'Idol' Trias says her life will never be the same

By Michael Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Sounding relieved, relaxed and occasionally at a loss for words, Hawai'i's "American Idol" sweetheart Jasmine Trias today talked candidly about her ups and downs on the show, including her much publicized crying incident two weeks ago.

"The reason I cried was because I knew I didn't give my best performance," Trias said. "When the judges pushed it, I just broke down. I'm only human. I think it's alright to cry. I broke down and I guess America felt it and they voted for me."

Trias said she had mixed feelings when she survived the week at the expense of LaToya London.

"LaToya had a strong performance and I didn't," she said. "I should have (been eliminated). When I found out (that I survived), I was happy and I was sad. But every Wednesday was like that."

It didn't help during her last week on the show that guest judge Clive Davis asked Trias to sing "All By Myself," a song that London had drawn raves for in an earlier round.

Trias admitted that the criticism directed at her in recent weeks affected her. Still, she said, the votes she received from her fans in Hawai'i and the rest of the United States more than compensated.

"I could just feel the support, especially from Hawai'i," she said. "It was overwhelming."

And with the support came the pressure of representing her home state.

"I didn't want to let people down," she said. "When I went back (last week) it touched my heart to see so much support. I'm just so grateful. I was nothing before and now I'm something."

In a conference call with national media this morning, Trias said fellow teenager Diana DeGarmo has "a big, powerful voice and a lot of energy," that Fantasia Barrino is "very soulful" and is "so cute" with her baby daughter, and — oh yeah — they're all going to be "friends forever."

The 17-year-old Maryknoll student said she exceeded her wildest expectations by being one of the three finalists on the hit TV show and she intends on using her experiences to kick-start a career in pop and R&B music.

"My life is never going to be the same after this," Trias said. "But this is what I want to do. This was my dream and I just want to move forward."

Trias' immediate future includes a three-month "American Idol" tour starting in July, and a likely recording contract.

Trias also commented on other issues of curious import to "Idol" watchers.

Her trademark flower: "It was my decision to get rid of it. As the show goes on, you start to transform into more of a star. I wasn't going to wear it for the rest of my life."

Her favorite celebrity judge: "Barry Manilow was the best because he worked with us on the songs. He advised us on how to sing and perform."

The saddest departure: "The hardest to see leave was John Stevens. There was a lot of bashing from the judges and the media and it was really hard to take. Yet, like Simon said, he took it like a man."

The age factor: "I don't think age is such a big thing. It's a state of mind. It's about where you are and how you handle things."

And as she gets ready for the next step in her budding career, Trias said she'll take away one valuable lesson from the show.

"America sees you as one person," she said. "If you try to compete with someone or be like them, you take away from yourself.

"I just want to stay Jasmine."

Reach Michael Tsai at 535-8051 or mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com