All That Jas
Sam welcomes Season 3 American Idol finalist Jasmine Trias and singer, songwriter and comedy magician Ben Stone. They discuss their careers, their love of animals and lending their talents to charitable events for people and pets.
BIO:
Jasmine Trias
American Idol Star, Las Vegas Headliner, & International Recording Artist
Hawaiian born, Filipino-American, Jasmine Trias rose to fame on season 3 of the hit TV talent show American Idol, where her incredible run in the live finals secured her place in the top three. With her “aloha” charm, and signature trademark Hawaiian Plumeria flower in her hair, Jasmine stole the hearts of the nation, and beyond.
Widespread interest in Jasmine’s talent from the recording world meant it wasn’t long before she released her self-titled debut album in July 2005 to eagerly awaiting fans. Jasmine’s album showcases her vocal diversity across 14 magnificently produced songs, written by multi-platinum industry leaders, including Diane Warren, Vincent Herbert, and Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs. Her single release, Excuses, was a Top 10 hit on the U.S. Billboard Chart, and soared straight to No. 1 in the Philippines, where her album with Universal Records boasts Platinum Record status.
Jasmine has performed live on tour to sell-out audiences at concert arenas and stadiums in over 50 major cities around the United States, and internationally in Canada, Japan, Singapore, across Europe, and, of course, the Philippines where she achieved super stardom.
Jasmine’s unparalleled popularity and success in the Philippines led to major endorsement deals with some of the world’s most recognizable brands. As the face of a national TV campaign for McDonald’s, they launched ‘The Jasmine Trio’, a meal designed to feature an original single Jasmine recorded especially for McDonalds, called ‘Love Ko To’ (I’m Lovin’ It). Bench Clothing also created a similar campaign by creating Jasmine’s very own clothing line ‘Jasmine’. Other major endorsement campaigns in both the Philippines and the US include; Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Smart Communication (the Philippines largest telecommunication network) and Hapee Toothpaste, to name a few.
Hawaii bestowed its greatest honor on Jasmine, when the Mayor proclaimed May 14th as “Jasmine Trias Day”. She was invited to perform at the Aloha Stadium in Hawaii alongside the legendary Don Ho, as the official half time show for the Pro Bowl in 2005 broadcast live to millions around the world. Jasmine was invited back once again in 2007, this time to sing the national anthem prior to the game as part of a grand patriotic production. Jasmine was also a regular headliner at the famous Outrigger Hotel in Waikiki.
Despite an extremely busy international performance schedule, Jasmine somehow made time to complete a Bachelors Degree in Business, as a straight “A” student at the top of her class. A keen entrepreneurial eye has already led Jasmine to success in other business ventures outside of the music and entertainment industry, but the busy songstress also always finds time to lend her voice and support to charitable and worthwhile causes around the world. Jasmine was commended for engaging with the youth of Hawaii through numerous Public Service Announcements on TV, discouraging smoking, drinking, and drug abuse.
Having first been invited to guest star at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino back in 2007, Jasmine was the first American Idol to headline on the Las Vegas Strip. Jasmine continues to headline at many of the top Las Vegas Casinos, and recently relocated to live and perform there.
Following the success of her debut album, Jasmine is now spending time back in the studio focusing on recording new material for her long awaited second album.
Ben Stone
Born and raised in Liverpool, England, Ben Stone is an engaging and stylish entertainer whose personality is infectious and future is bright. A fresh and charismatic performer, Ben is the definitive heartthrob with the talent to match. Truly a “Triple Threat” entertainer, Ben is not only a gifted Singer / Songwriter and Musician, but also a renowned Comedy Magician & Host. Ben Stone has been entertaining international audiences for well over a decade with his unique style and British charm.
With a private client list that reads like the ‘Who’s Who’ of a top celebrity magazine, Ben has been invited to perform for and alongside major A-list stars and dignitaries at exclusive venues as diverse as the legendary Playboy Mansion in Hollywood to the prestigious House of Lords in London. Not to mention multiple command performances for members of the British Royal family. Ben has also appeared on International TV with performances aired across the UK, USA, as well as numerous European and Asian countries.
Previously having performed to sell-out audiences at prominent West End theatres in London such as Her Majesty’s Theatre and the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane; in 2011, Ben made his fifth appearance to date at the world famous ‘Home of Variety’ the London Palladium Theatre in ‘Palladium Magic’, celebrating 100 years of Magic & Variety at the London Palladium. Previously Ben was also one of the featured performers in the acclaimed ‘Tribute to Siegfried & Roy at the London Palladium’ in 2008, which was attended by numerous high profile stars and celebrities, including Siegfried & Roy themselves who flew in especially from Las Vegas. Other featured stars included Sir Anthony Hopkins, Shirley Bassey, Cher & Celine Dion to name a few. Ben performed his original music, accompanied by a concert orchestra, and received rave reviews. The show was a hit TV broadcast throughout Europe and as a result Ben went on to successfully tour his own Big Band and Variety show.
Rapidly making a name for himself on both sides of the Atlantic, Ben has now made the move to live and perform in Las Vegas, the undisputed entertainment capital of the world. His immediate popularity resulted in a number of key engagements, with multiple headline appearances at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino in ‘Variety Live’, later starring in ‘Britain’s Top Talent’ at the Orleans Hotel & Casino. Ben was personally invited by show business legend Jerry Lewis to sing on his Labor Day MDA Telethon, broadcast live from the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to millions across the USA and beyond raising over $65Million.
Throughout 2012, Ben was the headline Host of the celebrated ‘Vegas Magic Theatre’ show, starring in almost 200 shows at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino. Ben was the only constant performer in the show, hosting an ever changing cast each week, showcasing the world’s greatest Magicians and Variety entertainers. Ben received widespread acclaim for displaying such an impressive range of talents as he hosted, sang and performed comedy and magic in every show. Following the success of ‘Vegas Magic Theatre’, Ben was invited back by popular demand to headline once again at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino in ‘World Stars of Magic’.
Most recently, Ben has been touring around the world with his girlfriend, Hawaiian born American Idol Star, Jasmine Trias. The stunning couple has already recorded a live album together and intends to bring their new live show to the Las Vegas Strip. They have also been approached and are in negotiations to star in a brand new TV show. When Ben’s not performing live, he will almost certainly be found in a recording studio. Constantly working on new original songs for both him and other well-known recording artists, Ben is currently focusing on his highly anticipated debut album.