GMA rocks the Ketkai crowd

As one of the major sponsors in the recent civic fiesta celebration of Cagayan de Oro, GMA rocked the house down for four straight days culminating in the mall show of Pinoy Idol first season second runner-up, Ram Chaves.

The GMA string of shows started with talent Angelika dela Cruz who was celebrity judge of Miss Kagay-an 2008 coronation night last August 26.

Another GMA talent, Mark Herras, likewise entertained the beauties with his rendition of Ako'y Sa Iyo at Ika'y Akin Lamang, although a few people in the crowd were disappointed and commented that he should have sung a livelier track.

But that was compensated two days later when the now-winning Miss Kagay-an 2008 Ma. Jennifer Precious Gaston and her court were serenaded by yet another GMA talent, Marc Anthony Fernandez.

Marc would later narrate in an interview with Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro that he enjoyed being with the Kagay-anons.

"Grabe talaga ang reception ng mga tao rito, so lively, so hospitable, I was so overwhelmed," GMA corporate communications staff Barbette Atienza shared a similar sentiment.

It was also Mark Herras who escorted Gaston and her court - first runner-up Joanne Galenzoga, second runner-up Hazel Mari Go, third runner-up Al Grace Mortola and fourth runner-up Sybil Sarte - at the Kapuso Float during the Golden Float Parade last August 27.

In the early morning of August 28, a segment in the early morning news/variety show Unang Hirit was broadcast from Cagayan de Oro City featuring outgoing Miss Kagay-an Tourism 2007 Diana Bagonoc and her court - first runner-up Dianne Galenzoga and fourth runner-up Natasha Mills - donning locally-crafted Puyo accessories.

Also on hand during the Kapuso night later in the evening were Jolina Magdangal and Ram Chaves.

Jolina said in a separate interview that she is grateful that at the age of 29, she looks younger.

"Maybe it comes with the blood. My mom also doesn't look her age at 50," she said.

Despite that, Jolina amazingly maintains a disciplined routine of waking up at 3:30 a.m. for three days in a week so she can prepare herself in a live segment of Unang Hirit.

Aside from Unang Hirit, Jolina can also be seen in the weekly shows SOP and Dear Heart.

She has a separate weekly program with the in-house television production of Malacañang, RTVM, which is aired in a state-run network.

Jolina's next movie is I.T.A.L.Y. where she shares billing with Dennis Trillo, Ruffa Mae Quinto, Mark Herras, Eugene Domingo and Rhian Ramos and directed by Mark Reyes.

I.T.A.L.Y. is the story about a group of Filipinos aboard a cruise ship plying the Italian waters.

Opening this September 17, I.T.A.L.Y. (I Trust and Love You) was shot in three continents, five countries and 13 cities, with cast and crew spending three days in Genoa.

The cruise ship segments were shot on a real cruise so real passengers often mistook Jolina as a real cabin attendant.

RP’s ‘Idol’

“Pinoy Idol” winner Gretchen Espina is still in a euphoric state. “Bagging the title is a humbling experience,” she said. “I hope I live up to the expectations of the people who voted for me.”

Her grand prize worth P5.7 million includes a management contract with GMA Artist Center, a recording contract with Sony BMG, a condo unit at Avida Tower New Manila, 1 million cash from SM Supermalls and a Mitsubishi Lancer.

American Idol David Cook is coming for a concert. PI to do a duet with AI? Let’s hear it for some Fil-Am jam!

Jayann: "I'm a better singer kumpara sa kanya!"

Nagpapasalamat na lang si Jayann Bautista dahil kahit pumangalawa lang siya kay Gretchen Espina sa nakaraang Pinoy Idol competition.

"Simula pa lang ito. Hindi ko sila bibiguin. I won't stop," sunud-sunod na katagang namutawi sa bibig ni Jayann nang makapanayam siya ng PEP . "Kakanta pa rin ako. Hindi ako titigil hangga't hindi ko maabot ang mga pangarap ko. Four years ago, nag-struggle na ako as a singer. Mahabang panahon na ang ginugol ko. Ngayon pa ba ako aatras?

"Hindi dahilan ang pagkatalo ko para mag-stop ako. Ito pa nga ang magiging simula. Hindi naman sa disappointed ako talaga, kasi nirerespeto ko ang verdict ng mga tao through text votes. I feel bad, I really wanted the title," prangkang sabi ng pambato ng Pampanga.

