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— Filipino-American Malaya Watson made it to the top 7 of the hit singing competition American Idol after her stunning performance of her audition song, “Ain’t No Way.”
Idol” tweeted on Friday Manila time (Thursday in Hollywood) that the 16-year-old tuba player from Michigan is safe from the elimination.
On Thursday (Wednesday in Hollywood), Watson stunned the “American Idol” judges during her performance.
After giving her a standing ovation, Keith Urban said “Malaya on fire!”
Other judges agreed when Jennifer Lopez said, “You’re blossoming into this star right before our very eyes. You’re going to be such a huge star. You’re going to run away with this competition.”
Watson also got the nod of Harry Connick Jr. when he said, “That was really, really strong performance. You’re singing lyrics, you’re presenting, you’re entertaining, and you’re performing.”
The judges, meanwhile, decided to save Sam Woolf after CJ Harris was announced safe.
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