Idol mania hits Manila

MANILA, Philippines - We laughed, cried and cheered for them. Fresh from their American tour, the American Idol (AI) Season 10 finalists arrived yesterday for a two-night concert on Sept. 20 to 21 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The lives of Casey Abrams, Haley Reihart, Jacob Lusk, James Durbin, runner-up Lauren Alaina, Naima Adedapo, Paul  McDonald, Pia Toscano, Stefano Langone, Thia Megia and winner Scotty McCreery have definitely changed since appearing on the show. They are excited to come to Manila, the only Asian city included in the tour. Watch full video

“Just arriving here is beautiful and the food is amazing,” Pia said at the Manila Hotel presscon held yesterday.

“I haven’t been here since I was four,” added Thia, whose parents hailed from Pampanga. “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,” she said.

“We heard more that the Philippines would be special and we’re looking forward to getting out,” said Scotty.

Scotty McCreery: Life has taken a 180 (degree turn). So I’m just trying to adjust

The Idol finalists are happy to see and hear the support of their Filipino fans. “There were a lot of people lining up and waiting outside (of the airport),” shared Naima.

Jacob said, on the other hand, they also look forward to go around the city, try the food and shop. 

Asked how is it like making a name in the music scene, Lauren replied, “I feel like everyone is his own artist. I don’t think James (Durbin) is scared to be like the rock field because Kurt is there because they have been successful. I feel like it doesn’t really matter.”

For Scotty, life is never the same again since winning AI’s 10th season. “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.”

Scotty also admits that he has huge shoes to fill with Carrie Underwood’s win in Season Four. “It’s a whole lot different for all of us,” he 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.” Scotty’s single I Love You This Big is topping the charts.  

Thia Megia (with Scotty): It’s lovely to be back with my mom here

So, what do Pinoys expect from the Big Dome concert? “Philippines, better get ready for us!” said Jacob.

Last night, four of the Idols performed on GMA 7’s Manny Many Prizes. They will also have a mall tour in Trinoma today.

Asked about their advice to aspiring singers, Haley answered, “Believe in what you’re doing so whatever that may be, whatever passion that is. You just have to believe in it.”

“Don’t stop believing,” added James.