It's the End of Penelope's Idol Journey

After much tension, host Richard Gutierrez declared tonight's evictee. Penelope, the girl from Batangas that the judges loved for the powerful voice, is no more. Penelope's votes collapsed, saving Warren and Kid from eviction.

It was predictable that Warren would be part of the bottom group, and could have been eliminated for a poor performance. But votes are votes, his fan base is much stronger than that of Penelope's.

Also in the bottom group was Kid, who seems to be improving and who the fans love for his looks. But just like Warren (plus Daryl), Kid had been in and out of the bottom group. Could one of them be the next to be booted out?

Only 6 idol hopefuls remain, and the competition seems to get tougher every week. It's now the battle of who among them possesses more charm to make the viewers vote for them.

My personal choices are not in the competition anymore. I liked Roby and Sue. Roby for his talent, and Sue for her charm. But they're out now. Too bad.

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And There's Sue Ellen No More

sue ellen (igma.tv)

Sue Ellen, the 17 year old singer from Iloilo City, got eliminated from the competition tonight. She's one of those who are almost always in the bottom group but remained safe, until tonight. It was quite obvious that the three judges want her out of the competition since the first week of the gala performance. The three always agree with the results everytime Sue Ellen is in the bottom group. Wyngard even went far tonight by saying that some of the contestants who are still in the competition don't deserve to be there anymore, and some of the contestants already eliminated don't deserve the elimination.

The contestants were divided into two groups, the left side (of host Raymond Gutierrez) and the right side. The ones called to be in the left are Toffer, Sue, Kid and Penelope. The right side group composed of Jayann, Warren, Gretchen and Daryl. Ram was the last to be called but Raymond Gutierrez let Ram decide which group to join. Ram chose to join the contestants at the right side of Raymond. And as it was, he chose the "right" group because they were the ones safe.

Toffer, Sue, Kid and Penelope composed the bottom group but Kid and Toffer were immediately declared safe. And after a very tenseful moment (and commercial break), the result was announced.

Sue was eliminated after the judges liked her performance. Perhaps her fans didn't give their full support thinking that she'd be okay. The judges praised her, after all.

Sue was among my favorites (the other one is Robby). I don't even like the jury's favorite Ram Chaves who performs and sings so much like Bamboo. His last performance of Regine Velasquez's Tuwing Umuulan was so praised by the judges because (as they say) Ram owned the song. Where were these judges when the Eraserheads version of the song was all over the radio?

If there's anything so cool with tonight's show, it was the opening number of Regine Velasquez with the Lucky 9 singing Follow the Sun.

The Jaya Ramsey week is up next.

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Pinoy Idol: The Lucky 9 Sings Velasquez

Tagged as the Lucky 9, the remaining 9 idol hopefuls performed the songs popularized by Asia's songbird, Regine Velasquez, for the fourth gala night. Velasquez herself was there, not as a member of the audience, but as one of the judges.

Sue and Warren have come to develop a style that earned praises from the jury, while Penelope (who had always been praised for her vocal power and style of singing) somehow faltered. Her singing was pitch-y from middle to end, even her last note didn't save her. The presence of the songbird perhaps made her nervous.

The 9 idols' song choices (in order of performance) and some comments they got from the judges:
1. Jayann - Pangarap Ko ay Ibigin Ka (Ogie: "I didn't hear [the version of] Regine, I heard Jayann in that song.)
2. Toffer Rei - You Made Me Stronger (Wyngard: "Napaka-ordinaryo 'yong pagkanta mo.")
3. Penelope - What Kind of Fool I Am? (Ogie: "It [the song] was beyond your [range]."
4. Daryl - Para Sa 'Yo (Jolina: "Kinilig ako.")
5. Kid - Narito Ako (Wyngard: "Ini-imagine ko naka-long gown ka habang kumakanta.")
6. Gretchen - Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang (Jolina: "Malinis [ang] pagkanta mo pero hindi lang bagay sa song 'yong pagka-acoustic.")
7. Ram - Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka (Regine: "Very distinct 'yong voice n'ya.")
8. Sue - Dadalhin (Wyngard: "Para kang manika sa ibabaw ng cake.")
9. Warren - Urong-sulong (Jolina: "I love it.")

