American Idol Live Tour in Manila

American Idol Season 10 finalists and winners are on tour and all of the 11 finalists are here in Manila, having arrived early this Saturday morning, just a few hours before the press conference at the Manila Hotel. It was a hot day and I braved traffic just so I can see them in person, among them grand winner Scotty McCreery, Filipina Thia Megia and my bet James Durbin (did any of you catch my twit about James?). Usually, only the top 10 go on tour but there are 11 talents due to a save by judges Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.

Scotty McCreery and Thia Megia

Stefano Langone and Haley Reinhart

I arrived at the venue in the nick of time as they were being introduced one by one. As they answer questions from the press and guests, I felt that all of them are really passionate about music and that they all have worked really hard to get where they are today. Pia Toscano, for one, shared that she was rejected a lot of times in other auditions, including American Idol season 9 but that didn't stop her to improve and try again for season 10.

Jacob Lusk and Naima Adedapo

James Durbin and Casey Abrams

When asked about what advice they can give to young and aspiring singers and musicians, they were unanimous in saying not to ever give up and never let other people take away the dream. At which point rocker James Durbin bursts into a song, "Don't stop...believing..." with his trademark powerful voice.

Paul McDonald, Lauren Alaina and Pia Toscano

ON VIDEO: When asked about how she feels whenever she is being compared with another Filipino talent, Charice Pempengco, Thia smiled and was gracious in saying that,"...Charice and I are very different artists but she does inspire me." Sorry for the super short clip, was staring at James Durbin almost the whole time that this was the only video I took.

Video

Catch Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Haley Reinhart, James Durbin, Jacob Lusk, Casey Abrams, Stefano Langone, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Naima Adedapo, and Thia Megia on various mall shows for some meet and greet:

After that, they take the stage for the first time in Asia for a two-night concert at the Smart Araneta COliseum on September 20 and 21, 8 pm. Expect a powercast show as the idols perform on one stage, covering a wide range of music genres -- country, pop, jazz and rock -- with duets and medley's of today's hits plus originals from their individual solo projects.

American Idol Live Tour 2011 press conference

I've been following American Idol since the time two Filipinas joined and placed in the widely watched singing talent show -- AI season 3 third placer Jasmine Trias and finalist Camille Velasco. Admittedly, I found the auditions fun and thrilling as I made fearless predictions on who will make the cut. Since then, more Filipinos took the chance to join and made it until semi-finals -- AI season 7 finalist Ramiele Malubay; season 8 gold ticket recipient Jenesis Samoranos who didn't make it through Hollywood week; season 10 semi-finalist Clint Jun Gamboa and finalist Thia Megia. If I missed some more from the other seasons, please let me know.

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