Watson is ‘young Michael Jackson’ in latest ‘Idol’ performance
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-American Malaya Watson so impressed the judges with her latest performance in the hit singing contest “American Idol” that she was even compared to the late “King of Pop” Michael Jackson.
Watson, whose name means free in Filipino, sang the Beatles’ “Long and Winding Road” on Thursday Manila time (Wednesday in Hollywood).
The sixteen-year-old tuba player from Michigan did it again in wowing the judges.
“To me, you stole that number… It’s so beautiful, you’re so blessed. You’re 16 and you blow me away,” “Idol” judge and Pop star Jennifer Lopez said.
“It sounds like the sweetness of a young Michael Jackson. I hear hints of it,” she added referring to her performance.
Lopez also commended Watson’s control in her voice.
“When you come up with that type of control… your voice stands out above everybody else,” she added.
Musician Keith Urban added that Watson in her performance showed a “sense of her spirit.”
“That set was beautiful, baby… You really chose a performance that showed us your voice and I could really feel your voice,” he added.
Singer-actor Harry Connick Jr. said Watson was one of the “most constantly improving” in Idol’s batch of singers.
He advised Watson to focus on her craft instead of thinking about stardom.
“With a voice and ears like yours, and an attitude that you have, you really can become something great,” Connick said.
“Forget about stardom. All of that will happen. Work on your craft. Nice job tonight,” he added.
After the judges’ evaluation, Watson took the time to give her interpretation of the song.
“Being 16, I wasn’t expecting work like this… The straight road is easy but the winding, it gets tough, it gets complicated,” the Filipino-American singer said.
The teenager also showed her quirky side when a chain she was wearing kept getting tangled while she was talking. “Stop it chain!” she muttered.
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