It takes a community to create a new “American Idol”
Talent and drive are a given for “American Idol” contestants, but they cannot move forward without votes from their friends and fans.
Against the odds, 17-year-old Jena Irene of Farmington Hills and 16-year-old Malaya Watson of Southfield remain in the Top 12, their talent noted by the “Idol” judges, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr.
If they are to continue to survive in the three-monthlong contest to come, they must have the support of fans.
Friends at Southfield High School, where Watson plays tuba in the band, are working on her behalf. Jacqueline Robinson, the public relations and marketing manger for the school, said there is great excitement among students and staff. A flier sent to staff and community partners asks them to vote for Watson, concluding “THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR MALAYA!!!”
“We are supporting Watson through Facebook and Twitter,” Robinson said. “She came to a school board meeting when she was home from the show, and we recognized her successes.”
Robinson said Watson comes from a musical family — both her father and grandfather play instruments. Her high school band director, David Miller, calls her fearless on stage and a natural star.
Irene, a senior at North Farmington High School, plans to graduate this year and take online classes for college while she pursues her music career. Her school is also supporting her on Facebook, and she was guest of honor at a school assembly while at home for an “Idol” break.
“I’m feeling really grateful and humbled that people have voted from me,” Irene told The Oakland Press. “Re-energized for a new week, to keep the momentum going. I want to put on a great performance and plan to show America a different side of me this week.”
She thanked her fans for supporting her. “I hope everyone watches and keeps voting if they like what they see,” Irene said.
Each week until late May, contestants will perform live on Wednesdays, viewers will vote, and the contestant with the lowest tally will be sent home in a Thursday results show. Judges may “save” one contestant all season, but don’t expect that wild-card save until late in the season.
The contestant eliminated last week spoke about her experience in a conference call Friday with reporters. Kristen O’Conner told the remaining Top 12 contestants to listen to advice from performers and experts. But she told them to choose only what works for them.
“It’s so important to be yourself and stick to what you know, O’Conner said. “That is when you shine.”
O’Conner spoke of the deep friendships she developed with the other contestants. She and Watson held hands as they awaited word of who would be sent home during the results show Thursday. In the end, O’Conner did not receive enough votes to move forward.
“Before the show, Watson and I were talking and we thought it would be the two of us,” O’Connor said. “We struggled with song choices, so we took advice from production.
Asked who she thinks will be the next “American Idol,” O’Conner said that is up to the fans — and that it’s important to vote.
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