When Jasmine Trias was competing in "American Idol," it was all about pitch, singing and delivering the song.

It was Season 3; she was 17 years old; she placed third.

Now 21, Trias has learned to entertain — not merely sing, but to do impersonations — thanks to mentor Tony Ruivivar, first for his Society of Seven show, which she joined for several weeks last year at the Flamingo hotel in Las Vegas; and more recently as he helped prep her for her formal Waikiki debut with the spinoff Society of Seven Las Vegas group tonight at the Outrigger Waikiki's Main Showroom.

"They're hilarious guys; it's so much fun working with them," Trias said of her SOS LV chums, which include her voice coach from the past, William Daquioag.

"I'm just wondering if I can keep a straight face. They're always having a good time; they're young at heart. It makes me feel so passionate about what I do."

She answered Five Questions:

Q. You've had a taste of nightclub showroom work earlier with the SOS. What kind of fit has this been for your career growth?

A. Absolutely positive; this SOS show thing is one of the highlights of my career. I've learned so much from the Las Vegas show; it's stretched me as an artist. I'm performing and entertaining; I didn't do that before on "American Idol."

And I'm singing songs I love to sing; Tony really pushed me to my full potential, making me sing, do comedy, do impressions. It's acting as well — I've learned so much.

Q. Are you comfortable with your pliability — what Ruivivar has plotted for you?

A. I think it's all for the better. I'm trying to understand entertaining. Tony pays so much to detail, how to move, what to say, focusing on every little bit of small things. The rehearsals have been lengthy, but so helpful.

When I do my own shows now, I look into Tony's shoes, to think about details the way he does. I was intimidated at the very beginning, especially after seeing Lani (Misalucha, the Vegas-based songstress featured with Ruivivar's original group), and those were big shoes to fill. Tony changed me, from "I can't" to "I can" ... especially with impersonations.

Q. As an "American Idol" alum, you're the first to play a Vegas showroom. But do you feel pressured to get charted with a CD or get visibility on a TV series or feature film, to achieve and succeed?

A. To achieve and succeed, yes and no. Personally, after getting a taste of being on the show, I've managed to pursue my own dream. Life after "American Idol" includes shows in the Philippines; I will do another promotion there, once I finish my second album, which is due next year. I continue to have voice lessons with Neva Rego (in Honolulu), and will go back to L.A., too. It's been busy.

Q. How's your personal life? Significant other? Family?

A. I'm very close to my family. When I'm in L.A., I stay at my dad's brother's place; they are my godparents. I keep in touch with my high school (Maryknoll) friends, but I do go back and forth. As for a significant other, it's difficult to have one now. I have dated, but the priority for me is career and family.

Q. Are you on target with your progress, or are you shooting for other options that would include show business as well as some other foundation?

A. I'm actually enrolled in the University of Phoenix since last year, taking business courses. I plan to open up businesses. I've been exposed to the business side of things, and would like to get a degree. Juggling a (singing) career with a business, though, is a lot of work, but I love it.