Thia Megia makes it to AI’s top 13

LOS ANGELES – Thialorei Lising Megia, 15, more popularly known to American Idol followers as Thia Megia, made it to the top 13 finals in the American Idol (AI) Season 10 singing contest. On Thursday night (Friday, Manila time), the charming girl who has been home-schooled for three years made the cut at the AI selection of finalists. “It feels amazing to be in the top 13," said Thia, who acts mature for her age. Unfortunately, Clint Jun Gamboa, another Filipino contestant who made it to the top 20, got booted out. (See: PEP: American Idol: Thia Megia in; Jun Gamboa out) “I feel sad for Clint," Thia said. “He is like my kuya (older brother)." Clint is the former DJ from Long Beach, California, who had performed Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition" during the all boys performance Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time). Pitch perfect During the Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) performance of all the girl finalists, Thia sang “Out Here On My Own," Irene Cara’s song from the movie “Fame," and impressed the three AI judges – Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson. Steven said, “When somebody’s pitch is so perfect, it doesn’t matter what you sing." J-Lo, on other hand, said, “It was so beautiful. It was a quiet moment. You were there standing still and you captivated every single person in this room." But the best compliment Thia probably got that Wednesday night (Thursday, Manila time) was from Randy Jackson who said she is like the female Michael Jackson when it comes to having the perfect tone. Randy said, “Your tone reminded me of the tone of the late Michael Jackson." Youngest AI contestant proudly Filipino Thia, who hails from Mountain House, San Joaquin County, California, flew all the way to Wisconsin to audition in Milwaukee because she could not wait for the auditions in California. She was planning to join Season 11 next year but when AI dropped the minimum age to 15 this year’s competition, she joined right away – becoming the youngest contestant in the history of AI. “Lauren Alaina from Rossville, Indiana, who is 16 years old, and I get along well since we are almost the same age and we share a lot of things in common," she said. Dressed in a colorful sweater, black shorts and ankle-high beige boots, and with her long curly hair down and warm smile, comes across as charming, friendly and fashionable. “I am the only Filipino on the top 13 so Filipino pride!" she declared. She has been to the Philippines on vacation twice – when she was two years old and when she was four. “It’s been quite a while," Thia said. To her fans, she said, “Thank you for voting for me. Thank you for all your support. You do not have any idea how happy I am and how proud I am to be Filipino." Proud family Her mom, Cynthia, and dad, Loreto, both hail from Pampanga. They immigrated to the US in 1968. Loreto disclosed that his dad changed their name from Mejia to Megia. “Nanginginig ako bago tawagin ang pangalan ni Thia ni Ryan Seacrest (I was nervous before Ryan Seacrest called Thia’s name)," said Thia’s dad. Loreto disclosed that he has four kids and Thia is the youngest. All her siblings are rooting for her. “I am proud of her," he said, adding that Thia has been singing since she was four years old. Since Thia is a minor, the AI contest rules require one parent should escort the young contestant. “Her mom and I will alternate," Loreto said. We asked him where Thia got her singing talents and he disclosed, “From her uncles from both sides of the family. Definitely not from me. I only sing in the shower." He laughed. According to Loreto, Thia herself chooses her own songs for AI. He asked Thia’s fans to continue supporting her. He said, “Mga kababayan, tulungan po ninyong maging tuloy tuloy na ang success ni Thia. Salamat po! (My countrymen, please help Thia so that her success will continue. Thank you!)" Idol favorites Thia has been compared to Jasmine Trias, who finished third in season 3 of American Idol and was the youngest contestant then at 18 years old. Asked whether she has ever seen Jasmine perform, Thia replied, “Yes, although I was too young then. She was really great and she deserved to go that far." Among Filipino singers, she said she idolizes Charice Pempengco. “I love Charice," she said. “She has a great voice and she is very humble. I also love Regine Velasquez." Her father said Thia has performed in a concert with Regine Velazquez. Thia revealed that her favorite Filipino foods are sinigang, adobo and pancit. She admitted that she could speak a little bit of Tagalog and could understand it. “I am trying to learn more," she confessed. As for Kampampangan, she said, yes she could understand it. Before bidding her fans goodbye, she greeted them in Tagalog, “Salamat! Mahal kita! (Thank you! I love you!)" then blew them a kiss. – MRT/JV, GMA News