Blue Ridge Sailor’s Daughter Vies for Fame on ‘American Idol’
Story Number: NNS040223-11
Release Date: 2/23/2004 3:46:00 PM
By Journalist 2nd Class Luke D. Johnson, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=11922

040218-N-9860Y-021 USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) Feb. 18, 2004 – Machinist's Mate 1st Class William Velasco, from Batanes, Philippines, is surrounded by shipmates as he anxiously watches his daughter, Camile Velasco, 18, of Maui, Hawaii, as she performs on the nationally televised show, “American Idol”. “American Idol” is a national talent search television show that awards its winning performer a singing contract. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Apprentice Tucker M. Yates. (RELEASED)

ABOARD USS BLUE RIDGE, At Sea (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to the amphibious command and control ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) had the honor of watching his daughter perform on "American Idol" Feb. 18.

Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (SW) William Velasco, assigned to the ship's engineering department, found out his daughter would appear on FOX Network's popular talent search program as one of 32 finalists on the show's Feb. 17 telecast.

“I never told anyone that my daughter was going to be on ‘American Idol,’” said Velasco, 43, “until they put it on the night engineering orders, and everyone came to congratulate me on my daughter’s success.”

Velasco said his daughter’s singing career began at age 16. Her first performances were at the Philippine community centers in Hawaii. Now Camile, an 18-year-old waitress from Haiku, Maui, Hawaii, had the opportunity of a lifetime to boost her singing career on “American Idol.” The winner from each season gets a recording contract.

His daughter currently lives in Hawaii, while he is stationed aboard Blue Ridge, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.

“American Idol came to Hawaii, and she participated in the tryouts,” said Velasco.

040218-N-9860Y-045 USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) Feb. 18, 2004 - Machinist's Mate 1st Class William Velasco, from Batanes, Philippines, smiles with pride as his daughter, Camile Velasco, 18, of Maui, Hawaii goes through her post-performance interview on the nationally televised show “American Idol”. “American Idol” is a national talent search television show that awards its winning performer a singing contract. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Apprentice Tucker M. Yates. (RELEASED)

The Batanes, Philippines, native waited nervously on the mess decks for his daughter to make her appearance. He sat quietly by himself as Sailors around him erupted in a loud ovation when Camile appeared on screen to perform Brian McKnight’s song “One Last Cry.”

“I think that this is truly fantastic that Velasco’s daughter is on American Idol. It almost makes me cry,” said Personnelman 2nd Class (SW) Christopher Hydron, from Las Vegas.

The television appearance was also the first time Velasco had seen his daughter sing, he said.

“I have not had a chance to see her perform yet, and I am very excited to see how she will do on the show,” said Velasco. “My daughter enjoys singing hip hop and R&B songs. She also loves to perform in front of a crowd.”

Velasco said his daughter’s goal is to attend a music college in Sacramento, Calif. But he admits that what she really wants to do is be a famous singer.

“I will always support her no matter what career choice she chooses,” he said.

After Camile’s performance, Sailors erupted in a roar of cheers, and everyone on the mess decks congratulated Velasco.

Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW) Froilan Santabarbara, from Manila, Philippines, said it’s easy to see how proud Velasco was to see his daughter on the small screen.

“I am very glad for her. I have a daughter myself, and I can only imagine how proud Velasco must feel. I know he was proud, because I would be, too, if my daughter was up there singing,” said Santabarbara.

Velasco was especially happy to learn that his daughter's performance was good enough to get her into the next round, bringing her one step closer to possibly being the next winner. He said he has high hopes for his daughter.

“I really hope that she gets to go all the way,” he said.