‘American Idol’ Bids Malaya Watson Goodbye
Idolized: Singer Malaya Watson had a long run on “American Idol XIII.”
Goodbye, Hollywood.
She made it to the top eight finalists, but Southfield High junior Malaya Watson was cut Thursday from “American Idol XIII.”
The powerful singer with the trademark big glasses and braces tearfully sang her last song as judge Jennifer Lopez looked on with obvious empathy.
“Although it’s sad to see her go home, at least she went out with a bang” said friend and classmate Jaivone Carter.
Watson sang “Through the Fire” by Chaka Khan the night before she was eliminated. Judge Harry Connick, Jr. told Watson that not many people can hit and hold the Chaka note and that it was impressive that Watson could do it.
Though Watson was eliminated, her friends and supporters back home in Southfield see her as the winner regardless of what happened: “I am very proud of Malaya,” said friend and classmate Darren McDonald. “I have known her for five years and have always wanted her to audition for American Idol. I’m upset that she didn’t win, but also extremely happy that she made it as far as she did.”
McDonald predicts this is not the end for Watson. “It’s only the start of something incredible.”
Still competing among the seven remaining finalists is fellow competitor Jena Irene Asciutto from nearby North Farmington High School.