Malinaw na ang kakulangan ni Jayann ay sa punto ng text votes.

"Wala akong malakas na impluwensiya, at hindi ko alam kung mayroong bang buma-backup talaga sa akin. But I always believe, I am a better singer kung iku-compare sa kanya [Gretchen].

"Pero makikita pa rin ninyo ako sa TV, for sure. Sasayaw pa rin ako sa production numbers ng mga Broadway hits!" at natawa na lang si Jayann.

Automatically, may management contract na si Jayann sa GMA-7. Pero hindi raw niya alam kung GMA Records ang mag-a-absorb sa kanya para sa recording deal.

May usapan pala sila nina Gretchen at Ram Chaves na ang magiging winner, bibigyan ang matatalo ng tigwa-P100,000.

"That's true, kaya may P100,000 pa rin ako," kumpirma ni Jayann.

Patuloy niya, "Tensiyonada talaga ako, kasi parang it was so close, yet so far. Ang lapit-lapit na, pero hindi ko pa rin nahawakan."

Nagpunta ang best friend ni Jayann na si Rachel Anne Go sa gabi ng competition to think na Kapamilya ito, obviously, para suportahan ang sinasabing look-alike niyang si Jayann.        

"Nasorpresa ako. Kasi galing pa siya sa isang commitment at akala ko hindi siya aabot," sambit ni Jayann.  

Hindi napigilan ni Jayann ang mapaluha nang makita niya ang ina niya sa audience na umiiyak na. Medyo disrupted ang pagkanta ni Jayann ng sinasabing final song na likha ni Ogie Alcasid, ang "To You." Ang mensahe pa naman nito ay mula sa inspirasyong bigay ng ina ng nabanggit na songwriter. 

"Naiyak ako kasi siya naman ang sumusuporta sa akin sa umpisa pa lang," sabi ni Jayann, at tumulo na ang luha ng Pinoy Idol runner-up. "Pumasok din sa utak ko yung mga kaibigan ko na lahat sila, naniniwala at sumusuporta. Mami-miss ko ang staff ng Pinoy Idol, pati yung pagkanta-kanta namin every week. Yung kaba every week, kakaisip sa kung sino ang mae-eliminate. Pati mga judges," napangit uli siya.      

Pero naniniwala si Jayann na she can still be a winner.
"Sana, totoo yung sinasabi nila na mas umaangat ang karaniwang runner-up. Maraming salamat na lang sa tiwala," at muling napaluha si Jayann.

"Pinoy Idol" winner Gretchen Espina accepts criticisms about her victory

Sa loob ng SMX Exhibition Hall kung saan ginanap noong Linggo, August 17, ang Final Results Night ng Pinoy Idol, karamihan was cheering for Jayann Bautista. But is was Gretchen Espina's name who was announced as the very first Pinoy Idol. Obviously, rumatsada si Gretchen over Jayann dahil sa text votes.

"Before I joined Pinoy Idol, I'm very much aware about the criticisms," sabi ni Gretchen sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal). "Alam ko namang may mga taong ayaw rin sa akin para manalo, pero wala naman akong magagawa kung ako yung nanalo, at may procedure namang sinusunod talaga para sa contest.

"Hindi pa nga ako nananalo, nag-uumpisa pa lang nga, grabeng criticisms na ang napala ko. Pero talagang ganoon sa ganitong klaseng competition. Kailangang harapin kong lahat yun. Handa ako sa pamimintas, sa kung ano ang sasabihin ng mga tao, kasi given na 'yan. Kasi ang unang-unang pupunahin sa akin, yung pagkakaroon ko ng amang politician."         

Ang ama ni Gretchen na si Mr. Rogelio Espina ay ang gobernador ng Biliran, at nariyang akusahan ang ama niyang pati ang pera ng gobyerno ay nilustay na diumano para lang bumili ng text votes. Pero natural lang na ang ganitong mga akusasyon ay deadmahin na lang ni Gretchen.

GRETCHEN'S BODYGUARD. Ang isa pang isyu, maski sa auditions pa lang, accompanied na siya ng grupo ng bodyguards provided by her dad.

"Aminado po akong may ipinasamang bodyguards sa akin ang father ko noon, pero nasa labas lang sila naghintay. Hindi ako puwedeng bantayan sa loob mismo ng venue kung saan ginawa ang auditions.

