A sweetheart, yes. A star, maybe. But don’t call Jasmine Trias a diva.
The Hawaii teenager’s sweet voice and endearing personality have helped her reach the top three in the hit TV singing competition “American Idol.”
It’s a perch one might expect to transform a girl. But those who know the 17-year-old island native say she remains as humble as ever — which still gives her a chance against two rivals with more powerful voices.
“She’s not arrogant. She’s not showy,” said Betsey Gunderson, principal of Maryknoll School, where Trias, a senior honors student, is due to graduate June 4. “I think that’s why she has such tremendous support.”
Few deny she has the good looks of a pop star, but her string of victories has surprised many “Idol” observers as other perceived front-runners were sent home. The most shocking moment came last week when Trias managed to survive after a disco performance that yielded the toughest criticism of the night from judges.
Trias was reduced to tears — but it was La Toya London, a critical favorite, who was voted off instead, prompting judge Randy Jackson to label the vote “a travesty.”
At Maryknoll, where students watch the “American Idol” results each Wednesday night, classmates describe an easygoing, extraordinarily friendly girl whose popularity transcended cliques. They say she doesn’t fit into the stereotypical mold of fame.
“When you think of celebrities, you think of egotistical people,” said Brian Klein, an 18-year-old senior. “She’s just the same Jasmine.”
Trias appears reserved at times, even timid, but always offers a warm island smile, even when berated by judges.
“She really is that nice,” said Andrea Bucci, an 18-year-old senior. “It’s always you before her.”
A lifetime of singing
Jasmine Soriano Trias was born and raised in Hawaii, the oldest of Rudy and Nora Trias’ three children. She lives in the central Oahu community of Mililani with her parents and her brother, 15-year-old Ronel, and sister, 6-year-old Neolani.
But friends say they know where her heart lies.
Trias began professional voice training at age 8. She idolizes Christina Aguilera, and since entering high school has put a new emphasis on her passion, singing at school, in her church choir, at shopping malls and in dozens of contests.
Still, those who know her say she’s always willing to step back if it means helping someone else.
“She didn’t want always to do all the solos even though she could,” said Gayle Brodie, who coordinates a music ministry group at Maryknoll. “She didn’t want the limelight.”
Trias, who is of Filipino, Chinese and Spanish ancestry, will have plenty of family support in Hollywood this week — her parents, grandmother, aunts and cousins will be in the audience when she competes to reach the final.
Thousands turned out when she made a brief return to Honolulu last week, which didn’t surprise her voice coach for the last decade, William Daquioag.
“To see a person like Jasmine, to be very humble, to be very low key — I think that’s why people love her personality,” he said, adding that voices alone do not make pop stars. “You look at the singing as part of the whole show.”