A lady from Brunei who I would always chat with at Ellingham Primary School once told me, “I know a lot of Filipinos. Everywhere I go, I have Filipino neighbors.”

True. On the plane, chances are you’ll be seated beside one. While walking around London, this cute Chinese-looking chap at the burger joint greeted me with “Kamusta?” (How are you?) Along York Street, I ran into an old woman who commented “Malamig na ngayon, ano?” (It’s cold now, isn’t it?) I bought my nieces their Hi-5 CDs and found out that Kathleen De Leon is a Filipino-Australian. Filipinos are simply everywhere in the same way Chinese food has dominated the planet.

And since it’s American Idol season once more, I look forward to seeing another “kababayan” who would outshine thousands of Idol hopefuls across America, freaks, psychos and Paula-stalkers included.

In the past, there are young Filipinos who have entered, and conquered, the American Idol scene in one way or another.

Jordan Segundo
Semi-Finalist, AI Season 2

In 2003, Filipino-American Jordan Segundo was the first singer from Hawaii who became a Finalist in American Idol Season 2. His Idol experience achieved him national recognition and opportunities started pouring in. Jordan performed for President George Bush on his state visit in Hawaii, with Kenny Loggins, for the LA Lakers games, with the Honolulu Symphony and many more. He also appeared in theatre productions, featured in TV commercials and was active in community service.

Jasmine Trias
Third Placer, AI Season 3

Jasmine Soriano Trias (born November 3, 1986) is a Filipino-American singer and entertainer who was the third-place finalist on the third season of American Idol due in part to tremendous call-in support from California, New York, and her native state of Hawaii. She has released two albums to date, one in the United States and one in the Philippines.

After placing third in American Idol Season 3, Jasmine received recognitions from her home state in Hawaii and in the Philippines. Hawaii’s acting governor, James Aiona, delared Jasmine Trias day by executive order.

Aside from recordings and songs topping the charts, Jasmine appeared in TV commercials for McDonald’s Philippines, Smart Communications, Hapee Toothpaste and Bench clothing. She was also featured in Black Eyed Peas music video and other local TV shows in the Philippines. Currently, she performs at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas.

Camile Velasco
Finalist, AI Season 3

Ciara-Camile Roque Velasco (born September 1, 1985), an American singer and, was one of the finalists on the third season of the reality/talent-search television series, American Idol.

Born in Makati City, Philippines, Camile Velasco’s family later moved to Haiku, Maui—located in the islands of Hawaii. Prior to American Idol, Velasco was a struggling songwriter/composer who worked at her parents’ IHOP Restaurant in Kahului. She has since released a single with Universal/Motown, headlined events in California, Hawaii, and elsewhere, and is currently working with Loudmouth/Uhype and various California producers to complete an album.

Melinda Lira
Semi-Finalist, AI Season 4

Melinda Lira, of Filipino and Mexican descent, was born and raised in Hanford, CA. She started singing at age 5. Despite her lack of formal training, Motown Record agents saw her potential. But Melinda opted to finish her studies first and graduated with honors from Hanford West High School where she was a choir member and captain of her volleyball team.

Melinda won several vocal competitions before landing on the Top 12 female vocalists of American Idol Season 4.

Jose Penala
Semi-Finalist, AI Season 5

Jose Penala, known as “Sway”, is a Filipino-American singer who grew up in San Franciso Bay Area. He started singing at age 7 and formed his first singing group, “Simply Smooth”. Sway also started writing lyrics and formed another singing group with his friends called “DnH” (Drop n Harmony) but the group failed to penetrate mainstream music. At the end of 2001, Sway and his friends started another vocal group, “6th Day”.

He auditioned for Americal Idol Season 5 and became one of the semi-finalists.

AJ Tabaldo
Semi-Finalist, AI Season 6

AJ Tabaldo playfully refers to himself as an “ethnic mutt,” having been born of Filipino, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and French blood. AJ is 22 years old from Santa Maria, California. He has been singing since he was 5 years old but has not received any formal training in music. After auditioning for season 6 of American Idol in Los Angeles, he became one of the Top 24 competing to be voted into the Final 12. Before every performance, AJ prays and tries to keep relaxed. He cites all of the judges as his favorite and his parents as his heroes and American Idols. He enjoys listening to Justin Timberlake, Brian McKnight, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, Christina Aguilera and American Idol season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson.

Sources:

http://www.americanidol.com
http://www.jsegundo.com/
http://www.popwarner.com/scholastics/2005/melindalira.asp
http://www.josepenala.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jasmine_Trias
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camile_Velasco
http://www.buddytv.com/articles/american-idol/profile/aj-tabaldo.aspx

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