"But I don't usually go out naman with bodyguards. In some occasions kasi, for security na lang talaga because my dad nga is a politician. Pinasasamahan ako kasi baka sakaling magkagulo lang. My bodyguards naman don't get in the way, I suppose," paliwanag ni Gretchen.

THE POWER OF TEXT VOTES. Ano ang reaction ni Gretchen na sa loob mismo ng SMX, pangalan ni Jayann ang todong ipinagsisigawan ng maraming naroroon?

"Kanya-kanya naman kasi tayong supporters, di ba?" sabi niya. "Nagpapasalamat lang ako sa marami, sa televiewers at yung mga taga-Biliran na talagang sumusuporta sa akin sa umpisa pa lang. Hindi nila ako pinabayaan.

"They may not show up sa SMX o sa Centerstage, pero noong bumalik ako sa Biliran, alam kong naroroon yung mainit na welcome nila, at alam kong through text votes, hindi talaga nila ako pinababayaan. Sobrang overwhelmed talaga ako."          

Nasabi nga ng Pinoy Idol judge na si Ogie Alcasid, from the very beginning, ang contest ay malinaw na paramihan ng text votes. Ang publiko ang maghuhusga rito at kung magpapabaya mismo ang contestants, kung talent lang nila ang pagbabasehan nila, mukhang uuwi talaga silang talunan.

"Nagkampanya talaga ako, at wala namang masama doon," pag-amin ni Gretchen. "Lahat kami, kailangang gawin yun. Constant 'yan. Text brigade. Sa mga kaibigan ko, maski ako mismo, nagte-text ako sa kanila para tulungan nila ako. Walang sawa yun. Kung gusto ninyo ang isang bagay at isa yun sa paraan para makuha yun, bakit hindi mo na gawin ang lahat ng magagawa mo?

"Lagi ko na rin namang sinasabi, bola or kidding aside, kung talagang nararapat ako, iboto nila ako. Kasi ayoko ring magtagal sa kumpetisyon na wala namang naniniwala sa akin. Hindi rin tamang manatili ako sa contest at manalo ako dahil lang sa may pera ako. Yung masabi ko naman, lumaban ako, may karapatan din ako pagdating sa kantahan," pagtatapos ng first Pinoy Idol.

Pinoy Idol: Talent, not connections, got me here

“The viewers chose me as their idol. I hope everyone would respect their decision,” declared Gretchen Espina, a 20-year-old Biliran native and winner of “Pinoy Idol,” the talent search co-produced by GMA 7 and FreeMantle, which is behind the hit reality show “American Idol.”

The Philippine Daily Inquirer sought the reaction of Espina because of comments she bagged the title with her father’s “political connections” and not because she deserved to win. She is the daughter of Governor Rogelio Espina of Biliran, one of the smallest provinces in eastern Visayas.

“I have the talent,” said the former member of the UP Singing Ambassadors. “I probably would not have lasted long in the competition if people were not impressed with how I performed. I knew this issue would come up before I joined the contest, but I assure everyone that I fought fairly. Anyway, I was able to prove that I deserved to be here.”

Espina’s closest competitor was Jayann Bautista, 24, a Pampanga native and former Viva recording artist. Ram Chaves, 25, of Cagayan de Oro, placed third.

“Pinoy Idol,” which debuted on April 5 on the Kapuso network, seeks to discover the best singer or “idol” in the country through a series of nationwide auditions and live performances, which is determined by public voting through SMS.

“Show biz can be really nasty. I’m ready for it. It’s not any different from politics,” Espina told the Inquirer on Sunday shortly after the final results show at SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. She admitted that her parents were against her joining the contest. “They wanted me to finish my studies first,” said the European language student at the University of the Philippines.

Espina, who gave impressive renditions of “For Your Eyes Only,” “Stand Up for Love” and “Ngayon” during the final performance night on Saturday, will receive P1 million, a condominium, a new Mitsubishi Lancer, a P1-million recording contract with Sony BMG Music Philippines and a television contract with GMA 7 worth P500,000.

Espina added: “I will share a portion of my winnings with the two other finalists. Napagkasunduan na namin ito (We agreed on this).” Bautista and Chaves will each receive P100,000 from her.