The night was graced by celebrities Buboy Garovillo, Gino Padilla and Wency Cornejo.

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Pinoy Idol Says Goodbye to Robby

robby navarro (photo from igma.tv/pinoyidol)

Sue and Daryl seem to be always at the bottom group, but the two always get away with it. Luck. They seem to have lots of it. Even if the judges rarely praise their performances, their fans never cease to support them.

Bad thing for Robby Navarro who had always been praised by the judges for his performances aside from his last where he sang The Greatest Love of All. It seemed that only Wyngard found his performance worthy of praise. The voting public might have been influenced by the other judges' criticism because Robby got the lowest number of votes.

Too bad. Pinoy Idol lost one of its strongest contestants.

Goodluck Robby!

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Pinoy Idol 3rd Gala Performance Night

It wasn't a good night for Warren. The judges didn't like his performance. My own opinion is that, Warren is trying to outsing Ram, who also sings the same genre as his. Well I was actually cuddling my dog while Warren was singing, and it wasn't really that bad. I guess you just have to listen to (and not watch) Warren to appreciate his singing.

I liked Sue's performance (as always). I like it when she maintains her cool onstage even when the judges are bashing her. I just love her. She's so cute.

The contestants' song list for the them "Song of My Life":
Ram: Sige Na
Gretchen: Follow Your Road
Warren: Balong Malalim
Sue: Jesus Takes the Wheel
Toffer: It's My Life
Jayann: Better Days
Robby: The Greatest Love Of All
Penelope: This Is My Now
Kid: The Warrior is a Child
Daryl: Kung Kailangan Mo Ako

My bottom three are:
Gretchen
Warren
Daryl

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Pinoy Idol Bids Mae Goodbye

mae from igma.tv/pinoyidol

Toffer, Mae and Warren were the bottom three this week. Toffer was the last to be called, but the first to be announced safe. Mae had been in and out of the bottom groups since the workshop stage. And the second gala elimination night was her time.

I didn't really like her personally. She shouts a lot, and talks a lot. So much, in my own opinion, for someone who would like to please the viewers for their votes.

The music icons who were present in the show yesterday (Jet Pangan, Jamie Rivera, Aiza Seguerra and Rey Valera) agrees in saying that Gretchen and Ram are the two most promising among the idol hopefuls. But I really like Sue Ellen. A for cuteness =)

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Pinoy Idol: 2nd Gala Perfomance Night

The night started off with video clips from their campaign in their respective localities. As reported in the news days before, Sue Ellen wasn't able to campaign in her native town (Iloilo) which was striken by the typhoon Frank, leaving the people homeless. Instead, she helped the GMA network team in distributing relief goods to the victims.

The performance night was graced by music icons Jet Pangan (The Dawn), Jamie Rivera, Aiza Seguerra, and Rey Valera. Jet was noted for his two thumbs up sign while watching Ram perform.

Some of the 11 idol hopefuls had a brilliant choice of song, while the others struggled. Following is the list of their 2nd gala performance songs:

Warren - You Give Love a Bad Name (Bon Jovi)
Penelope - So Sick (Ne-Yo)
Mae - If I Didn't Love You (Tina Arena)
Daryl - Basta't Kasama Kita (Dingdong Avanzado)
Toffer - Changes in My Life (Mark Sherman)
Gretchen - A House is Not a Home (Dionne Warwick)
Robby - Someone That I Used to Love (Natalie Cole)
Kid - I'll Never Love This Way Again (Dionne Warwick)
Ram - Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo (Yano)
Sue Ellen - In the End (Linkin Park)
Jayann - Whine Up (Kat DeLuna)

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Pinoy Idol Says Goodbye to Jeni

jeni rawolle from igma.tv/pinoyidol

The lounge singer is now out of the competition. "I'm proud to be a lounge singer" was her reaction on the comment of Wyngard Tracy that she's good but just as a lounge singer.

Jeni was joined by Kid and Sue on the bottom three. Kid was the first to be announced safe.

Pinoy Idol is getting more exciting and interesting. The production numbers are made fun to watch by the choreographer Geleen Eugenio. It was "Stand By Me" tonight for a show opener.

