So what does a rejected contestant on American Idol do next? If you're Paula Fuga, you go back to your roots and start working on a debut CD.

FUGA: "I have a song on the album called "Loloiwi" and that song I wrote all in Hawaiian, but I had to go to school to learn the language."

The Hawaiian language wasn't widely spoken on the islands until the 70s and 80s. That's when a cultural renaissance erupted. Traditional Hawaiian music made a comeback. And outside musical styles - like Jamaican reggae - helped raise cultural and political awareness.

FUGA: "Reggae is really popular here in Hawaii. I think it has to do with the laid back lifestyle of living on an island and having similar struggles and limited resources. The things that reggae music talks about are very important conscience issues."

Here Paula Fuga combines a reggae beat with the nose flute - a traditional Polynesian instrument.

FUGA: "A lot of people didn't realize you can play the nose flute with a reggae beat. Or play the ukulele and have a jazzy feeling to it. So it's just utilizing what skills and resources I have and put it into the music that I love.

Paula Fuga originally recorded that song with fellow Hawaiian Jack Johnson. It's called "Country Road" and appears on the benefit CD "Mana Maoli." Proceeds have gone to fund projects that raise cultural and environmental awareness in Hawaii. Paula Fuga may have been tossed from American Idol. But she's had the last laugh.

Fuga recently won her first Hoku...A prestigious Hawaiian music award. She won most promising artist for her debut album "Lilikoi."