Louie Reyes, known as the country’s Queen of Jazz, had shared the stage with foreign artists Joe Sample, Bob James, and David Benoit (Photo from MySpace)

MANILA, Philippines – Behind a number of “American Idol” hopefuls is Filipino singer Louie Reyes, one of the members of popular group from the '70s, The Minstrels.

Reyes, dubbed as the Philippines’ Queen of Jazz, revealed in a recent radio interview that she holds voice lessons for "AI" wannabes in Los Angeles, California. The singer seems highly dedicated to her endeavor, as the daily classes often last until 9 p.m.

“American Idol” is already in its 11th season and has held auditions in South Carolina, Pennsylvania, California, Colorado, Texas, Oregon, Missouri, and New Jersey. Currently seating in the judges’ panel are record producer Randy Jackson, Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler, and Latina superstar Jennifer Lopez.

In one of these auditions, 26-year-old Filipino-American Ashley Robles impressed the judges with her take of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” Robles, a single mother who works as an insurance accountant by day and a club DJ by night, eventually got her golden ticket.

Meanwhile, Reyes is currently in the country for a reunion-cum-pre-Valentine concert with her fellow Minstrels members Ding Mercado, Eugene Villaluz, and Ray-Ann Fuentes. Members of another hit 70’s show band Circus—Jacqui Magno and Pat Castillo —will also be part of the said show. Both groups made waves during the said era along with the likes of Hotdog, Juan de la Cruz Band, and VST & Company.

The Minstrels’ early hits included “Buhat” and its rendition of The Stylistics’ “You Make Me Feel Brand New.” Reyes and Villaluz also had a hit called “Nothing I Want More.”