Malaya Watson Screengrab from American Idol’s YouTube account.
Aspiring Filipino—American singer Malaya Watson got the boot from “American Idol Season XIII” the week that she performed Chaka Khan’s “Through the Fire.”
Malaya earlier made a splash on the reality singing tilt, but landed in the bottom three a little too frequently in the recent weeks.
Do you feel like you grew— to a certain measure—in the competition, as a person and as a performer?
In both performing and singing, I think I improved. Honestly, a lot of people think that. I’m really shy, but now I really want to just talk to everybody.
Your dad is a professional guitar player. How much did he influence you?
If he weren’t doing music, I probably wouldn’t have done music, either, because I never would have been around it as much as I have. I was always around music, all the time.
What three things make you unique, in your opinion?
I play the sousaphone. I’m not afraid to be myself. And I can sing.
What are some struggles that you had to face as a contestant on “American Idol”?
Probably managing time for school and working on my music, and trying to balance my time evenly.
All the judges stood up and applauded when you bid goodbye to the show. Were there any final words of encouragement?
Yes. They told me I’d be going far in a couple of years, and that they would probably see my name on [marquees] all over. And Harry Connick Jr. told me to just keep working on my music because I’ll be a big star one day, sometime soon.
What did you miss most from home during your time in Hollywood?
Seeing my friends. So I’m having this big old get-together at my house tomorrow.
Do you have any advice for other teens who are planning to audition next year and/or pursue a music career?
I would say, just focus on school [meanwhile], and just follow what your heart wants you to do. Because if I didn’t do this, I probably wouldn’t be here. I was really hesitant at first. But, if you really want to do something, do it while you have the chance. Because there’s going to be that one important time when you’re going to want to do something, and if you don’t do it, you’ll regret it.
When it comes to dating, what qualities do you look for in someone? Is it important that they play music?
Anyone I date [has] to play football. They have to be taller than me in heels. And they can’t be stupid, because you know what it’s like, the myth, all football players are dumb. They have to be loyal and honest, too… and oh, yes, they have to be busy, because my schedule’s always busy.
Looking back now, what was your favorite performance in the show and why?
Honestly, I have no favorites. I think back and I see that they’re all amazing because I took the time to just put myself into the song and just do my thing.
Did you ever, at any point, entertain the idea of trying something a little younger or more current?
[I thought of it]… I do like John Legend, of course he’s amazing. I like Michael Buble, Bruno Mars and Pharrell. I like a lot of male singers, though I don’t know why. I like Tamar Braxton, she’s good, too.
If you could choose anybody, who would you love to sing with at some point?
Probably… Fantasia! Oh my gosh. If I could sing with Fantasia, that would just be amazing.
(“American Idol” airs live Thursdays and Fridays, 6 p.m., on Star World and ETC.)