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Pinoy Idol First Gala Night

from mukamo.com

It was the first gala night for the Pinoy Idol. The venue (SM Mall of Asia - Centerstage) was much bigger, the stage much wider than the workshop stage, and it was more glamorous. The audio (on TV) was a lot better, too.

The top 12 are obviously there for a reason, but there are a few who we know just can't win the title for obvious reasons.

The show opened with the top 12 in a production number of the local song Awit ng Kabataan by Rivermaya. All 12 of them was made up like a star, the fact which was immediately noticed by Wyngard Tracy. He said he was impressed by the transformation of everyone. He also expressed that he expects everyone to apply from thereon what they have learned from the months that passed.

The following are the order of performances, their corresponding songs and some of the judges' comments:

1. Gretchen - Respect by Aretha Franklin
Wyngard: "may kulang" (something's lacking)

2. Warren - Shout by Tears For Fears/Disturbed
Ogie: it was fireworks

3. Jayann - Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin
Wyngard: very good... "you look like a celebrity guesting on a tv show"

4. Toffer Rei - Honestly by Harem Scarem
Jolina: off-key
Ogie: not very clean

5. Jeni - Inseparable by Natalie Cole
Ogie: very classy

6. Kid - Ordinary People by John Legend
Wyngard: outstanding

7. Penelope - Alone by Heart/Celine Dion
Wyngard: pilit (forced)

8. Daryl - Superstar by The Carpenters
Jolina: "dapat siguro palit-palitan mo na 'yang style mo" (maybe it's time you change your style)

9. Sue - Survivor by Destiny's Child
Ogie: your best performance
Wyngard: unique voice but can't see her as the Pinoy Idol

10. Ram - Arms Wide Open by Creed
Ogie: singing genius

11. Robby - One Last Cry by Bryan McKnight
Jolina: "pwedeng-pwedeng angkinin ang title ng Pinoy Idol" (can be the title holder of Pinoy Idol)
Wyngard: over qualified

12. Mae - You Oughta Know by Alanis Morisette
Wyngard: a star is born
Ogie: a superstar is born

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P.I. Bids Goodbye to Walton and Meryl

Walton Zerrudo and Meryl David got booted out at the Pinoy Idol results show tonight. I kinda like Meryl. She has a powerful voice. Ogie Alcasid and Jolina Magdangal were both not happy about the results.

Personally, I don't like Walton. He can sing okay, but there's nothing else about him that proves to be "idol-worthy". He seemed to be one of the judges' favorites, though.

Remaining 14 contestants are:
(boys)
Daryl Jett Celis
Elizalde Camaya
Joselindo Pimpinio Jr.
Kristoffer Rei Tragico
Ramon Jose Chavez III
Roberto Navarro Jr.
Warren Antig

(girls)
Angeli Mae Flores
Carol Anne Leus
Gretchen Stephanie Espina
Jayanne Bautista
Jenifer Rawolle
Penelope Matanguihan
Sue Ellen Cubing

I personally like Sue Ellen. She has the voice, aside from being so cute. And if that's not enough, she's a Juris (of MYMP) look-a-like.

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Goodbye, Alex...

It seems that my favorites among these text-votes-related reality shows are being evicted. Okay, perhaps I have such a different taste in people. Like I choose Alex over Ejay, and Alex got evicted. Also, Regene Ong was my favorite among the Pinoy Idol contestants, and she got booted out last Sunday! Oh well, I'm sure Regene has a place in showbusiness. With her fashion sense, I'm kinda sure she has other "artsy" talents besides singing (if she won't click on singing, i.e.)

Well, Alex has a following, too. What with his hunky appeal... and the buzz he stirred when he decided to be circumcised inside the PBB house. But I don't know... I don't think we'd still see him around after, say, 5 years from now.

I don't like Ejay. Nagpapaawa. Si Robbie na lang ang bet ko. I also don't like Nicole and Beauty. Both bitchy.