From over a thousand aspirants, 179 made it to the next round of auditions. Tryouts were held in key cities like Cagayan de Oro, Batangas, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao, Pasay, Dagupan and Angeles.

For the Pasay auditions, Ida Henares, head of GMA Artist Center (the talent arm of GMA Network), took over Jolina Magdangal’s seat in the judges’ panel, as the latter had left for the United States. Danny Tan is the show’s musical director.

This is the second “Idol” franchise in the country, after “Philippine Idol” that was shown on ABC 5 (now TV 5) in 2006. GMA 7 does not recognize “Philippine Idol” and its winner Mau Marcelo.

Biliran lass named ‘Pinoy Idol’

Gretchen Espina, a 20-year-old Biliran native, bested two other hopefuls and was declared winner of GMA-7 and Fremantle Media’s “Pinoy Idol” Sunday at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Espina, who gave impressive renditions of “For Your Eyes Only,” “Stand Up for Love” and “Ngayon” during the Final Performance Night Saturday, will receive P1 million, a condominium unit, a brand new car (Mitsubishi Lancer LXi 2008 series), a P1-million recording contract with Sony BMG Music Philippines, and a television contract with GMA 7 worth P500,000.
Her closest competitor was Jayann Bautista, 24, a Pampanga native and a former Viva recording artist. Ram Chaves, 25, of Cagayan de Oro, placed third.

"Show biz can be really nasty. I'm ready for it. It's not any different from politics," said Espina, daughter of Biliran governor Rogelio J. Espina.

Espina, a former member of the UP Singing Ambassadors, said she would share her winnings with her co-finalists. "I will share a portion of my winnings to the two other finalists. Napagkasunduan na namin ito," Espina on Sunday told the Inquirer shortly after the Final Results Show at the SMX Convention Center of the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Bautista and Chaves will receive P100,000 from Espina.

On Saturday, "Idol" fans started queuing at the 8,000-seater SMX Convention Center as early as noontime to watch Bautista, Chaves and Espina compete for the last time.

The opening number featured the Final 3 along with contestants Daryl Celis, Kid Camaya, Warren Antig, Penelope, Toffer Rei, Sue Ellen, Robby Navarro, Mae Flores, and Jeni Rawolle singing "Salamat Musika" with the UP Chorus Chorale and the Magnificat.

Videos of the finalists' homecoming were shown prior to each of their performances. Bautista represented Central Luzon. Espina, Eastern Visayas and Chaves, Mindanao Region.

The "Idol" hopefuls competed in three rounds—the first set of songs was picked for them by the three judges, the second, by their favorite mentors and the third, by themselves.

Bautista first sang "I'll Never Love This Way Again," a song chosen for her by judge Tracy. Alcasid picked "Bridge Over Troubled Water" for finalist Chaves, while Magdangal selected "For Your Eyes Only" for Espina.

The second round featured Bautista singing "You'll Never Walk Alone," a song picked for her by mentor Regine Velasquez. Chaves performed "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" and Espina, "Stand Up For Love" for their favorite mentor Jaya Ramsey.

For the third round, Espina chose to sing the Basil Valdez original "Ngayon" with the UP Chorus Chorale. Chaves did his version of Florante's "Handog" alongside guitarists Noel Mendez and Tats Suzara.

Bautista concluded the program with her interpretation of the Tina Turner song "Proud Mary" with the Speed Dancers.

The finalists also joined Valdez in a production number that featured his hit song "Let The Pain Remain." Near the end of the hour-long show, they sang the inspirational song "Go The Distance" with Velasquez. Local bands South Border, Itchyworms, Freestyle and Cushe showed support by singing their own tunes.

While on a break, hosts Gutierrez, Karylle and Ramos asked the judges on how they thought the finalists fared. Alcasid replied on the positive: "They're much better now, unlike last week when they all sang so blandly, as if they're not in competition. Tracy, too, was impressed. He commented: "Hindi sila magaling... dahil saksakan sila ng galing."

When the show got back on air and it was time for the judges to say their parting shots, Tracy commented that Bautista had a "powerful voice." He added, however, that it was obvious in her first two songs that the "Idol" hopeful had been nervous. She failed to hit the right notes, he added. "But with your third song, you proved you're not only a good singer but also a good performer," Tracy declared.

