Southfield teen Malaya Watson reflects on her “Idol” experience

AMERICAN IDOL XIII: Eliminated contestant Malaya Watson (C) performs on AMERICAN IDOL XIII airing Thursday, April 10 (9:00-9:30 PM ET / PT) on FOX. CR: Frank Micelotta / FOX. Copyright 2014 / FOX Broadcasting. 

By Nancy McCauley Branstetter, Special to The Oakland Press

POSTED: 04/11/14, 5:50 PM EDT |

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AMERICAN IDOL XIII: Eliminated contestant Malaya Watson (C) performs on AMERICAN IDOL XIII airing Thursday, April 10 (9:00-9:30 PM ET / PT) on FOX. CR: Frank Micelotta / FOX. Copyright 2014 / FOX Broadcasting. 

FYI

The seven remaining “American Idol” contestants will perform at 8 p.m. EDT Wednesday on Fox (Channel 2 in Detroit). At 9 p.m. EDT Thursday, viewers’ votes will be tallied and the results revealed. Because celebrity judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. already used their only “save” to keep Sam Woolf last week, the group will be down to six by Thursday night. Visit www.americanidol.com.

Malaya Watson is grateful for a life-changing experience on “American Idol,” and many lessons learned. But the 16-year-old Southfield High School junior is unsure of her future.

She spent the last several months in Hollywood, being mentored by music industry icons and performing live weekly on TV. Watson’s quest to be the next “American Idol” ended Thursday after she received the fewest votes of the final eight contestants, who all performed during the two-hour Wednesday program. In a departure phone call Friday with reporters, Watson thanked her supporters for keeping her in the competition as the number of contestants dwindled.

Watson struggled for words to describe the experience of her “Idol” ride.

“The hardest thing was managing my time between school work and practicing my music,” said Watson. “It is really hard to balance it all.”

The youngest finalist ever to appear on the show, Watson said she is proud to be in the “Idol” history book. Performing on stage and working with “amazing people” are cherished memories, and she gave a shout out to judge Harry Connick Jr., the most critical of the three this season.

“Harry told me to focus on my craft instead of stardom,” Watson said. “I thought it was all about you and how you look, but it is your sound. Harry said work on my music, and I will. His advice was the best, because he was honest.”

Following her tearful farewell song, Watson was surrounded on stage by the remaining seven contestants. She later spoke with the judges, including a teary-eyed Jennifer Lopez.

“They told me that I will go far in a couple of years and see my name on marquees,” she said.

Watson credited her father, professional musician Ron Watson, for giving his daughter a strong musical foundation. Because of those lessons, when Connick spoke of technical matters, she understood his suggestions.

Looking back at the competition, Watson said she wishes she had accompanied herself on piano more often — and she had planned to play tuba on the show next week. When asked to predict who will become the next “Idol,” Watson said the remaining contestants are “so good that it’s hard to decide who might win.”

She heads back to Michigan immediately, and wants to have a party with the friends she has missed.

“I’m having a big old get together so I can see everybody,” she said.

While her school has been supportive, encouraging the community to vote for each performance, Watson was vague about plans to return. She said she may consider a private school for music or even business, and would like to attend college in the South. As far as her musical career, she said she’d love to work with former “Idol” winner Fantasia and Aretha Franklin. Watson performed Franklin’s “Ain’t No Way” and Fantasia’s “I Believe” on the show.

And although “Idol” judge Keith Urban once said the energetic teenager makes braces and glasses “cool,” Watson hopes to get her trademark braces removed soon.

Malaya Watson of Southfield sent home on ‘American Idol’

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AMERICAN IDOL XIII: Malaya Watson performs on AMERICAN IDOL XIII airing Wednesday, April 9 (8:00-10:00 PM ET / PT) on FOX. CR: Michael Becker / FOX. Copyright 2014 / FOX Broadcasting.

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By Nancy McCauley Branstetter, Special to The Oakland Press

POSTED: 04/11/14, 8:03 AM EDT | UPDATED: 25 SECS AGO

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AMERICAN IDOL XIII: Eliminated contestant Malaya Watson (C) performs on AMERICAN IDOL XIII airing Thursday, April 10 (9:00-9:30 PM ET / PT) on FOX. CR: Frank Micelotta / FOX. Copyright 2014 / FOX Broadcasting. 