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Haven't Been Booming

I was kinda excited when I first heard about Kapitan Boom. But now that it's already here, I find it hard to watch. Even with Jon Avila's bulging form and JR Siaboc's cute face, I really can't force myself to sit down and watch something that lacks plot and good story line. I'll just look at Jon Avila and JR Siaboc in pics.

With that said, I would go on to say that I opt to watch Pinoy Idol on Saturdays. And it was the Top 12 girls' night last Saturday. I instantly liked "the pastor's daughter" Sue Ellen. She can sing, and she looks cool.

With the Top 12 guys, I liked Elliot Andal. I liked his version of Sana ay Ikaw Na Nga which was also praised by Jolina Magdangal and Ogie Alcasid. Sad to say he was among the first 4 contestants to get booted out of the show. The other 3 contestants were Dio Paolo, Drizzle Muniz, and Bev Ejercito.

Pinoy Idol doesn't sound good on tv... Or is it just my tv?

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Pinoy Idol Cast-off

this is a clip from the high ka diva portion of the defunct noontime show MTB... shown (among others) are angeli mae flores (included in the top 45 of pinoy idol) and musica cristobal (initial audition cast off of pinoy idol; wyngard tracy said she can't sing)...

obviously, musica sings better than angeli mae (who can't even form the words properly during high notes) in this clip, i.e. does angeli mae sing better now? we'll soon find out as pinoy idol pushes through.

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Top 45 Pinoy Idol

Being paired with another contestant as part of the elimination process is quite hard. Magkakahatakan kasi ang magka-duet. Either pataas or pababa. Parang mali. Individual contest kasi. Kung makikipag-duet man sila, in my opinion, ay dapat do'n sa professional na lang. Hindi 'yong sa kapwa contestant. If with a pro, para makita kung mapapantayan 'yong star/voice quality ng pro singer. something like what they did sa Little Big Star dati. Anyway, opinion ko lang naman ito. I was trying to put myself kasi on the contestants' shoes.

Anyway last week pinakita ang luhaang si Musica Cristobal na sinabihan ni Wyngard Tracy na hindi marunong kumanta. And this week I saw Angeli Mae Flores na nakapasok sa Top 45. Sina Musica at Angeli Mae ay mga kasamahang finalists ni Sarah Geronimo sa dating Star For A Night ni Regine Velasques sa IBC 13. Angeli Mae also had a small speaking part with Angelika dela Cruz in an ABS-CBN soap before. She also used to be in ASAP. But after just one show where she sang with Martin Nievera, et. al. ay hindi na s'ya nakita pang muli. Sobrang out of tune kasi s'ya. Siguro dahil star struck s'ya sa mga kasamahan. Sayang si Musica. Mas magaling s'ya kaysa kay Angeli Mae.

The current Philippine Idol, Maureen Marcelo, was also one of Star For A Night's finalists with Sarah Geronimo.

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Pinoy Idol

I'm sure many of us are waiting for Pinoy Idol. I was somehow thankful that it moved from ABC 5 to GMA 7. It will get much more attention in the latter, really. And who better host the show than Raymond Gutierrez? He's one of the few local celebrity hosts who knows what he's doing. Fluent, articulate, pleasant to look at, and not "baduy". Paolo Bediones (accdg to inquirer.net) didn't make it as host of the show due to age restrictions. Fremantle, Idol's franchise holder, wants the host to be 30 below. Paolo Bediones is already 33. But had Paolo been 30, Raymond Gutierrez is still the better choice. Raymond (like Ryan Seacrest) is more... glamorous.

Also, Regine Velasquez wasn't able to make it as host of Pinoy Idol. Is that the reason why she's leaving GMA? (This is just my own opinion) She doesn't have Pinoy Pop Superstar and Celebrity Duets to host anymore... Is it like she's expecting GMA to put her as host of Pinoy Idol? Well, Fremantle (again) says that singers are "not even considered for the job, so as not to take attention away from the contestants." And for goodness' sake, Regine V can't even host! All she does is stand on stage with a microphone, and read the idiot boards. I'm a big fan of Regine but please, let the singers do the singing, and the hosts do the hosting.

Judges include Ogie Alcasid, Jolina Magdangal and Wyngard Tracy. Pinoy Idol premieres April 5, 2008, Saturday.

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