Jasmine overwhelmed by aloha from local fans
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By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer
More than 600 screaming students and faculty greeted a tearful Jasmine Trias at Maryknoll School today with dozens of signs and banners welcoming the "American Idol" finalist back home.
Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser The Maryknoll senior stopped by the school for a 30-minute assembly in her honor. School officials, who dubbed the hysteria "Jasmania," presented her with lei. Trias joined the students in singing "The Power of Your Love" and the school’s alma mater. "I’m so happy to be here and see all my friends," said Trias, wearing a pink faux flower behind her ear. "I can’t even stay for long, but it’s all worth it." Despite some rain, the crowd was in high spirits, waving colorful "Go Jasmine!" and "Hawaii Loves Jasmine" signs over their heads. "We’re so proud of her, even before 'American Idol,’" said senior Pauline Chan, who has known Trias for four years. Troy Kamiya, Trias’ sociology teacher, remembers when Trias was a freshman and was too shy and embarrassed to sing in class. "She came such a long way," Kamiya said. ... "I’m just getting chicken skin right now thinking about it. We’re definitely proud of her."
Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser Trias’ Maryknoll visit was just one of many appearances she has made since arriving back home yesterday morning. Her itinerary today includes a television news interview, radio spots and an appearance at Waikiki beach — all before flying back to Los Angeles tonight. Before her Maryknoll stop, Trias was a guest on the Perry and Price morning radio show, where "American Idol" segment producer Simon Lythgoe described the frenzy he’s experienced with Trias. "I had the privilege of going back to Clay Aiken’s hometown at this time last year and he had good response," Lythgoe said. ... The response in Hawai'i, he said, was "1,000 times" greater. "I’ve never seen a response like this anywhere." Trias has been making appearances with Lythgoe, as well as her father, Rudy Trias Jr., who will fly back with her to Los Angeles.
Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser "Just to be home and see all these people, the aloha spirit is so great," Rudy Trias said. "It’s unbelievable the support she’s getting from Hawai'i." While Trias and her father are excited to be home and to meet fans, Lythgoe said Jasmine is in need of some down time today. "Unfortunately, she only got four hours of sleep last night and we fly back tonight, so she’s only going to get four hours of sleep tonight at the most on the airplane," Lythgoe said. "She needs to rest her voice because tomorrow she’s got to record three songs for the show and if she makes it to "American Idol" (next week), she records a single." Trias arrived home yesterday morning to a media mob and a swarm of adoring devotees. "American Idol" has been gathering footage of her with fans at the airport, at the governor’s office and at the beach, among other locations. Scenes from her triumphant visit may be seen on an "American Idol" special Monday or future segments. Among the well-wishers at the airport was Flo Reis, a friend of Trias’ grandmother, who waited for Trias at the terminal with a lei. "I’m here just to support her," said Reis, 46, of Wahiawa. "I just want to see her and take a picture because of my daughter." Reis said her 10-year-old daughter, Jamila, is a "very, very big fan" who "sleeps with her (Jasmine) shirt on every night." Shortly after noon, Trias left the airport in a stretch Ford Excursion limousine, then had "Hawaiian food" for lunch. "And I finally had rice!" Trias exclaimed with a big smile. Trias then made a stop at the State Capitol, where Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona proclaimed yesterday Jasmine Trias Day. Aiona presented the 17-year-old Mililani teen with the proclamation, as well as "lucky coins," including some extras for judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, and host Ryan Seacrest. "I know I speak on behalf of everyone … everyone from the state of Hawai'i, in regards to how we feel how Jasmine has represented the state of Hawai'i in this competition," Aiona said. But Trias said she thought her time was up Wednesday. "I was kind of shocked," Trias said about making the cut. "I thought I was gonna go, but thank you so much for putting me through. You guys have been a great support." Trias also addressed the "American Idol 3 Tour," a nearly 50-city concert that has no Hawai'i dates set: It’s being negotiated, she said. But when it comes time to focus again on the competition, Trias said she’s ready to give it her all. "I am just going to sing my heart out, and I’m just going to prove to America that I can really be the American Idol," she said. Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8174.
"American Idol" finalist Jasmine Trias sings “The Power of Your Love” during an assembly at Maryknoll School today.
"American Idol" finalist Jasmine Trias signs autographs as she is whisked through Honolulu International Airport after her arrival from Los Angeles.
Jasmine Trias got the star treatment as she left Honolulu International Airport yesterday in a black stretch limousine.
