A win worth P5.7M for the first Pinoy Idol winner

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Her experience with “Pinoy Idol,” in the words of grand champion Gretchen Espina, was “an eight-month battle with myself.”

It was a battle that paid off well then. Gretchen brought home a total of P5.7 million in prizes P1 million from SM Malls, a condominium unit, a brand new car, a P1-million recording contract with Sony BMG Music Philippines and a television contract with GMA 7 worth P500,000. The talent search was co-produced by GMA 7 and Fremantle.

The 20-year-old former member of the UP Singing Ambassadors bested two other hopefuls Jayann Bautista, 21, and Ram Chaves, 25.

“Pinoy Idol” debuted on April 5 on the Kapuso network after a series of nationwide auditions for singers. Contenders performed in live programs and faced weekly eliminations via public SMS voting.

“We all fought hard,” said Gretchen. “I will show my supporters that I deserve their confidence. I will strive to become the Idol that they want me to be.”

Happy runner-up

After the tilt finals on Sunday at the SMX Convention Center of the Mall of Asia in Pasay City, runner-up Jayann told Inquirer Entertainment that she was happy for her roommate. Jayann said they became close to Gretchen after “Hell Week,” which ushered in the competition’s most difficult phase.

Cameras at the 8,000-seat hall started rolling at 5 p.m. The opening number featured “Idol” finalists Daryl Celis, Kid Camaya, Warren Antig, Penelope, Toffer Rei, Sue Ellen, Robby Navarro, Mae Flores, and Jeni Rawolle, with guests Hajii Alejandro, Luke Mejares, Jett Pangan, Duncan Ramos and Vernie Varga.

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