Malaya Watson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Malaya Watson
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Watson in March 2020
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Malaya Tina Bandico Watson |
| Born | September 24, 1997 Southfield, Michigan, U.S. |
| Genres | Soul, R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals, tuba |
| Years active | 2014–present |
Malaya Tina Bandico Watson (born September 24, 1997) is an American singer. She became well-known when she finished in eighth place on the TV show American Idol in 2014.
Contents
Early Life and Music
Malaya Watson was born in Southfield, Michigan, in the United States. Her dad, Ronald Watson, is a professional guitar player. Her mom, Marian Bandico Watson, is a nurse from Manila, Philippines. Malaya is both Filipino American and African-American.
When she was in high school, Malaya played the tuba in her school's marching band. She also sang in special youth theater groups like the Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit and the Michigan Opera Theatre Children's Chorus. She performed in many shows, including Carmen and The Nut Cracker.
Musical Inspirations
Malaya says her two grandfathers and her father were big musical influences for her. She also shared that her singing style is inspired by famous artists like Sly Stone and Beyoncé.
Music Career
2014: American Idol Journey
Malaya Watson was only 15 years old when she tried out for American Idol in Detroit. She sang "Ain't No Way" by Aretha Franklin. She was one of the youngest people ever to make it to the live shows on American Idol.
During the show, judge Jennifer Lopez and many fans thought Malaya might win. However, she was eliminated when she received the lowest number of votes for the Top 8. She sang "I Am Changing" as her final song. After her last performance, all three judges gave her a standing ovation.
After American Idol
After American Idol, Malaya joined the American Idols Live! Tour 2014. This tour traveled around the country from June to August 2014. During this time, she started working on her first music, including an EP called My Diary and a full album.
On October 19, 2014, Malaya sang the U.S. national anthem at a Detroit Lions football game at Ford Field in Detroit.
In 2018, Malaya released her first single, "Time." Two years later, in 2020, she released another single called "Worry About Myself." That same year, she sang on the song "Love You Bad" with Phoelix for the EP Dinner Party: Dessert, which featured artists like Terrace Martin and Robert Glasper.
On December 4, 2020, Malaya released her first EP, My Diary: The Prelude. Her second EP, Father's Law, came out the next year. In 2021, she also sang on the song "Evil Eye" with rapper YG for Terrace Martin's album Drones. She also appeared on two songs from Snoop Dogg's album Algorithm.
In 2022, Malaya was featured on a song called "Joint 3" with Cisco Swank and Luke Titus. This song was even named one of the best songs of the year by NPR.
Discography
EPs
- My Diary: The Prelude (2020)
- Father's Law (2021)
Digital Singles (American Idol)
| Year | Song |
|---|---|
| 2014 | "When I Was Your Man" |
| "The Long and Winding Road" | |
| "Ain't No Way" | |
| "Through the Fire" |
Singles
| Year | Song |
|---|---|
| 2018 | "Time" |
| 2020 | "Worry About Myself" |
Guest Appearances
Malaya has also sung on songs by other artists:
- In 2020, she was on "Love You Bad" with Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder, Kamasi Washington, and Phoelix for the album Dinner Party: Dessert.
- In 2021, she appeared on "Happy Feet (for dancers)" by Theo Croker and "Runnin Away" by Tall Black Guy and Ozay Moore.
- Also in 2021, she sang on "Evil Eyes" with Terrace Martin and YG for the album DRONES.
- She was also featured on "Anxiety" and "Inspiration" from Snoop Dogg's album Algorithm.
