Asian Americans Idolized
You have seen them on TV auditioning for what has become a phenomenon. Their goal is stardom. Thousands upon thousands try out. Only a very small percentage of those get to even move on beyond the local auditions for their chance at Hollywood. Here are some of the people you've seen and their short stories:
Fatima Yusef
I auditioned for both American Idol 2 & 3. During Season 2, I made it all the way to Hollywood and then some, but they never showed footage of me except for group shots and on KTVU's morning show. During season three, I made it to the exec producers, but they were biased even before I walked into the audition room. When I walked in, the first thing they said was, "huh! Back again?" By then I already knew that they weren't interested. Still, I persevered, and I sang 2 songs for them. When I was done, they actually told me that I still have a wonderfull voice, but they weren't going to waste their time and money on me this year when I couldn't make it as far last year. I was shocked! I didn't know what to think. They didn't even give me the chance to see Simon, Randy, and Paula this second time around. But despite the embarrassment of being rejected just because it was my second time, it turned out to be a blessing. As it turns out, producers from the season 2 show, loved me so much, that they asked me to audition for another show. That show was The Talent Agency on the WB, where I ended up being the Female Singer Champion. So one person's loss is another's gain. That's my story about American Idol.
Bao
Q: What does being Asian American mean to you?
A: Being Asian-American means that I'm part of a group of people who have civil rights to thank contemporary forefathers for and that I'm part of a group that is neither completely "Americanized" nor "Asianized." I consider it an ethnic identity I'm proud of and will continue to fight for, but an identity that shouldn't be blown up as a state of mind. I don't constantly "think Asian-American," but embrace it as who I am ethnically, what I've learned from the virtues of my parents and the virtues of American lifestyle.
Q: Have you always wanted to be a singer? If not, what do you think you'd be
doing?
A: The funny thing is that singing was not my first love, it's film. I'd have to admit that I'm a huge film nerd, and given the choice, I'd probably go behind the camera than on-stage (it's also less nerve-wracking). However, going through this whole audition process has taught me never to downplay my vocal talent, to sort of let go of inhibitions caused by years and years of pop culture scrutiny. I never really took my singing seriously until I attended the first Idol round of auditions on a whim.
Q: Your parents seems very proud of your accomplishments. Have your parents always been supportive in what you do?
A: They've been behind me through everything, and I use that cliché in all seriousness: from the elementary school art projects, to the obligatory SAT tutoring, to the chaos that is college applications and mailing fees, to even this, a shot at American pop super-stardom. They've really come to trust me on any of my often spontaneous decisions or binding responsibilities, and believe in them so much that it makes things tenfolds easier to accomplish, something that would have been impossible without their support.
Q: What advice could you give to other Asian Americans who want to be an entertainer?
A: I have a huge wish that Asian-Americans would just go out there and DO IT. Considering our "diverse country," Asian-Americans have the lowest number of audition participants in the industry, mainly because they believe breaking in is impossible. It's going to be difficult, and there aren't many places, but I'm a firm believer that the industry is always looking for something different, and I don't think anybody's tired Asian-Americans yet (except for the stereotypes). I've received comments like "Woah, I never thought Asians could sing," which is only a small part compliment, but a huge insult. We have had hundreds and hundreds of years' experience in arts, theatre, and music, and it's about time we showed America that we can indeed entertain them.
Q: In recent years there has been a high Asian American winner count in reality shows (Harlemm Lee on FAME, Dat Phan on Last Comic Standing, Dorothy Hui onThe Mole). Do you think Asian Americans are getting more opportunities on these types of shows? Do you think them winning has helped improve the way Asian Americans are perceived in the media?
A: I definitely think those like Harlemm and Dat Phan proved that there are opportunities for Asian-Americans out there because, well, they inspired me to pursue Idol. The more Asian-Americans that just get out there and DO IT, the more role models and possibilities are communicated to the Asian-American public. More Asian-Americans will make use of their talents instead of casting them off as hobbies, and hopefully, a more accepting American audience will help them succeed.
Q: What words of inspiration do you have for your fans?
A: Fans? You mean the fifteen people I knew in high school? I'd tell them to hang in there and try to keep watching Idol, because I made them miss two episodes of Smallville or something already. It's hard to compete with Kristin Kreuk. But to everyone else, keep supporting your Asian-American artists, and if you want to be one, just get out there and DO IT. A structured future plan is overrated.
More to come...hopefully.
Special thanks to Fatima and Bao for their precious time. We wish much success to them in the future.