Naomi Tatsuoka had the opportunity to perform for millions on American Idol. Her soulful rendition of Queen’s “Somebody to Love” and her rousing take on Adele’s challenging “Someone Like You,” helped bring the 24-year-old within a round of the final 24. Tatsuoka’s talent also yielded sincere praise from Keith Urban, who said she has a “gift of a voice,” and Harry Connick Jr.: “I think you threw everything in there, including the kitchen sink. I’m glad you did, Impressive!”
But the most meaningful moment of the entire experience didn’t happen in front of cameras and spotlights. It happened back in Portland, Oregon: Tatsuoka’s hometown community rallied together to fund her trip to Kansas City, Missouri – her last round on Idol – which she couldn’t have afforded on her own.
The singer, whose roots are in Monterey, and several of her generous supporters had viewing parties each night her episodes aired. Last month, everyone gathered to watch Tatsuoka’s final performance in Kansas City – she sang Birdy’s version of Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love.”
Everyone already knew what the outcome would be, but Tatsuoka says it was still a fun ride.
“It was also very stressful,” she says through the final remnants of a head cold. “But I got through it.”
She says she accomplished exactly what she set out to accomplish: “I wanted publicity and [Idol] has definitely gotten me a lot of that.”
After sharing the triumph of the experience with her Portland people, Tatsuoka wants to share some of the love with her Monterey friends. Following back-to-back nights at American Burger, she performs Friday at Cibo with guitarist Josh Makosky (from her Portland band The DIVA Project). Her mini Monterey tour will continue Thursday, March 26, at Bull and Bear Whiskey Bar and concludes Saturday, March 28, with an “Album Debut Extravaganza” and a live music video recording at Planet Gemini.
In addition to a flurry of R&B and Top 40 covers, including Adele’s “Rollin’ in the Deep” and Alicia Keys’ “Fallin’,” Tatsuoka – also a mean bass guitar player – brings a selection of originals coated in a unique brand of neo-soul that’s laced with a touch of jazz. The sultry laidback vibe drifting through “Conduct” rides a silky wave propelled by Tatsuoka’s funky vocal-bass scat combo.
“If anything, doing American Idol has motivated me more,” she says. “I’m finally feeling like a career in music is going to be a reality. I’m not just going to survive, I’m going to thrive.”
NAOMI TATSUOKA 9pm Friday, March 20. Cibo, 301 Alvarado St., Monterey. Free. 649-8151.