“She has what it takes to make it to the top three—she has the looks, the [stage] presence and the voice. What could ruin her chances to reach the finals is a bad choice of song. Song choice, as Simon Cowell has always emphasized, can make or break a singer. I completely agree with him. All American Idol contestants are only good as their last performance. Ramiele Malubay, if she doesn’t chuck the habit of picking the wrong song, might get booted out of the competition sooner than we think.”
—Gabby Libarios, journalist

“I applaud her for being proud to be Pinoy ever since she got in at American Idol. I believe that she will make it because she’s natural, and her personality’s simply engaging. She’s a real talent and very worthy of the title. I am glad because she’s making us [all] proud.”
—Catherine Untalan, Miss Earth 2006 second runner-up

The bottom three were then identified as Brooke White, Ramiele Malubay and Kristy Lee Cook, all roommates! Maybe they have been doing girly chitchat instead of practicing? Hehe! Simon Cowell said America finally got the bottom three right this time. And after the votes were tallied, Ramiele Malubay was the one who said goodbye. As expected, tears came and this time, it’s for herself =(

For me, she was way better than Jason Castro or Kristy Lee Cook! Her voice fit the song to a T. Nice style for her! However, Ramiele Malubay’s lack of confidence was apparent in some parts. She seemed going back and forth between moments of feeling free and scared. Guess Ramie is still really lacking from experience. She’s got a great voice and all she needs is the confidence to match it! =)

“She will make it [to top three]. She has a very good chance. ‘Vocally’, she’s okay.”
–Resty Furuc, software developer

“No, she won’t [make it]. She keeps on choosing songs that don’t highlight her vocal range. She’s trying to copy Regine Velasquez. American Idol isn’t a venue for imitating anybody.”
—Ria Olson, health care officer

“She will go far [in the contest], but not as far as top three.”
—Christian Guatlo, migrant worker

“Yes. She spices up every song that she sings. She sounds better than Jasmine Trias!”
—Ihna Obispo, bank teller

“No. [Because] Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will choose a ‘pure’ American in the end. Look what happened to Jasmine Trias? Finalists with foreign [particularly Asian] lineage have zero chance of winning the grand prize. It’s a sad fact.”
—Donald Carpio, student

The sociologist adds, “There is also the natural propensity of Filipinos to identify with the underdog since the singer is considered a member of the minority who can be subjected to discrimination.” Ooohh, now you’re talking serious ma’am! But we all love underdogs right? And just like boxing idol Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, the UP sociologist also said Filipinos will support Ramiele Malubay because she gives them reason to be proud of their nationality.

Anyway, when Danny Noriega was voted off, Ramiele Malubay found new friends in the persons of Brooke White and David Cook. In a recent AI episode, the petite singer called the white chick “Mama Brooke” and she reciprocated by calling Ramie her “Little One” =) As for David Cook, he is like an elder brother to the Pinay singer. Ramiele Malubay shared, “He gives me pep talks.”

were both probably more worthy of seats on the “safe” sofa than Ramiele Malubay. How does she keep getting off so easy? And don’t even say it’s the pouty “awww” she lets out every time the judges (or at least Cowell) tell it like it is. Argh.

Let’s just say Ramie has tons of loving fans like us! Hehe!

It was noticeable that Ramiele Malubay was straining to hit and belt out the high notes. As a result, much of her performance was pitchy. But you have to give it to her as she performed while sick! She said her voice just “went bye bye” though this was not noticeable to the audience. What a pro huh?? =) The best thing? Simon Cowell said it was much better than her karaoke performance last week. WHEW!!