of all the contestants, Camile is closest to Matt Rogers and Fantasia Barrino, so she's really crying about it," said Rennie West, Velasco's mom who is in Hollywood with her daughter.

Velasco, 18, and Trias, 17, will perform again Tuesday as the competition is down to its final 10 contestants. Clearly, though, there is no wiggle room for Velasco, who was urged again by judge Paula Abdul to "start having fun. ... You're a talented girl."

Honolulu resident Mahealani Montiel, 30, a supporter of both Trias and Velasco, said she hopes Velasco improves next week.

"I'm happy she made it," Montiel said. "I was worried just because her performances haven't been the greatest."

Shari Uyeda of Mo'ili'ili is glad Velasco will advance, but also was worried she would be voted off last night. "I had some doubts, based on her confidence," said Uyeda, 30.

Trias, of Mililani, was happy for Velasco but also felt the loss when Rogers was eliminated. "He was a lot of fun to have around," she said. "We're just sad to see him go. He was like a big brother to all of us."

Trias said she felt "good" and "relieved" to make it to the next round. She said she felt nervous listening to Seacrest recapping the judges' negative comments from Tuesday night. He reminded Trias and viewers that Randy Jackson and Abdul said Trias was "pitchy," while Simon Cowell called her performance "boring."

Trias kept her eyes shut as Seacrest revealed whether she was among the bottom three finalists.

"You, Jasmine, are safe," he said. Trias then began blowing kisses to the audience.

Rounding out the bottom three vote-getters was 16-year-old Diana DeGarmo of Snellville, Ga..

Reach Zenaida Serrano at zespanol@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8174.