8 FilAm + FilCan Idol Contestants and where they are today
Before The Voice, before Masked Singer, and before America’s Got Talent, one singing competition debuted and changed the makeup of reality television. American Idol was released on June 11, 2002, and since then has had 21 successful seasons to date. Since then, an ample supply of Filipino singers have tried to battle with the best of the best which is only natural since singing might be the Philippines’ pastime the way baseball is to America. And time and time again, Filipinos across the country were glued to their TV rooting on their fellow Pinoy and dare I say, even letting them into their hearts. Well maybe it’s time we take a look at some of our favorite contestants and keep up with where they are today in the world, here is a list of 8 Filipino American and Canadian Idol contestants and where they are today.
Jasmine Trias
Jasmine Trias was on Season 3 of American Idol, making it to the finale and finishing in the Top 3. After her appearance on "American Idol," Jasmine Trias continued to pursue a career in music. She released her self-titled debut album in 2005, which included tracks like "Excuses" and "All I Need." Trias became extremely popular in the Philippines due to her Filipino heritage. She often performed in the Philippines and released music there, catering to her Filipino fanbase. Trias can still be found performing in the US and based on her Instagram, it looks like Jasmine is a popular social personality in the Las Vegas scene and can be found at all the new openings and events around the city.
Ramiele Malubay
Season 7 fan favorite, Ramille Malubay ended her time with idol finishing in the top 9. Shortly after Ramiele was invited to perform the U.S. national anthem for Manny Pacquiao’s epic firepower fight against Miguel Cotto. Rameile now has a full time career as a successful travel nurse but still somehow squeezes in time to work on her music, listen her latest OPM song, ‘Kaya’. In addition to her music career, Malubay has been involved in charitable activities and community work. She has used her platform to raise awareness and support various causes throughout the years.
Francisco Martin
Finishing top 5 on season 18 of American Idol, Francisco Martin charmed the hearts of America from the very start with his audition, covering ‘Alaska’ by Maggie Rodgers. Following his appearance on "American Idol," Francisco Martin continued to pursue a career in music. He released original music and continued to build a following on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Francisco has recently released 4 new songs that you can find on his Spotify linked below: https://spotify.link/oRtruITLhDb.
Jessica Sanchez
Probably the most well known Filipino to compete on American Idol. This season 11 contestant made it the furthest out of any Filipino, finishing as the first runner up behind winner, Phillip Phillips. Jessica also has graced Kollective Hustle personally when she spoke at one of our TFCU Talks pre-pandemic. After her stint on "American Idol," Jessica Sanchez continued to pursue a career in music. She released her debut album, "Me, You & the Music," in 2013, which included singles like "Tonight" and "Crazy Glue." She has since released additional music and worked on various projects, including collaborations with other artists. In addition to her music career, Jessica has ventured into acting and Broadway. She made her Broadway debut in the musical "Miss Saigon" in 2019, playing the role of Kim. She also recently got married this past year with a partner who supports her career in music as she continues to perform and expand her talents as a songwriter, as well. Click the link to listen to her latest single, ‘Baddie’ : https://spotify.link/5RgTUdXLhDb
Camile Velasco
Camile also competed on Season 3 with fellow Filipina, Jasmine Trias. She made it all the way to the Top 9 before ending her run with Idol. After her time on "American Idol," Camille Velasco continued to pursue a career in music. She released her debut album, "Camileon," in 2005, which included tracks like "Hangin' On" and "More." Today Camile can be found continuing to make music under a new stage name, Eli-Mac, blending R&B, reggae, and hip hop to create a unique sound that garners over 180k listeners a month on spotify. With over 6 million plays, click below to listen to Eli-Mac’s hit song, ‘Mr Seni’: https://spotify.link/zgSYT90LhDb
Thia Megia
Making it Top 11 of Season 10 of American Idol, This Megia was the youngest finalist to appear on the show. After a few tours with Idol and the invitation to sing the U.S. national anthem for the Pacquiao vs. Marquez fight in 2011, Thia took her talents into the acting industry with her most notable role on Days of Our Lives where she spent a total of 88 episodes over the course of 3 seasons (2018-2020).
Jordan Segundo
One of the first Filipinos to compete on American Idol, Season 2 to be exact, Jordan placed top 32 but successfully continued his career on screen as an actor but most notably as an Anchor/ Reporter & Weather Anchor for CBS13/ Good Day Sacramento, becoming a household name in Northern California.
Tyson Venegas
Tyson has been one of the most electrifying contestants to come from Idol. This past Season 21 of American Idol, Tyson wowed the judges during his audition and was given a Platinum ticket which allows special privilege to bypass Hollywood week which ultimately culminated to Tyson finishing in the Top 10 of the season. Building off his success, Tyson continues to perform and write music today, you can find his latest EP that he released earlier this year: https://spotify.link/A2eNcvJLhDb
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