For Ramiele Malubay — the "American Idol" mini-singer — the weeks of hugs and tears and head-pats are over now.

So what's next, after being ousted Wednesday?

Possibly some acting, she told reporters Thursday. Probably, some singing in her native Philippines.

Previous "Idol" contestant Jasmine Trias of O'ahu, a Hawai'i fan favorite, is a star there. "She led the way," Malubay said.

And definitely, her friendship with Danny Noriega will continue, though Noriega didn't make the final 12. "We're going to move in together," Malubay said. "We're a fun duet."

Malubay finished at No. 9. That gives her a spot on the tour; if she has a choice, she'll sing "A House is Not a Home."

Then again, choices are limited. This week, she sang "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind," from a pool of Dolly Parton songs.

"I actually didn't know the song," she said. "And I didn't know any other (Parton) song, except 'I Will Always Love You.' "

On Wednesday, she was in the bottom three with Kristy Lee Cook and Brooke White. "We were roommates ... I was like, 'I love you guys, no matter what.' "

What viewers saw was the visual contrast. Two towering blondes sandwiched the 4-foot-11 Malubay.

"I just hate heels," she said. "I wore flats and thought, 'The world's going to see how tall I really am.' "

That size may have a subconscious effect. Other contestants, close to her in age, seemed to take an almost parentlike interest. Malubay, 20, has referred to White, 24, as "Mother Brooke."

That feeling spread, she said. "I'm older than (David Archuleta, 17), but he would walk by and pat me on the head."

Malubay plans to stay in Los Angeles for now, possibly moving in with Noriega right away. She'll also consider a career in the Philippines.

She was born there, moved to the U.S. when she was 5 and moved from the Tampa area to Miami in high school. She visits the Philippines every couple years and is considering a Trias-style move. "I do want to go back there. It's home to me."