Malaya Watson in ‘American Idol’ top 8 after singing Beatles’ hit

By: 10 years ago

Malaya Watson, a Filipino-American in the hit singing contest “American Idol,” belts out with her performance of the Beatles’ song “Long and Winding Road.” Screengrab from American Idol’s YouTube account.

MANILA, Philippines—Back with her signature look of braces, glasses, and a big hairdo, Filipino-American Malaya Watson got in the top 8 of the hit singing contest “American Idol” after singing a Beatles’ song.

“Idol” tweeted on Friday Manila time (Thursday in Hollywood) that the 16-year-old tuba player from Michigan is safe from the elimination round that sent home Majesty Rose.

You can stop holding your breath; you’ll be seeing @MalayaTinaB again next week! #IdolResults

— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) March 28, 2014

Watson raked in the judges’ praise with her rendition of the Beatles’ “Long and Winding Road” on Thursday (Wednesday in Hollywood).

Idol judge Jennifer Lopez even referred to Watson as a “young Michael Jackson.”

Watson has been receiving praise from Idol judges for the control of her voice and her quirky attitude. Her name Malaya means free in Filipino.

Watson has also been changing look in the hit contest. She once sported a straight hairdo from her natural curls, but she has maintained her signature look of glasses and sparkly braces.

Watson is born to a Filipina mother and an African-American father.