Hawaiian Idol's High Hopes
American Idol watchers know Jasmine Trias as the Hawaiian girl who's very proud of her state. The 17-year-old singer, now one of two finalists from Group 4, just can't stop talking about it! "I want to put Hawaii on the map," she tells TV Guide Online. "People have misconceptions that we still live in grass shacks on the beach. Or that the hula is the only type of dance we know."
Like the other Idol wannabes, Trias just wants to stand out amidst a crowded group of finalists. "I have a different look," she says, "especially with the flower in my hair. In the Hollywood auditions, Simon told me to keep the flower. He likes it."
Is there any romantic significance to a girl sporting flora in her follicles? "Yes, it's like earrings," she says. "If you wear your flower on the right ear, you're single. And if you wear it on the left, then you're taken." As for Trias, she's single. When asked if she hopes to meet a celebrity boyfriend like Justin Timberlake — and what kid wouldn't? — the songbird tries to sound grown-up. "I wouldn't want to date someone who was also in the business," she says dismissively. "Too hectic."
By the way, what's that wacky hand gesture she does? "The shaka," Trias explains. "It's a Hawaiian thing. It means 'hi' or 'hang loose.' A long time ago, there was this Hawaiian guy who worked as a railroad engineer and lost his three fingers. When he waved 'hi' to people, he had missing fingers, so that became the shaka. It's true!"
