ShareThisFilipino-American teener Thialorei Lising “Thia” Megia of California remains safe in the finals of the popular television talent show American Idol.
While the judges were not as impressed as before in her latest performance, her rendition of Michael Jackson song “Smile,” the 15-year-old Filipino American maintained her position in the finals.
On the other hand, Ashthon Jones, 24, got the ax, after placing in the bottom 3 with fellow finalists Haley Reinhart and Karen Rodriguez.
In the last episode of the show, the 13 finalists sang the songs of their idols.
Ashthon chose the song “When You Tell Me That You Love Me,” by top American singer Diana Ross.
While American Idol judges singers Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez liked Ashthon’s rendition of the Diana Ross show, they thought that Ashthon played it safe with the rendition.
Thia’s rendition of Michael Jackson’s “ Smile” was impressive in the first part which the judges thought was acoustic.
But the judges noticed that as Thia went on, she changed the tempo to semi-jazz.
Be that as it may, Jennifer called Thia an angel.
The American Idol is shown in the Philippines via GMA News TV 11 and on cable channel Star World every Thursday and Friday.
Earlier, Malacanang said it expects to be among her ardent followers in the Philippines.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Palace will join Filipinos in following Megia’s progress.
“Susundan natin ang magiging progress niya as the competition goes on. Marami tayong mga kababayan na nanoood ng American Idol, mas marami nakatutok dahil meron tayong kababayang kasali sa competition (We will keep track of her progress as the competition goes on. Many Filipinos are watching ‘American Idol,’ I am sure more will keep track of the competition because we have a fellow Filipino in the Top 10.), Valte said.
Megia got the judges nod for the finals for rendition of the song “Out Here on My Own.”
“When somebody’s pitch is so perfect, it doesn’t matter what you sing,” judge Steven Tyler said.
Jennifer Lopez added, “It was so beautiful. It was a quiet moment. You were there standing still and you captivated every single person in this room.”
For his part, Randy Jackson said she [Megia] is like the female Michael Jackson when it comes to having the perfect tone. Randy said, “Your tone reminded me of the tone of the late Michael Jackson.”