Magdangal said Chaves was "suave" in all of his performances, but added that Tracy had expected more from the rock singer. "In general, you did a very good job," she concluded.

According to Alcasid, Espina's performance was that of a "real champion." He said Tracy regarded it as a "revelation." "Last week, I was disappointed with your performance because I felt you were too emotional. But tonight, you're a champion. You deserve to be where you are now," the judge said.

"Pinoy Idol," which debuted on April 5 on the Kapuso network, is a Filipino interactive reality-based singing competition. It seeks to discover the best singer or "idol" in the country through a series of nationwide auditions and live performances, which is determined by public voting through SMS.

From over a thousand aspirants, 179 passed through the next round of auditions. Try-outs were held in key cities like Cagayan de Oro, Batangas, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao, Pasay, Dagupan, and Angeles. For the Pasay auditions, Ida Henares, head of the GMA Artist Center (the talent arm of GMA Network), took over Magdangal's seat in the judges' panel. Magdangal had left for the United States. Danny Tan is the show's musical director.

This is the second "Idol" franchise in the country, after "Philippine Idol" that was shown in ABC 5 (now TV5) in 2006. GMA 7 does not recognize "Philippine Idol" and its winner Mau Marcelo.

Pinoy Idol tops weekend primetime race

The Final Showdown and Results Night of Pinoy Idol topped the daytime race last weekend. The Final Showdown of the remaining finalists: Jayann Bautista, Ram Chaves, and Gretchen Espina last Saturday, August 16, tied with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho at No. 1 with identical 29.9 percent rating.

The Results Night where Gretchen was declared winner, the following night, August 17, raked in a total rating of 28 percent.

August 16 (Saturday)

Primetime:

Pinoy Idol (GMA-7) 29.9%; Varga (ABS-CBN) 23.3%

Bitoy's Funniest Videos (GMA-7) 29.7%; Pinoy Dream Academy (ABS-CBN) 27.2%

Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA-7) 29.9%; Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN) 20.8%

Imbestigador (GMA-7) 20.9%; XXX (ABS-CBN) 12.2%

Nuts Entertainment (GMA-7) 10%; TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) 6.3%

Sine Totoo (GMA-7) 5.9%; Sports Unlimited (ABS-CBN) 3.4%; Walang Tulugan With Master Showman (GMA-7) 2.5%

Pinoy Idol, nagkabentahan nga ba ng boto?

Mga maiinit na balita sa Bandera ngayong Martes:
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• Isang baguhang bold star ang makakalaban ni Annabelle Rama sa pagka-best actress!

• Nagkabentahan nga ba ng boto sa Pinoy Idol; Gretchen Espina deserving sa title ng first Pinoy Idol o hindi?

Alamin ang totoo sa mga balitang ito at ang iba pang maiinit na chika sa Bandera. Para sa mga taga-Metro Manila, maaari kayong bumili o mag-subscribe ng Bandera. Tumawag lamang sa 8902351

Pinoy Idol: Talent, not connections, got me here

“The viewers chose me as their idol. I hope everyone would respect their decision,” declared Gretchen Espina, a 20-year-old Biliran native and winner of “Pinoy Idol,” the talent search co-produced by GMA 7 and FreeMantle, which is behind the hit reality show “American Idol.”

The Philippine Daily Inquirer sought the reaction of Espina because of comments she bagged the title with her father’s “political connections” and not because she deserved to win. She is the daughter of Governor Rogelio Espina of Biliran, one of the smallest provinces in eastern Visayas.

“I have the talent,” said the former member of the UP Singing Ambassadors. “I probably would not have lasted long in the competition if people were not impressed with how I performed. I knew this issue would come up before I joined the contest, but I assure everyone that I fought fairly. Anyway, I was able to prove that I deserved to be here.”

Espina’s closest competitor was Jayann Bautista, 24, a Pampanga native and former Viva recording artist. Ram Chaves, 25, of Cagayan de Oro, placed third.

“Pinoy Idol,” which debuted on April 5 on the Kapuso network, seeks to discover the best singer or “idol” in the country through a series of nationwide auditions and live performances, which is determined by public voting through SMS.

“Show biz can be really nasty. I’m ready for it. It’s not any different from politics,” Espina told the Inquirer on Sunday shortly after the final results show at SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. She admitted that her parents were against her joining the contest. “They wanted me to finish my studies first,” said the European language student at the University of the Philippines.