Her dream to become the next American Idol ended Thursday night for 16-year-old Malaya Watson.

The Southfield resident and her fellow contestant C.J. Harris found themselves in the dreaded bottom two. Harris received more votes, allowing him to remain in the competition.

With tears in her eyes, Watson struggled to sing her final song on the “Idol” stage. The seven remaining contestants surrounded Watson, supporting her as she tried to sing “Through The Fire,” choking with tears by the end.

As judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. gave Watson a standing ovation, for viewers at home, her picture went dark.

On Wednesday night, the “American Idol” Top Eight retuned to the 1980s for their song choices this week. While neither Farmington Hill’s Jena Irene nor Watson were born until the late 1990s, they channeled hit songs from the era of big hair and jelly shoes. Irene choosing Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll,” with Chaka Khan’s “Through The Fire” as Watson’s choice.

All eight “idol” singers returned to the stage Wednesday night with no safety net. Judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. used their one save of the season last week to keep Sam Woolf, formally of West Bloomfield Township, in the contest following his elimination. With a jolting message repeated by judges and coaches to “get it done or go home,” the stressed contestants poured every ounce of energy they could muster into their performances. Both Irene and Watson were outstanding.

The “Idol” folks found a pink piano, probably in storage since the ’80s, to complement Irene’s vintage outfit. Sitting at the keyboard, she pounded out her own version of the well-known rock song, then moved to the audience, touching hands and asking them to clap with the music. Urban and Lopez danced in their chairs and sang along.

“Kinda cool to start on the piano,” Urban said. “I love the originality you bring to your performances, Jena.”

Lopez agreed that Jena put her stamp on the performance, but said “it languished in the middle.” Connick encouraged her to react to the audience’s energy and toss aside her choreography.

In sharp contrast to Irene’s loud, rocking performance, Watson took it down to a softer, sweeter, yet powerful rendition of the popular Chaka Khan song, earning a complement from Connick.

“Not many people can hit that Chaka note in full voice,” he said. “However, it seemed like the whole performance was a set up for that. Just relax.”

Judges Urban and Lopez also urged Watson to relax. Urban telling her to “chill out and coast, you have the voice to do it.”

Each “Idol” was then given a second opportunity each week to impress the judges and America with a duet.

With Connick in the audience, a teenage girl on his shoulders, Irene and Caleb Johnson belted out “It’s only Love,” by Bryan Adams and Tina Turner.

Watson teamed up with C.J. Harris to perform the Aretha Franklin and George Michaels song, “I Knew You Were Waiting.” While the judges were not supposed to critique the duets, Connick continued his strange, distracting behavior, likening the performance to regional theater, then agreeing with Lopez that it was adorable.

With the end of the competition next month, the pressure is on the final seven “Idol” hopefuls to turn in flawless performances every time. For the first time in the series’ history, each finalist will select a song for their fellow finalists to perform next week, leaving each singer with a list of six songs from which to choose.

American Idol contestants star in Ford video

Oakland County ‘American Idol’ contestants star in Ford video

The cast of "American Idol XIII" tapes a Ford commercial. Photo by Michael Becker ó Fox 

By Nancy McCauley Branstetter, Special to the Oakland Press

POSTED: 04/08/14, 2:30 PM EDT | UPDATED: 29 SECS AGO

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FYI

The eight remaining “American Idol” contestants will perform at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday on Fox (Channel 2 in Detroit). At 9 p.m. ET Thursday, viewers’ votes will be tallied and the results revealed. Because celebrity judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. already used their only “save” to keep Sam Woolf last week, the group will be down to seven by Thursday night. Visit www.americanidol.com.

Life on the set of “American Idol” is exciting and glamorous for Malaya Watson of Southfield and Jena Irene of Farmington Hills.

Meeting celebrities, performing live before millions, becoming a household name ... and now, branding video shoots for Ford Motor Co.

Sundays used to be a day for the singers to relax, but not any more. Every Sunday the “Idol” contestants will be taping promo spots with a Ford vehicle in a commercial to air during the Thursday night results show.

