"I still can't say much about my recording deal, except I've been working on songs for two years, and in the recording studio concentrating on one song," Velasco said.

She's also taken stock of her progress, and concludes: "I'm exactly where I need to be — constantly growing and loving it all. My confidence factor is way up."

Living in Los Angeles has had its ups and downs, she said. "It's not Maui," said the former waitress from Ha'iku. "It's got pollution. But I've got family there and I'm staying with my Grandma.

I hope to go to school there — a small school, a musicians' college — and this is something I have to do soon."

Everything considered, she's still on a high from her "Idol" quest. She finished No. 9 and has mostly happy, positive memories.

"The best thing is that we're all musicians, all people who love the same thing; we've become good friends, connected forever," said Velasco, who was a roomie with winner Fantasia Barrino during the competitive elimination process. "The experience itself has helped me understand music a lot better. It's all about advancing yourself, getting on stage, just learning a lot about your craft, your style.

"Sure, the audition portion was difficult. But that's all part of the show. I can't say I had a really bad experience. It's all been an interesting ride."

Velasco still can't fathom the support from Hawai'i fans she received while making her bid on national television last spring.

"We live in a place like no other; since the contest, I've met so many wonderful people. To be recognized and appreciated — that's something special," she said. "People tell me, 'You made us proud.' To be part of that kind of reaction is such an honor."