“American Idol” has launched the music careers of more stars than any other reality show, including some Hawaiian natives, according to an article by Hawaii news channel KHON.The article listed four native Hawaiian participants from the show’s run: Jordan Segundo, Season 2 finalist in 2003; Jasmine Trias, Season 3 top three in 2004; Camile Velasco, Season 3 top nine; and now Ashley Lilinoe in Season 15, the final season of the show. Lilinoe did not advance to the final rounds.Sarah Acobera, a freshman psychology major from the Philippines, said she felt Lilinoe was really brave to participate in the well-known competition. “The fact that she was able to pass the first few rounds of the competition means that she has a great voice and the skills to be an accomplished singer,” said Acobera.Gayla Prakash, a freshman hospitality and tourism major from Fiji, said although Lilinoe may not have won the show, learning and becoming better in her talent makes her successful. “Sometimes, especially in the entertainment industry, it takes time,” said Prakash. “But if she keeps striving and participating, she can make it.” In this final season of American Idol, Lilinoe, a resident of Kaneohe, made it to the Hollywood rounds but was conflicted about further participation on the show, according to Star Advertiser. She told the news channel she did not have a “burning desire” to win the competition but wanted the experience. “I knew that it wasn’t something that I wanted,” she said. “I just wanted to connect with everyone that I met and to evolve in being a singer.”In the article on KHON, she described her genre or style as “soul-filling. Just love.” Her influences include Kalapana, a Hawaiian pop and soft rock group, and Mackey Feary, the now deceased Hawaii-based singer and guitarist.Bailey Jin, a freshman from China studying social work, was glad Hawaii could be represented in the show. “I don’t really watch American Idol, but I know that it is popular worldwide. With her being in the show, more people can hear the upbeat and authentic music Hawaii has to offer,” said Jin.Uploaded March 22
Writer: Danna Osumo