Ford Motor Co. was an early supporter of “American Idol,” and has featured contestants in commercials for its vehicles throughout the program’s 13 seasons. Last week, the remaining eight singers competing for the title of “American Idol” spent 10 hours at the beach with a shiny red Focus. Beginning at 9 a.m. with hair, makeup and wardrobe teams, the contestants admired the car on camera and everyone, except for Watson, took it for a little drive.

“I’m digging it,” the 16-year-old said. “But I am the only one who can’t drive the car because I only have a driver’s permit and you need a license to drive in the State of California.”

Since the contestants have personal assistants and drivers, they have not been behind the wheel for months.

“It felt good to drive again,” Irene said. “I miss driving. “The funniest thing was when they asked me where I would go in the car if I had a boyfriend. I responded by saying I would drive to the movies and make out in my Ford Focus!”

Ford Experiential Marketing Manager Ginger Kasanic said the auto company is producing weekly videos known as “My Idol Journey.”

“Ford will give the Idols a means of showcasing their individual personalities, allowing the audience a peek into who they really are away from the rigors of the stage and rehearsal,” Kasanic said. “They will have an opportunity to let down their guard and share their personal stories, secret skills, fun facts and what makes them tick.”

In addition, Ford will launch an all-new online promotion, “The Ford American Idol Journey Challenge,” offering fans a chance to win a prize package. The winner will walk the red carpet with four friends to meet the “American Idol” contestants and drive home in a 2014 Fusion.

Both Irene and Watson say they already feel the hectic pace of the show picking up another notch. During an interview earlier this week, Watson was pulled away mid-sentence for a costume check and rehearsal. Nearly two hours later she resurfaced, saying she had a short window before another interview.

Season 13 “Idol” contestants have faced challenges and twists, and will continue to until a new “American Idol” is named in late May. The remaining “Idols” can look forward to one constant, they will be spending their Sunday’s on location and behind the wheel of a Ford.

Farmington, Southfield teens still on track to become next American Idol

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Jena Irene performs on "American Idol XIII" Wednesday, April 2, 2014, on FOX. Photo by Michael Becker ó FOX.

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By Nancy McCauley, Special to The Oakland Press

POSTED: 04/04/14, 10:08 AM EDT | UPDATED: 22 SECS AGO

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Sam Woolf and Malaya Watson perform on “American Idol XIII” Wednesday, April 2, 2014, on FOX. Photo by Frank Micelotta — FOX. 

Southfield’s Malaya Watson landed in the dreaded bottom three of Thursday night’s “American Idol” results show, but it was Sam Woolf, formerly of West Bloomfield Township, who sang for his life. The judges rewarded his performance by using their only save of the season to keep Woolf, now residing in Bradenton, Fla., in the competition.

This week’s theme, “Back to the Start — First Audition,” was an assignment to sing the song each performed at auditions last summer. Watson and Jena Irene of Farmington Hills showed how much they have grown as artists since auditioning for the show at Ford Field last July. Viewers applauded their Wednesday performances by voting.

Before her live performance, Watson introduced her father, Ron, to judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. Watson recalled her daughter’s indecisiveness on audition day.

“She just kept procrastinating,” Ron Watson said. “It came down to the last minute before she decided to go for it, and we are so glad she did.”

In an interview with The Oakland Press, Watson laughed about her “Idol” audition, saying she thought she was being taken for an interview when she walked into the audition room.

“I saw three people sitting a table and just said hello,” said Watson. “I’ve grown so much since that day. I am able to tell a story with a song now without crying like I did during the first performance. Now I know I can win this.”

This week, with the band behind her, Watson unleashed a powerful, polished performance of “Ain’t No Way” by Aretha Franklin, demonstrating control she lacked when she arrived in Hollywood. Gushing with compliments, the judges called her a star.

“Malaya, you’re on fire,” Urban said. “You’ve got the voice and were in control.”

Judges Lopez and Connick — clearly fans — told Watson she is “blossoming as a star.”

Irene told the judges said the nerves she felt that day in Detroit have turned to excitement when she sings.

Performing her own rendition of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” Irene delivered a huge, dynamic finish, which pulled Urban to his feet for the first standing ovation the night.

