By Camelia Rodriguez
PINOY Associate Editor
American Idol recently made its way to Chicago last month to hold its Season 9 auditions. Yes, it really was eight seasons ago when we witnessed Kelly Clarkson becoming the first ever American Idol. And it was three seasons ago when I first auditioned for the hit show. Unfortunately, I did not make it to the second round to sing for Paula, Randy, and Simon (as most of you may know, fourth judge Kara DioGuardi did not join the American Idol judging panel until this past season).
After my “Idol rejection” during Season 5 auditions, I took a bit of a hit to my ego and vowed never to audition again even if the show came back to Chicago. I obviously went back on my word and decided to audition again on June 22 with a few of my friends.
It was estimated that about 50,000 young men and women filled the United Center for a chance to prove that they could be the next pop sensation. Most weren’t even Chicago natives; coming from Wisconsin, Indiana, and as far as Florida.
With the past success of Jasmine Trias, Camile Velasco, and Ramiele Malubay on “Idol” it didn’t surprise me to see many Filipino Americans at the auditions. Desiree Lombos says that she decided to audition for the experience and also to “represent Filipinos”.
I’m sure the many other Pinoys/Pinays who auditioned share Lombos’ sentiments seeing as how Asian Americans in general are not very visible in the American music industry. “I believe that there is a serious lack of representation of Asian Americans in the media,” says Reuben Robredillo. “I decided to try out not only to represent myself, but also to represent the Asian American community.” He hopes that an Asian American will make it far this upcoming season and possibly be crowned as the next American Idol.
I also hope that an Asian American (whether they be Filipino, Korean, or Chinese) can come out on top on Idol. I see many talented Asian Americans singing their hearts out on YouTube, but why is it that their fame is limited to just being on the Web?
When it was my turn to sing for the judges I went completely numb. I believe I performed my best and that’s all that really matters to me. Unfortunately, I heard the same thing that was said to me when I auditioned for Season 5: “You have a nice voice, but you’re just not what we’re looking for.”
Oh, well. Maybe competing on American Idol isn’t the best way for me to promote Asian American visibility in the media. I guess God just has bigger and better plans for me.•