Espina, who gave impressive renditions of “For Your Eyes Only,” “Stand Up for Love” and “Ngayon” during the final performance night on Saturday, will receive P1 million, a condominium, a new Mitsubishi Lancer, a P1-million recording contract with Sony BMG Music Philippines and a television contract with GMA 7 worth P500,000.

Espina added: “I will share a portion of my winnings with the two other finalists. Napagkasunduan na namin ito (We agreed on this).” Bautista and Chaves will each receive P100,000 from her.

From over a thousand aspirants, 179 made it to the next round of auditions. Tryouts were held in key cities like Cagayan de Oro, Batangas, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao, Pasay, Dagupan and Angeles.

For the Pasay auditions, Ida Henares, head of GMA Artist Center (the talent arm of GMA Network), took over Jolina Magdangal’s seat in the judges’ panel, as the latter had left for the United States. Danny Tan is the show’s musical director.

This is the second “Idol” franchise in the country, after “Philippine Idol” that was shown on ABC 5 (now TV 5) in 2006. GMA 7 does not recognize “Philippine Idol” and its winner Mau Marcelo.

And the Sour Taste of Victory...

It's finally over.

I would like to thank all of you guys who visited this site... with all the little love and a lot of bashing that came with it.

I would like to congratulate Gretchen Espina and her relatives for their accomplishment. Perhaps, that's how much they badly wanted to win the title. And with all their efforts that paid off, Gretchen probably deserves the win. But that was indeed the most bitter contest finale I've ever witnessed. No thrills.. nothing.

VFTW was right, a crappy show deserves a crappy winner. But Gretchen is not so bad... cut her some slack. She's just not the best singer. It would've been worst if Sue or Warren won. 

No thanks to GMA 7 for ruining the number 1 reality show on earth.

So what will happen to this site? I mean, I wouldn't follow the career of the so - called Pinoy Idol or the runner ups, even if they pay me...

Was Gretchen Able to Redeem Herself?

Is it already pretty obvious that after tonights final showdown, Gretchen Espina would be the first GMA 7 Pinoy Idol?

Hands down, her performances and presence were the best last night. It is as if she's telling everyone that, "Hey, I deserve the title regardless of what you say about me!"

Ram's take on Don't Wanna Miss a Thing was such a refreshing version that it was even better than David Cook's version during the last few episodes of AI. 

But it is Gretchen's For Your Eyes Only (by Sheena Easton)  and Stand Up for Life that  really gave her the edge. Jolina's pick for her was the best song choice last night. It is relatively a fresh song for a singing competition, and she gave it justice with her raspy and soothing voice.

Jayann was visibly nervous and somehow lacked the confidence all throughout the night. Her performances remind me of Beyonce Knowles at times. She still deserves the title, as much as Ram and Gretchen do.

With all the flak Gretchen has received, was she able to redeem herself?

At this point in Pinoy Idol, anyone could win and I couldn't care any less. The previous eliminations of the true good singers have already diminished any credibility left for the show. 

At the end of day, if Gretchen wins, she just became 5.7-million-peso-richer. Just like winning a small-time lottery ... It's plainly because, she got lucky.

Idols unlike the Songbird

Actually, they didn't try to sing like the songbird, Regine Velasquez. If there is something almost refreshing and positive about Pinoy Idol, or the Idol Hopefuls is that nobody sounds like Regine.

Of course, the Regine-signature-belting-style has become the staple of singing contests, gay impersonators and diva-wannabes. She has somehow become the benchmark of vocal range, the likes of Sarah Geronimo, Rachel Ann Go, Sheryn Regis and many others tried to follow her footsteps, vocally. And I am just glad that finally, PI decided to have an actual “theme” last night because I’m just tired of the “random-song-choices-dedicated-to-myself” theme for the past weeks.So it is a fairly good and fresh attempt for the Idol hopeful last night to sound totally different with the songs popularized by GMA’s prized diva. But who has outdone everyone else? Who gave the best twist on the most familiar songs? Here my take on last night’s performances.

