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Just a few months ago, we saw them audition for the reality television singing contest, American Idol. We watched Casey Abrams, Haley Reihart, Jacob Lusk, James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, Naima Adedapo, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Stefano Langone, Thia Megia and Scotty McCreery perform week after week. We rejoiced every time our favorite Idols got the go signal to advance in the competition. We cheered whenever the judges gave our Idols wonderful feedbacks and we cried whenever one of them was sent home. It almost felt like we were beside them all throughout their American Idol journey. Country singer Scotty McCreery emerged as the grand prize winner while Lauren Alaina came in as runner-up.
As one way of thanking their millions of fans, the top finalists went on a concert tour and the Philippines was their last stop. The Philippines was the only country in Asia included in the American Idol Live! Tour 2011.
They American Idol Season 10 finalists arrived in the Philippines last September 17, 2011. The eleven top finalists were happy and overwhelmed by the huge support of their Filipino fans. The group visited different malls and local TV shows to promote their two-night concert in the country on September 20 and 21 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Memorable encounters with the Idol finalists
Scotty McCreery
The grand winner of American Idol 2011 shared his interest to see more sides of the Philippines. “We heard more that the Philippines would be special and we’re looking forward to getting out,” McCreery said.
For Scotty McCreery, emerging as the grand winner of American Idol’s 10th season became a life changing force. He is gradually adjusting to the changes happening in his life.
“I have been living in an adult world now for the last couple of months. With that transition, life has taken a 180 thing so I’m just trying to adjust. For my hometown, I’m still the same Scotty. But out of my hometown, it’s a different thing,” McCreery said.
McCreery faces the challenges and pressures of being the very first country music male singer ever to win in American Idol. He realizes he has a big spot to fill after Carrie Underwood’s successful reign in American Idol. “It’s a whole lot different for all of us,” the country singer said. “This is a new thing not only for Idol but for the country music world. There has never been a country music male and there’s no formula for that. So it’s a cool thing and a scary thing,” he added.
McCreery is off to a good start because his single entitled “I Love You This Big” is currently topping the charts.
Lauren Alaina
“Everyone is really loving here,” American Idol runner-up, Alaina appreciated the warm Filipino hospitality. Alaina told the media that she has never been outside the United States before the tour. The first was Canada and now the Philippines. Alaina expressed her desire to visit the beautiful beaches in the country.
Thia Megia
Thia Megia, the Filipino-American and youngest American Idol finalist expressed her happiness for the chance to go back to the Philippines.
“I haven’t been here since I was four. It’s really lovely to be back with my mom and I promised her that one day I would eventually take her but I didn’t expect it so soon. I’m just really looking forward to learn more about the importance of my culture and seeing my roots,” Megia said during the press conference.
“I'm really looking for to just learning more about the importance of my culture and seeing my family again. I've missed them terribly, I'm looking forward to the idols enjoying their first time here in the Philippines. It's really amazing, and I'm really excited. Thank you so much, salamat po," Megia shared.
Pia Toscano
"We are so excited. You guys have pretty much watched us grow," Pia Toscano said during the press conference in Manila Hotel.
Toscano told the media how excited she was to perform at the concert and meet the Filipino fans.
"We're all so excited to be here, I know I am. The plane ride here was awesome, Just arriving here was beautiful, the food is amazing, our fans are incredible. Greeting us at the airport, it was pretty cool experience," Toscano added.
Stefano Langone
Langone revealed that he is a huge fan of Manny Pacquiao during his appearance in GMA’s News to Go.
“Huge fan of Manny Pacquiao. Actually met him a couple of days ago on his show. It was a great time. We got to go back stage and talk to him for a little bit. I was like man, they’re working you man. I mean he was so tired. He’s training in the day and doing the show at night. It’s just amazing to see how he gives so much to his people. He stays true to himself and who he is. He knows where he comes from. It’s a great thing to see. It’s truly beautiful,” Langone told Kara David.
When David asked if Langone thinks that Pacquiao is ready to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr., the singer quickly replied, “I think he should fight him . It’s time. It’s time. It’s time to show Mayweather … give him a little lesson I think. Some real respect.”
Langone added, “Manny is a man of respect and integrity. Not only his fighting ability but who he is as a person makes him truly the best.”
Television appearances
James Durbin, Stefano Langone and Naima Adepapo visited the set of News to Go, hosted by Kara David and Howie Severino.
Scotty McCreery, Pia Toscano, Thia Megia and Stefano Langone made an appearance in Manny Many Prizes. Pacquiao was asked to render a song on the spot with Megia. He gave each one a signed Team Pacquiao jacket.
Thia Megia, Paul McDonald and Lauren Alaina tries the local delicacy, balut.
Scotty McCreery and Thia Megia in Eat Bulaga.
Idol Tweets
Some of the American Idols shared their excitement and enthusiasm about the Philippines via Twitter.
“Great show last night in Manila! We went out on top!” – Scotty McCreery
“Mahal Kita Philippines! I had such an amazing time yesterday.” – Naima Adedapo
“Excited for our show tomorrow! Loving it here in Manila!” – Haley Reinhart
“Manila you guys were amazing! It's been a blast! Asia knows how to party. About to hit another 14 hour flight back to LA!” – Paul McDonald
“Loving Manila!!!!” – Pia Toscana
“in the Philippines getting ready for the day at seven a.m….” – Lauren Alaina
“We're leaving for the Philippines today. Looking forward to see my family & all our amazing fans out there. You guys are awesome! Love you..” - Thia Megia
Photo: American Idol Live! Tour 2011 from American Idol website.
Videos: “Scotty McCreery and Thia Megia on Eat Bulaga”, c/o Youtube; “Lauren, Thia and Paul eating balut”, c/o Youtube; “News to Go: American Idol Finalists on Filipino Food, Manila, and Manny Pacquiao”, c/o Youtube.
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