During her audition for the "American Idol” Ramiele Malubay had declared that, "I want to try to be the first Asian-American Idol."

With her making it to the finals, Ramiele can not only expect support from Florida, but can also expect to get it from as far away as Hawaii and certainly Philippines but unfortunately they aren't allowed to vote. The race is going to get more competitive and all that Ramiele needs to do is to sing well in order for her fan base to grow. Though she has all the support of the Filipino community, which has a staggering presence in states like California, Washington, Hawaii, New York and New Jersey. It also happens to have the second largest Asian American population in the US today. But still it is not enough to win her the 'Idol.'

If Ramiele excels, she can also expect support from fellow Asian-Americans who wouldn't want anything better than to have a good Asian representation apart from the mould of William Hung. Till now, she has given only shining performances. Though the judge’s spoke disparagingly about her choice of songs, they still had nothing but praise for her singing ability. Even the notoriously sarcastic and caustic judge Simon Cowell, called her one of the top three singers of the remaining 16 singers.

All of us have been feeling that there has been a dearth of Asian American idols and singers in the country. However, though it is also felt that aside from ethnic pride, there no such need, but still an idol victory could change the minds of recording executives who think otherwise. Interestingly, in order to study racial discrimination in the labor market, a University of Arkansas economist actually used "American Idol" as a means to do the research. His study found a "positive correlation" between the race of the viewers and contestants when the competition got hot. With respect to Malubay, she has the backing of Filipinos in her hometown and in the Philippines in her pursuit. Given the small population and the latter's ineligibility to vote, Malubay's appeal will have to go beyond race and may be that is what everybody is hoping for.

Gerry Grant
Reporter
My Entertainment News

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