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Posted: Wednesday, March 3rd, 2004 5:34 AM HST

Mililani teen hopes to become next "American Idol"

By Associated Press

(Honolulu-AP) -- Another homegrown island girl got her turn in the national ``American Idol'' spotlight tonight. Jasmine Trias of Mililani performed on the hit Fox show for her chance to advance to the final 12. If she makes it, the 17-year-old Maryknoll School senior would join 18-year-old Camile Velasco of Maui. Wearing a colorful skirt and a flower behind her right ear, Trias sang a soulful rendition of Whitney Houston's ``Run to You.'' She received positive feedback from all the judges, but Randy Jackson told her to choose easier songs to sing in the future. Judge Paula Abdul says Trias was a pro and sang great. Trias even got rare praise from Simon Cowell who criticized and insulted nearly every other contestant. Cowell says Trias was good enough for him. Hundreds of Trias' friends and fans attended viewing parties at Maryknoll and a Honolulu restaurant. Whether Trias advances depends on viewers' votes, which will be announced tomorrow. (Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)