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Posted: Wednesday, March 17th, 2004 5:45 AM HST

Hawaii singers vie to become next "American Idol"

By Associated Press

(Los Angeles-AP) -- Hawaii's pair of ``American Idol'' finalists performed last night with one basking in praise and the other being criticized by the judges. 17-year-old Jasmine Trias of Mililani blew away judges on the hit Fox show with her soulful performance of Natalie Cole's ``Inseparable'' while Maui's 18-year-old Camile Velasco performed Dusty Springfield's ``Son of a Preacher Man'' and received less than glowing reviews. Judge Randy Jackson called Velasco's performance ``safe'' with ``nothing wow about it.'' Fellow judge Paula Abdul told Velasco it looked like she wasn't having enough fun. Abdul, however, said Trias' performance was her favorite of the night. Jackson says Trias is ``what the competition is all about.'' And even the usually sharp-tongued Simon Cowell had praise for Trias. Cowell told Trias her singing was ``just superb.'' The group of 12 finalists will be pared down in weekly sing-offs. The series culminates with a May 25-26 finale. (Copyright 2004 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.)