Pinay trends on Twitter after making 'Idol' cut

source: mb.com.ph

MANILA, Philippines – The battle has just started but 26-year-old Ashley Robles may have actually already won the war -- in the hearts of fellow Filipinos at least.

Robles made it to the top local trending topics on Twitter on Monday after becoming the first Fil-Am to grab a ticket to Hollywood in in the 11th season of the hit talent show, “American Idol.”

Robles impressed show judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson when she did a portion of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” as part of her audition during the San Diego, California leg of the production.

“Very nice, very nice,” said Jackson.

“You knocked me out,” Tyler chimed. “You’re gonna be big.”

Brimming with confidence after getting the judges’ nods, Robles, a single mother juggling work as an insurance accountant by day and club DJ at night, muttered, “That’s what I’m talking about!”

Quickly, several Filipinos shared their support of Robles via Twitter.

@fladoughboy said, “Ashley Robles is the one to watch on #AmericanIdol.”

“Ashley Robles is LOVE! Proud to be Pinoy! Another reason to watch #aionetc once again! Hope she makes it big on that IDOL stage,” added @quirkytordy.

Meanwhile, @1stladyace went as far as to say, “I think Ashley Robles will b d BEST EVER Fil-Am IDOL compared to d past Fil-ams who have joined the American Idol. Her voice got mad range.”

@Tiktakgoo posted, “Ashley Robles' audition piece on American Idol was totally hair raising!! Ang galing grabe!! I'm rooting for her to win!”

But the contest is just beginning and the journey is long and arduous.

In the past, three Filipinas made some noise while clawing their way to the top of the singing contest – but all of them - Jasmine Trias, Camille Velasco and lastly, Thia Megia - failed to to win the "AI" plum.

Velasco was eliminated mid-way through the finals of the third season. Trias, who was competing during the same season, eked a third place finish – the peak spot so far for a Pinoy. Megia, only finished a decent 11 in the 10th season of the show.

source: mb.com.ph