“I loved that you took a song we all know so well and made it your own,” he said. “That took real courage and it was great.”

Jennifer Lopez spoke seriously. “My advice to you is to blow everyone away every week, and win this whole thing,” she said. “I’m telling you this because you can do it.”

New this week were duets. Irene paired with Alex Preston to perform “Just Give Me a Reason” by Pink and Nate Ruess. Watson and Woolf, turned in an adorable performance of “Lucky” by Colbie Caillat & Jason Mraz. The judges offered no comments, but closely watched, silently judging each duo’s ability to blend and connect with each other.

The Top Eight — Irene, Watson, Caleb Johnson, Jessica Meuse, Alex Preston, Dexter Roberts, C.J. Harris and Woolf return next week to the competition.

A conversation with Jena Irene, one of “Idol’s” Top Eight

Jene Irene of Farmington Hills waits for judges to tell her if she was going home or moving into the Top 30 on "American Idol." Photo courtesy of Fox 

By Nancy Branstetter, Special to The Oakland Press

POSTED: 03/28/14, 8:29 AM EDT |

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Seventeen-year-old Jena Irene is living her “American Idol” dream, but a little bit homesick for her friends and two dogs.

Irene says she is trying to keep up on all the “drama” back home through calls and texts with friends, but it’s hard with her full days of rehearsals, school work and extra “idol” surprises.

“The most important thing I want everyone at home to know is how grateful I am for their support,” she said. “I could not do this without the positive reinforcement I receive every day. For your school and your city to say they are proud of you, well it’s the best.”

Irene’s school and Hercules Coney Island, where she worked as a waitress for three years, are celebrating her success in the competition. Students packed the school last week for an “idol” viewing party. The restaurant on 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills received a video camera from an “Idol” producer with a request to show Americans where Irene served Coney dogs.

The Adamopoulos family owns Hercules Coney Island, and has known Jena since she was a toddler. Francesco Adamopoulos praised Jena’s waitressing skills, and brags about her singing voice to his customers.

“It is so exciting to see Jena achieving her life long dream,” Adamopoulos said, adding he’s always known she was incredibly talented. “A producer at ‘American Idol’ called and asked us to send Jena a message, so we asked her best friend, Nikki Wald, to invite her friends here so we could send a video message.”

A standing-room-only crowd of 100 people gathered on a Sunday afternoon at the restaurant to cheer and record personal messages of support for their superstar.

Irene also says it’s difficult missing eliminated ‘Idol’ friends she saw at least five days a week. She and 16-year-old Malaya Watson of Southfield are the only remaining contestants who attend school daily.

“The lectures by the teachers out here are so different, and I miss not having friends as part of the school day,” Irene said. “But everyone here has the same interests in music and performing, so it’s fun hanging out, spending time together jamming and just talking with my new friends. We are all very close, and it is hard when someone leaves.”

The last two contestants to leave the show were MK Nobilette and Emily Piriz.

“MK’s room was right across the hall, so we got to know each other, and Emily and I are staying in touch,” Irene said. “She misses everything about the show, and I text her about what is happening.”

Last week on “American Idol,” Irene performed “Clarity,” an electronic rock song. Judge Harry Connick Jr. remarked that the electronic genre could be her niche. Irene says she enjoys many types of rock music, but believes her sound may be merging into electronic rock.

“It’s something new, and I want to be the next big thing, something different,” she said. “I love the energy of electronic, the feel — and I want to go with it. I am still growing and changing and learning who I am as a performer. “American Idol” is chapter one of my career and I am very excited to see where it leads.”

She promises to perform again with her piano, but refuses to look forward to the end of the competition in eight weeks. Irene says she is taking her performances just one week at a time.

And if she makes it to the final five, she says, she may allow herself to think, “I could win this competition.”

“American Idol” dream continues as Oakland teens raise the bar

Malaya Watson performs on “American Idol XIII” Wednesday, March 26, 2014, on Fox. Photo by Michael Becker — Fox 

By Nancy Branstetter, Special to The Oakland Press

POSTED: 03/28/14, 8:28 AM EDT | UPDATED: 1 MIN AGO

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Jena Irene performs on “American Idol XIII” Wednesday, March 26, 2014, on Fox. Photo by Michael Becker — Fox. 

