Ramiele Malubay may have shed some tears after getting eliminated on American Idol Wednesday, but she’s not crying anymore. On a conference Thursday, the 20-year-old Florida resident (she moved from the Philippines when she was 5), told reporters about how Simon gave her a shoulder to cry on, her future and her plans to move in with Danny Noriega. –Alondra Hernandez
Were you surprised when you heard you were heading home?
I kind of felt like I was going home last night — not to be negative or anything because I’m not that kind of person. I just felt it a lot more when Dolly sang ["Jesus & Gravity"]. But you know, it’s okay, we all have to leave sometime. There’s only one winner.
What’s next for you?
I really wanted to try to pursue something. I’m staying in L.A. for a while and I’m going to try and pursue something here. If that doesn’t work, I’m definitely going back to school for nursing and I also wanted to try acting.
You mentioned you wanted to be the first Asian American winner of the show, did you feel any added pressure?
I felt a little bit of pressure … I have to do well, not only for myself, not only for my parents but for people of the same race and the people supporting me. I got as far as I could and I hope nobody’s disappointed.
Have you considered following Jasmine Trias? She’s made a career for herself here and in the Philippines?
I definitely want to go back [to the Philippines] because its home and I want to see what I could do there. I’m pretty sure I’m going to have [some kind of career] over there and follow in her footsteps … I’m really grateful to her for being the first Filipino American Idol to be on the show and doing big things.
Did Simon’s critiques ever get to you?
Oh, Simon likes me. I know he does. He’s a really nice guy. Backstage, when I left the show, he came and he was like, “Oh, cry on my shoulder” … I really do believe in my heart that he says the things he says — sometimes he over does it probably [because] it’s tv — but he just wants us to be better.
Who do you predict will win?
We all went into this being totally different from each other and then growing so much more to perfect our differences … I don’t really know whose going to take it this year. Other years you can kind of tell or predict but it’s really weird this year. Everyone’s so freakin’ good!
It’s been reported that you and Danny Noriega are moving in together. Will that happen right away?
I’m not sure yet when we’re going to move in together because of the tour and what not, but I do know we’re going to! We’re really close. We still talk every single day.
Have you asked Danny to do a duet with you?
Me and Danny will do a duet — regardless.
FOX
Permalink | Comments (54)
