Malaya Watson Vying for America's Votes Enters Top 10 (Girls)

Malaya Watson moved on to the next round of American Idol 2014 as he was chosen as one of the Top 10 performers for America’s votes after chosen by the judges for Rush Week.

American Idol Rush Week Contestan (Photo: American Idol FB Page)

During the Rush Week Malaya Watson was the last to be called as one of the Top 10 performers for girls, the judges cites her powerful vocals. With only one spot left in the top 10, the six remaining girls felt the pressure, eventually Malaya was chosen 10th among the finalists.

The 16-year-old Malaya Watson is known as a tuba player from Southfield High School in Michigan. She performed the song “Hard Time” popularized by Ray Charles earning her the judges’ nods.

Harry Connick commented after Malaya Watson’s performance “Welcome to the top 10. The stress for everyone has been so great. I just want to give you a big ol’ donut. We all know how talented you are. I look forward to seeing you settling into a space,” Connick said.

Keith Urban on his part commented “You make gl(–foul word(s) removed–) and braces seem so cool. It’s confidence, you can make it work. If America votes you through, I can’t wait to hear what you’ll sing next,” added Urban.

The lone female judge Jennifer Lopez described Malaya Watson’s performance as “epic.” She was quoted as saying “There is no doubt that you are one of the big powerhouses of this competition. Every time you get up there, for me it’s just epic… I just want to say that you did a great job tonight. I have to say you’re amazing and I really hope we have you around for a long time,” she said.

The Other Female Contestants in the Top 10 (Female):