1.“Sa Piling Mo” by Daryl Celis
2.“Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang” by Gretchen Espina
3.“Urong Sulong” – Warren Antig
4.“Narito Ako ” – Kid Camaya
5.“Tuwing Umuulan” by Ram Chavez
6.“Pangarap Ko ay Ibigin Ka” by Jayann
7.“You Made Me Stronger” by Toffer Rei
8.“Dadalhin” by Sue Ellen
9.“What Kind of Fool I Am” by Penelope

'Pinoy Idol' down to final 3

The final face off of "Pinoy Idol" hopefuls has now outnumbered the boys.

It is now down to two girls and one boy after several weeks of showdown of 24 hopefuls to become the first ever "Pinoy Idol."

Jayann Bautista, Ram Chaves, and Gretchen Espina are the three remaining idols who will battle for next week's finals.

Before the elimination last Sunday, "Pinoy Idol" host Raymond Gutierrez asked the three judges -- Jolina Magdangal, Wyngard Tracy, and Ogie Alcasid -- whom they think should enter the Top 3. They unanimously said Ram, Jayann, and Kid Camaya.

But the judges' choice failed to match that of the audiences as Kid ended his Idol journey at that night. He then sang "Careless Whisper" before his final exit.

Daryl Celis's supporters also fell short in texting for their idol's survival as he was also eliminated from the competition. He repeated his performance of "Forever" as his last piece for his fans.

Meanwhile, aside from their Top 3 finalist, the judges also aired their individual choices. Ogie voted for Kid, Jolens chose Ram, and Wyngard picked Jayann.

Will Wyngard and Jolina's choice become the first ever "Pinoy Idol"?

Watch the final performance night of the three idols this Saturday while the grand finals night will be on Sunday live over GMA-7. It will be held at the SMX Convention Center in Mall of Asia.

Pinoy Idol says goodbye to Daryl and Kid; Top 3 revealed

Tonight, two of Pinoy Idol’s Top Five Finalists are sent home. Despite giving the best performances last night, the voting public decided to send Daryl Celis and Kid Camaya home.

The Top Three finalists are Jayann Bautista, Gretchen Espina and Ram Chaves who will battle it out to be the very first Pinoy Idol.

Is it going to be an All-Male Battle for the Finals?

And the most important showdown to date has come to an end and tomorrow, two will surely be eliminated. The 5 idol hopefuls delivered their "Best Idol Performances", or didn't they?

 

Who deserves to be on the top 3:

 

Kid Camaya - no doubt is on top. People (other than his shocking 24 siblings and all of Pampanga who happens to be his relatives...) should vote for him. (His late father is not in anyway related to the Revillas, right?)

Although, I just don't think Careless Whispers is a song for anyone's greatest performance. And it's true what Jolina said,(yes, she makes sense from time to time), Kid should've exuded some sexy appeal to pull that song off... I mean, it's your classic sexy - stripper routine song... (kiddin')... His falsetto was weak, the beginning was too low but he ended the song with a bang.

 

Dary Celis - like what Ogie and Wyngard said deserves to be on the top 3. He probably got the best song choice (The Promise) for the night. It's a power-ballad, although it would pale in comparison with Martin Nievera. Still, his presence shows conviction and sincerity. There were off notes especially the growling effect, but he could get away with his falsetto better. Aside from Kid, it's only Daryl who got the direct nod from the judges becoming one of the top 3. As for his idol surprise, you just got to sympathize for this seemingly kind hearted guy for having no parents around all throughout this competition. I mean, why would any parent practically abandon a child like that? It's a good thing he grew up a fine lad despite his family situation.

 

Ram Chaves - Is it possible for a three-way all-male battle for the finale next week? The judges didn't like Ram's take on Francis M.'s Bahay Yugyugan... simply because it lacks that much needed personal - heartwarming - emotional connection - singing competition feel - to the audience. I also think that it is a rip-off of POT's Yugyugan na (Sige na Pipol). However, Ram's performance was energetic, his voice is really great and his song choice was fresh and exciting. I wouldn't mind if the three guys remain next week for a fierce - testosterone charged battle!

 

As for our pretty girls...

 

Gretchen Espina ... did okay. Her voice showed power but I just don't know the song that much to really appreciate it (I'm Here - Fantasia). I think the judges didn't want her to end up at the final 3. And I second that.

 

the babe Jayann  took Fergie's Finally. It was a clear - simple and smooth performance. Although, I felt kinda bored. Yea, she tried to be hip and cool, but I just didn't quite get it. Still, if one girl needs to remain on top 3, it's Jayann.

