Malaya Watson brings J. Lo to tears in ‘Idol’ performance

MANILA, Philippines – After dodging elimination last week, Filipino-American Malaya Watson bounced back when she brought judge Jennifer Lopez to tears with her latest performance on “American Idol.”

The sixteen-year-old Filipino-American from Southfield, Michigan sang the gospel song “Take me to the King” on Wednesday evening in Hollywood (Thursday morning in Manila).

Donned with a new hair style, Watson whose name means “freedom” in Filipino played the piano at the first part of her song.

Pop star and “Idol” judge Lopez said she had “goosies (goosebumps) from head to toe and tears in my eyes because I was so proud of you.”

Musician Keith Urban said Watson chose a “beautiful song” choice and that he liked that Watson started with the piano.

However, singer-actor Harry Connick Jr. said he saw “a few problems.” He did not elaborate.

Connick added that Watson seemed “very focus” compared to her previous performances which were “running out of track.”

Watson landed at the bottom three last week but managed to dodge elimination.

Originally posted at 12:28 pm | Thursday, March 6, 2014

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