“American Idol” finalist Malaya Watson has transferred from Southfield High to North Farmington High School for her senior year.
Watson, who relied on Southfield High students for their votes to make it to the finals, was spotted in the football stands with her new North friends when Southfield High played North, and Watson confirmed the transfer to a Southfield Jay staff member.
“Malaya is a performer,” said Southfield High Principal Michael Horn. “She sings, she acts, and she dances. Southfield High School does not offer performing arts.”
At Southfield High, Watson was a tuba player in the award-winning Marching Blue Jays band, which has 180 members. Horn said Watson wasn’t on “American Idol” for playing tuba. She was on the show for her singing abilities.
“Malaya has to do what’s best for her,” said Band Director David Miller. “Where she is now has expanded opportunities that Southfield unfortunately does not offer.”
North Farmington is also home to Jena Irene Asciutto, who finished in second place on American Idol last year and became friends with Watson.
Miller said he knows Watson enjoyed being in band, and he’s proud of her. “But sadly I did lose a phenomenal musician in my band.”
Miller said he knows Southfield’s band experience helped Watson learn self-discipline and how to work with other members and not individually.
“When Malaya started with the band, she did not know how to set up a tuba, let alone play one.” She grew to be one of the top tuba players, Miller said.
Watsons’ friends from the band said she was also sad to see the departure of band assistant Dennis Carter, who could not continue his own performances and assist at Southfield High at the same time.
Watson was one of 10 finalists on “American Idol XIII” and toured the country over the summer to perform with the other finalists, including Asciutto, who graduated last year.
On each week of American Idol Watson’s advancement to the next episode depended in part on viewers calling in votes for her or texting for her spot on the show.
Her teachers sent work to her in California so she would not fall behind.