LOCAL viewers of "American Idol" were recently crushed when Camile Velasco, one of the two Fil-Am finalists in the popular singing tilt, was booted out of the singing tilt. That leaves only Jasmine Trias as our remaining bet for US pop-musical stardom.
Camile had a lot going for her-great looks, a husky singing voice, and winsome, telegenic appeal. The competition's three judges were lavish in praising her stellar potential when they first heard her perform in Hawaii.
Downfall
So, what happened? Camile's eventual downfall was the result of her being so young and raw that she couldn't cope with the talent search's extremely rigorous demands.
Camile did very well when she sang in her "signature" Lauryn Hill style. But "American Idol" makes it a point to test its finalists' versatility by requiring them to change performing styles from week to week.
Being relatively young and inexperienced, Camile couldn't keep up with the quicksilver changes, and her performances became increasingly nervous and insecure.
The judges saw this, and warned her early on in the finals to get her act together, or she wouldn't survive the program's "cruel" winnowing process. Alas, their fears were confirmed soon enough.
Selection process
The young Fil-Am looker isn't really to "blame" for her failure to stay the course. The show's selection process is simply too stringent for most teen talents to cope with. To illustrate: one week, the finalists with the lowest scores were the three teenagers in the group.
But all is not lost for Camile Velasco. After she goes on a planned promotional performance tour with 10 of the show's 12 finalists, she should think of paying the Philippines a visit.
We're pretty sure that, with the popularity of "American Idol" here, and Camile's extensive exposure on it, she will be welcomed by the local entertainment industry with juicy recording, concert and even acting offers that should make her a star in no time.
Camile should consider this option because, as some balikbayan talents have shown, local entertainment now pays substantial talent fees, even in dollar terms. If US show biz can't assure her of fame and fortune, the Philippine music scene can!
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NOTE:
Both girls are playing to make the trip
to the Philippines! After their 40-city
US Tour is over. They can be heard in
the newly released album of American
Idols contestants!
All is not Lost for Camile Velasco