Kid and Penelope, Made Their Dads Proud!

Penelope and Kid are on top of their game with their "Father's day" song performances. Kid's "Gone Too Soon.. " was thoroughly heartfelt. And it was a travesty and an outright disrespectful of Wyngard Tracy to say that "Hindi naman nakakaiyak" when Ogie is apparently trying to hold back tears and Jolina just couldn't bear it anymore.

It was quite a smack on Wyngard's face when Jolina told her "Wala kang emosyon".. and the ever too-proud-to-be-an-actual-human Wyngard declared "Wala talaga." Wow, how heartless can you get.

Penelope once again did a very clean performance for a very difficult "Papa, can you hear me."

Toffer Rei ends his Idol journey tonight

Toffer Rei one of the rockers in the group ended his journey tonight. Daryl and Ram joined him in the bottom three.

The left seven finalists - Penelope, Jay Ann Bautista, Gretchen Espina, Warren Antig, Daryl Celis, Ram Chaves and Kid Camaya.

Warren Antig, booted out of Pinoy Idol

The fans of Pinoy Idol expected that two of the remaining finalists would be eliminated tonight. In fact, an article came out on a newspaper stating that two of the finalists would be sent home tonight.

“Tomorrow night, there’ll be a huge shock that will change the competition forever,” said Pinoy Idol host, Raymond Gutierrez during the Basil Valdez Gala Night. However, all were disappointed that only one was eliminated a while ago.

Nevertheless, the voting public of Pinoy Idol made the right decision tonight. Tonight, Warren Antig ended his Idol journey after giving a not so good performance. During last night’s gala performance, he received a very negative comment from judge Wyngard Tracy. The elimination of Warren came out as a relief because many people think that he should have left the competition long ago.

Next week, two of the remaining finalists would be eliminated from the competition. Come August 17, we will have our first Pinoy Idol.

The remaining finalists are Kid Camaya, Jay-ann Bautista, Ram Chaves, Gretchen Espina and Daryl Celis. In the end, three finalists would be competing for the Pinoy Idol title. The Pinoy Idol Finale would commence on August 17, 2008 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia.

The first Pinoy Idol would be receiving a recording contract from Sony BMG, a talent contract from GMA Artist Center, a brand new car worth 1 million pesos, 1 million pesos cash from SM Supermalls, and a condominium unit from Avida amounting to 2.2 million pesos.

Warren Out, Finals on Aug 17!

As most of you already know, Warren bowed out of the competition and gave his all for his final performance last night.. Next Sunday, 2 will be eliminated and there's going to be a three-way battle for the finals on Aug. 17.

 

And once again, Pinoy Idol came up with one of their "dedication" songs theme, this time with "My greatest Idol performance." Didn't they already have "The greatest performance of my life" theme...  Lame as ever.

 

It also appears that what I read on some tabloid is true that the Idol will have their finals night on MOA instead of Araneta Coliseum, since they could hardly get enough audience to fill up the place at the mall.

Kid Owns Basil Night; Warren, Kinawawa!

Kid Camaya is hands down the best of the night after one of the most challenging themes for Pinoy Idol as they choose the classics of the legendary and one of the most loved balladeers and composers of all time, Mr. Basil Valdez.

Although Jolina Magdangal sort of made a huge mistake for implying that Kid was even better than the original who is sitting right beside her. Oops.. can't take that back anymore.

Raymond by the way said at the beginning that the show is 2 weeks away from the finals night... meaning, it's most probable that the bottom 3 would be booted out tomorrow altogether.

Here's the ranking:

2. Gretchen Espina - very clean with Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan. She's classy, beautiful and clean.

3. Daryl Celis - very sincere and heartfelt once more with Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan. It's just that, singing a Basil song would be very difficult for any singer, hence, the obvious struggle. Nonetheless, it was a gallant move.

4. Ram Chavez - was good enough with Ngayon at Kailanman. I just don't get why do they need to make a weekly reggae versions of songs. I mean, who listens to reggae? I don't get it man!

5. Jayann - was all over the place. You is such a classic that should retain it's simplicity.

6. Warren - like what Basil said.. Nakakalungkot lang, yun lang ang masasabi ko. It's his time to go, it's been long delayed in fact.  Pero bagay sana ung arrangement na rock sa Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo.