Ramiele Malubay in the American Idol Season 7

American Idol Season 3 saw the rise of Filipino-American Jasmine Trias to fame.

Since then, Jasmine has enjoyed remarkable album sales, endorsement deals, and music & video awards both in the Philippines and in the US.

20-year-old Ramiele Malubay from Florida believes she can do the same.

Like Jasmine, Ramiele is proud of her Filipino roots. She cites Lani Misalucha and Regine Velasquez, both popular Filipina singers, as her musical influences.

Catch Ramiele in this season's American Idol. More importantly, don't forget to vote for her.

American Idol is broadcasted in Asia through Star World. Check your local cable provider for schedules. For friends in Indonesia, here's the schedule: WED 20Feb 17:00 19:00 22:30, THURS 21 Feb 17:00 19:00 22:30, FRI 22Feb 19:00 22:30.

Age: 20

Hometown: Miramar, FL

Favorite Quote: "If you're hated, you're doing something right."

Audition City: Miami

Musical Influences: My musical influences would be Aretha Franklin, Jackson 5, Mariah Carey, Lani Misalucha, and Regine Velasquez.

Favorite male pop artists?

My favorite pop artists are Jason Mraz, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, James Morrison, Kanye West, Boys II Men, Bee Gees, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Brian McKnight, Marvin Gaye, Music Soul Child, Neyo, Jon B., Phil Collins, Robin Thicke.

Favorite female pop artists?

My favorite female pop artists are Tamia, Regine Velasquez, Mariah Carey, Diana Ross, Spice Girls, Christina Aguilera, Robyn, Lauryn Hill, Minnie Riperton, Mya, Lilly Allen, Natasha Bedingfield, Nina, The Supremes.

When did you first start to sing?

I started singing when I was 12.

Do you have any formal singing training?

I have a vocal coach.

What other talents do you have?

Other talents I have are that I can play the piano/guitar a little bit. Also, I used to dance.

By Vera H-C Chan (Tue, March 04, 2008, 03:00 am PST)

Before her audition, Ramiele Malubay declared to "American Idol" cameras, "I want to try to be the first Asian-American Idol." Some bloggers may be so eager about the prospect of a racial breakthrough, that they're sussing out other contestants to see if they might fit that bill.

In recent weeks, people have been online searching for rumored Pinoy connections in queries like "david archuleta american idol filipino" (+511%) "david archuleta filipino auditions" (+386%), and "danny noriega filipino" (+160%). So far, however, the ethnic background checks have failed to surface any Fil-Am blood for the popular Archuleta or Noriega.

Besides sparking huffy threads on the Philippines' colonial history, blogosphere discussions have pitted colorblind advocates against those who crave Asian representation in the music industry. The main objection to such queries has been, what does race matter? Aside from ethnic pride, the response is that it shouldn't... but an "Idol" victory could change the minds of recording executives who think otherwise. The International Herald Tribune examined the dearth of Asian-American singers after season 6 contestant Paul Kim claimed execs told him his ethnicity kept him from getting record deals. (Kim made the top 24, but didn't survive the first round.)

"American Idol" itself hasn't been without its racial controversies: Elton John called the 2004 votes "incredibly racist" after future Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson got ousted. Also, one name that surfaces with astounding regularity in online searches is ultimate reject William Hung. Opinion remains split over whether his ill-gotten fame comes from displaying endearing innocence or playing into a racial caricature; the aforementioned Kim certainly brought up Hung as a negative incentive to try out.

Ironically, Asian-American "Idol" representation has nearly been in line statistically with the general population (census numbers put Asian-Americans at 5%). Out of 72 Top 12 contestants, three have been Asian: season 3 singers Camile Velasco and Jasmine Trias (whose name Malubay invoked in her audition interview), and last year's infamous Sanjaya Malakar (whom USA Today had, perhaps prematurely, crowned as an ascending South Asian star). Three out of 72 is about four percent. If Malubay-currently the top-searched female competitor-makes the finals, she'll bring "Idol" stats (4 out of 84) right to the 5% mark.

Interestingly, a University of Arkansas economist actually used "American Idol" as a means to study racial discrimination in the labor market. He uncovered a "positive correlation" between the race of the viewers and contestants when the competition got hot. In Malubay's case, 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 transcend race. That may be exactly what both sides are hoping for.

Few weeks ago, Ramiele was female finalist with the second most number of online searches. As of yesterday's reports, she just jumped to number 1.

The article below written by Vera H-C Chan mentions that Ramiele is backed by Filipinos in her hometown (Florida) and in the Philippines. Too bad those in the Philippines can't cast thier votes.

"Ramiele Malubay may hail from Florida, but California is taking the strongest interest in the petite powerhouse singer -- as does New Jersey, Washington, New York, and Virginia. The geographical appeal bodes well, and that's just in the United States. Philippines media has been rooting for the "Fil-Am" competitor. Most importantly, her buzz among the traditional "Idol" Search audience (ladies in their 30s) are better than Kristy Lee Cook."

Let's keep the votes coming for Ramiele! :By Remus Mark