Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Why did Majesty Rose decide to sing “Happy” when she was on the verge of elimination from American Idol?

Well, she considers her first rendition of the song one of her shining moments on the show.

But there was an added benefit.

Majesty Rose gets a hug of condolence from Malaya Watson after being eliminated from American Idol Thursday night. (FOX Photo)

“I wanted to be happy,” Majesty, 22, of Goldsboro, N.C., said in a Friday conference call with reporters. “There was no way I could cry with that song going on.”

Majesty wound up finishing ninth in Season 6, well enough to make the summer tour, but probably not as well as many Idol watchers expected.

She appeared to be a judge and fan favorite after her first performance of “Happy” in the semifinals.

Majesy said she’ll always look back at that as one of her fondest Idol moments.

That was the night 15 female semifinalists were crowded into a chamber. Ten would be summoned to sing for a spot in the finals. Five wouldn’t even get that chance. And no one knew who was going to be called on to sing or in what order.

“I truly was happy when I sang that song,” she recalled. “I didn’t even know if my name would be called. As it turned out, I didn’t have to wait at all. Everybody else had to sweat it out in the chamber. I didn’t have to worry.”

Majesty turned in one of the strongest performances that night and was voted into the finals.

Ryan Seacrest with Majesty Rose, as she tries to block out emotion and prepares to sing her save-me song on American Idol Thursday night. (FOX Photo)

Harry Connick Jr. suggested that might have been a reason Majesty had trouble connecting with viewers at home — that they weren’t sure who she is as an artist. After all, Thursday’s episode marked Majesty’s third straight visit to the bottom three.

In the conference call, Majesty said there might have been some truth to Harry’s analysis, that it might not be wise to perform songs “that are such polar opposites” on the show.

But she said displaying that type of versatility could prove to be an advantage after the show. After all, she wants to pursue singing, but wouldn’t mind forays into acting or commercials as well.

The best part about being on Idol is “that I have a platform now, and so many things to choose from,” Majesty said.

Among other comments from her conference call …

* She’s not sure why her mom named her Majesty. Her sisters are named Joy and Precious. “I think my name’s the most different,” she said. Her given name is Majesty Rochelle. She shortened it to Majesty Rose because she loves flowers so much.

* While proud of her faith, she doesn’t see herself as a strictly Christian artist post-Idol. She thinks her faith while shine through even if she releases an alternative album. She just wants to make sure she releases music that appeals to everyone.

* Once her Idol obligations end, she plans to return home for a visit. And that will include a visit with the preschool children she was teaching before trying out for the show.