A Filipino-American made the cut among the Top 13 finalists on the 10th season of “American Idol” (AI).
Thia Megia earned a slot for being in the top ten who obtained the highest number of votes from the public as announced during the March 3 show.
The other Fil-Am Season 10 semifinalist Clint Jun Gamboadid not garner enough votes to ensure him a slot in the Top 10.
Megia who is only 15, qualified to the contest as “AI” reduced the contestant’s qualifying age to that age just this season. She is the youngest contestant in “Idol” history and is also considered one of the top contenders of Season 10.
During the semifinals roundheld last March 2, Megia sung Irene Cara’s “Out Here On My Own,” a song from the movie “Fame.” Her performance got the unanimous nods of judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler who cited her “perfect pitch,” captivating performance, and even compared her to music legend Michael Jackson.
Completing the cast of Top 13 finalists are Scotty McCreery, Pia Toscano, Lauren Alaina, Karen Rodriguez, Jacob Lusk, Casey Abrams, Paul McDonald, and Haley Reinhart. The three contestants chosen by Wild card are Stefano Langone, Ashton Jones and Naima Adedapo.
The other Filipinos who earlier made it as a finalist on the long-running US singing talent search were Camille Velasco and Ramiele Malubay who both qualified as Top 9 in Season 3 and Season 7, respectively.Jasmine Trias holds the distinction of the highest finish for a Filipino “Idol” finalist as Top 3 in Season 9.