The big nine remaining “American Idol” hopefuls raised the competitive bar this week with strong, polished performances.

The theme, “I’m with the band,” put contestants in the role of lead singer for their live performances Wednesday night, March 26. Southfield’s Malaya Watson and Jena Irene of Farmington Hills pushed that bar higher with amazing performances, and were rewarded with votes that carried them forward in the competition. At the end of the Thursday Night results show, Majesty Rose of North Carolina was sent home. The judges did not use their one “save” for the season to keep her in the competition.

A video look back at Malaya Watson’s tuba playing and cheerful life at Southfield High School was in sharp contrast with the poised 16-year-old singing live before the American audience. She mesmerized the crowd and judges with a strong yet sweet rendition of the Beatles’ romantic “The Long and Winding Road.” In a rare “Idol” moment, all three judges praised her voice.

“That was beautiful, baby, “ beamed Keith Urban, while Harry Connick Jr. called Watson “most consistently improved of the remaining contestants.”

A brief look at Jena Irene’s life before the “Idol” experience hit the highlights of her normal life as a senior at North Farmington High School and her job as a waitress at Hercules Coney Island in Farmington Hills. Irene was feeling the pressure of being the last singer of the night, following a powerful performance by rocker Caleb Johnson. Irene didn’t disappoint. Closing the show with “Bring Me To Life,” by Evanescence, Irene brought life to the song, working the stage, singing to the band members and impressing the judges. Acknowledging the intense pressure Irene faced, Harry Connick Jr. complemented her, saying, “You were really strong and I hope you are happy.”

Urban kept the compliments flowing, saying Irene always delivers.

“You look great, and you have your own lane,” he said, referring to her distinct style.

Next week the final eight will take the stage in the battle to become the next “American Idol.”

Malaya Watson’s thoughts on being an “American Idol” contestant

Malaya Watson of Southfield performs on "American Idol" airing Wednesday, March 19, 2014 on FOX. Photo by Michael Becker - FOX. Copyright 2014 / FOX Broadcasting. 

By Nancy McCauley Branstetter, Special to The Oakland Press

POSTED: 03/21/14, 11:07 AM EDT | UPDATED: 1 DAY AGO

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During a short break between her physics and pre-calculus classes in Hollywood this week, Malaya Watson, 16, of Southfield shared her thoughts on the “American Idol” experience. She said she has learned to expect the unexpected as part of the competition, but being jarred awake early Monday morning by an earthquake took her by surprise.

“I wasn’t sure what was going on, because it was my first earthquake,” she said. “First it shook, then there were two or three waves. It was a little scary. But then, there are all kinds of surprises here every day.”

Watson says she’s getting more comfortable and settled into the weekly routine of selecting a song, practicing with the band, then performing live before America each week. How does she handle the nerves and pressure that come each performance, knowing it could be her last if she does not receive enough votes?

“It isn’t easy, but I make it look easy,” Watson said. “I really don’t get nervous, because I have been performing since I was 5 years old. I sang in church, the Michigan Opera Theater, Mosaic Youth Theater and so many places that I can’t remember them all. Once I am on stage, I’m fine.”

Watson says she appreciates every moment of the “Idol” experience, including all the extra little things contestants are asked to do. She regularly receives notes of encouragement from all over the world — Australia, Japan and especially the Philippines. Her mother is Filipino, and she and her father are both with Watson in California. As the youngest contestant, she says the others treat her like their “wild little sister.”

“We are all so close, and we really like each other,” Watson said of her fellow contestants. “We spend a lot of time together, but I still miss my friends back home. When I have free time, I call my friends and we tease each other. They are happy for me, but still treat me like Malaya, and that’s good.”

The young singer’s mother promised a computer if she made it to the Top 10, and she is now the proud owner of a MacBook Air.

“I love it,” said Watson. “It’s the first computer I’ve had that really works, and it is so helpful with my homework.”

Watson and Irene have beaten the odds. Competing against thousands of “Idol” hopefuls from across the county, they were among 211 singers to receive golden tickets to Hollywood. The are among the nine contestants who remain in the battle to become the next “American Idol.”