'Idol' votes more crucial than ever for Jasmine
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By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Vote, vote, vote.
If Jasmine Trias is to remain a contender in the "American Idol" quest, tonight could be her most critical appearance since the competition countdown started March 16.
Jasmine Trias
The 17-year-old Maryknoll High School senior, an early favorite, has been riding a seesaw during this contest, landing in jeopardy three times in the past month as one of the contestants with the lowest vote counts.
An early favorite, Trias is now an underdog, particularly since last week, when she was in the bottom two with George Huff (who eventually got the boot). The other surviving singers — LaToya
Remainder of the season:
London, 25; Fantasia Barrino, 19; and Diana DeGarmo, 16 — have earned divine-diva raves from the judges, while Trias seems to have plateaued.
'American Idol'
"I'm trying to make it fun here on out," she said in a phone interview with The Advertiser Friday. "I'm overwhelmed to have made it this far, and I'm certainly not giving up."
She has found support from all over the country, but the bulk of it comes from hometowners, who hit their redial buttons with a frenzy and do that text-messaging thing, even if it costs a few bucks.
"I really love the Hawai'i fans and the voting support each week," Trias said. "I can't thank the folks at home enough."
At Maryknoll, Jasmine's network remains active, with Mainland alumni in communication with the school, and vice versa, to ramp up votes. Each Tuesday, dutiful students come by to watch the show, then vote; faculty members regularly join the effort.
"We want Jasmine to know that we're with her all the way," said Maryknoll spokeswoman Camille Michel.
With 4.7 million land-line call attempts last week and 1.1 million completions reported by Verizon Hawai'i, it's clear that the two hours following each Tuesday show — and, possibly, the precious time before the official voting period — is key to Trias' survival.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
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'Idol' buzz ...
• Tuesday night fever: The final four will take on disco ditties in tonight's competition. Disco queen Donna Summer sits in as a judge; her hits include "Love to Love You Baby," "Last Dance," "Hot Stuff," "Bad Girls," "Dim All the Lights," "On the Radio" and "I Feel Love."
• Simon says: Want Simon Cowell fielding calls on your cell? It's possible on two new American Idol Nokia phones (Model 3200 is $69.99, Model 3300 is $49.99). Cowell, who is quite judgmental, utters such commands as "answer our bloody phone" and "you are horrible; get out." The phones, available at Sam Goody's and soon to be on sale at Suncoast stores too, also have a mix of other goodies — voice messages of "Idol" contestants, the "Idol" theme music as a "ring," and photos. Purchases include the new "American Idol 3" CD and a Season One DVD when the phones are activated; "A.I." wallpaper and show photos will be e-mailed to those who sign up.
