RICHARD WALKER / RWALKER@STARBULLETIN.COM Jasmine Trias performed during halftime of yesterday's Hawaii Bowl game at Aloha Stadium.

‘Idol’ contestant rode
wave of isle support

For several months earlier this year, Hawaii was in the grip of "Jasmania."

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It was a roller-coaster ride for "American Idol" contestant, Mililani teenager Jasmine Trias, and her thousands of local fans who speed-dialed their votes every nail-biting week, to the consternation of the rest of the United States. Our small state was David to the country's Goliath, determined to push Trias to the final installment of the popular network contest.

After the ousters of fellow Hawaii contestants Jonah Moananu and Camille Velasco, Trias continued to advance, due in part to her poise and bright personality.

There was no lack of drama along the way. Hawaii viewers responded to villainous judge Simon Cowell's blunt remarks by rallying to her defense, arming themselves with land-line and cell phones, and voting. On the more benign side, local women showed solidarity by tucking flowers behind their right ears, as Trias did early in the contest.

After the ouster of favored singer La Toya London, the rest of the country realized the voting might of the Aloha State, aiming criticism and accusations of cheating our way. Online messages and letters to the editor were accusing local voters of turning "American Idol" into a popularity contest, instead of voting for the best singer.

In the end, the 1.6 million votes from the islands (out of almost 6 million attempts that jammed local lines) were not enough to put her over the top.

Even so, Trias became a celebrity, both here and in the Philippines, managing to make time to join her Maryknoll School class for graduation ceremonies in June before going on a U.S. summer tour with "Idol" finalists, ending triumphantly with three consecutive sold-out shows at the Blaisdell Arena in September.

While there still seems to be some question as to whether she will move to Los Angeles or commute from home, she is said to be working on an album.