Hawai'i's Jasmine, Camile back in top 'Idol' form

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Maryknoll's Jasmine Trias shouldn't have a worry heading into tonight's "American Idol" viewer-voting results show at 7:30 p.m. on Fox.

TRIAS

VELASCO

Velasco, 18, first in the spotlight, put her stamp on Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life" by taking the judges' earlier critiques to heart and giving a confident, even fun, performance. For once in her life — or at least the first time in the "AI" competition — Velasco was judged on her performance instead of the bundle of nerves that has accompanied her recent trips to the mike.

Last night, she was relaxed, buoyant and bouncing all over the stage. Her huge earrings dancing along, her ponytail likewise jumping to the beat, her signature red, green and gold wristband the lone remnant of her hip-hop past.

It was a vastly improved image for her, though Cowell still gave a declaration that Velasco is not good enough to win.

In his inimitably caustic manner, he uttered: "I think you have one more week in this competition."

He didn't explain whether last night was the Ha'iku, Maui, waitress's last time in the elimination process or if she'd be back next week.

But the guesswork may have been taken out when John Stevens, the carrot-topped old-style crooner, was dissed for his "My Girl" rendering. As Cowell said, with forthright honesty: "I've been a fan of yours; it was terrible. Not a note in tune. Your worst week."

So what would he have said?

"I think he was going to say, 'And Camile is looking good,' " said her mother, Rennie West, who watched last night from Maui after visiting the show last week.

One contestant will be eliminated tonight from the field of 10 that strutted and swayed to Motown songs last night.

Trias, the 17-year-old Mililani resident who is a senior at Maryknoll High School, is a virtual lock to be among the returnees.

After a shaky bout with last week's country theme, Trias rebounded with Marvin Gaye's and Tammi Terrell's "You're All I Need to Get By," working the stage and projecting her radiant personality. Her trademark flower over her right ear, she looked every bit a potential idol in a sleeveless black top and capri pants accented by silver chains and a beaded bracelet on her right wrist.

Though Randy Jackson said she was "pitchy," she earned bon mots from Paula Abdul ("you're in control; it was effortless"), guest judges Ashford and Simpson ("really love your voice, having written this (song)"), and Cowell ("you brought back what we love about you").

With the Funk Brothers providing the musical support, all contestants at least had precise arrangements characteristic of the Motown sound. For once, the band matched the evening's theme, since the Funk band has roots in Motown history, providing the original music for the likes of Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, the Four Tops and the Temptations.

If one talent fit the Motown mold to the max, it was George Huff, the bouncy chef from New Orleans, whose "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" was the epitome of Motor City magic.

Not all singers rose to the occasion, though Stevens was the most noticeable to struggle.

Velasco's mother said her daughter was happy with her performance. "She felt very good about the song, saying, 'I gave it my best shot,' " West said. "It was her 10th performance of her career and for her to make it this far is an achievement."

West said "she overachieved, really, and if she gets voted off, she has no regrets."

Nora Trias, Jasmine's mother, got Mainland calls from relatives in West Virginia, and was elated that Jasmine at least is back on track.

"She made up from last week," she said.

Both fathers — James West and Rudy Trias — were not available for comment last night, since they were busily dialing and redialing, in the West Coast time zone, to keep their respective daughters in the race.

The untouchables still appear to be Fantasia Barrino, LaToya London and Diana DeGarmo, with Trias and Huff among the "safe" ones for now. Jennifer Hudson and Jon Peter Lewis, popular among viewers, may pull in valuable votes based on personality.

There's still a chance that Velasco will not be a top vote getter, but based on last night's performances, Amy Adams — along with Stevens — could be in jeopardy, too.

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