PHILIPPINE IDOL: September 2006

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Wildcard Results

Everyone was in a party mood at the Philippine IDOL Theater in SM Megamall. The ten wildcard performers gave a lively opening number and passing on party hats to each other.

Between Onyx, Joseph and Ken the idol voters chose to vote for the guy from Baguio. Surprisingly, Ken had a dismal performance the previous night in the eyes of the judges. This was more than likely caused by his being gravely under the weather. His ‘show must go on’ attitude must have touched the hearts of the voters despite the stellar performances of Onyx’ “Wildflower” and Joseph’s grinding “Maria Maria” of Santana.

Stef’s emotional performance of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” was the Stef that Mamita was looking for and this connected well with the audience as they chose her over the classy performance of Ira Marasigan. Stef moves on to the finals while Ira moves on to different things to pursue her love for singing.
Ramirr and Gian have become close buddies these past few weeks as they share the same temperaments and are both the shy and quiet type. Even their experiences in their love life have similarities. But only one can go on to the finals and this time the chance goes to Gian.

Suey and Mau were up next. It was obvious that Mau was feeling the heat and her disappointment was apparent. She did not realize how different Philippine Idol is from other singing competitions where the voters’ decision was what made one a winner. She did not doubt her own talent at singing but what was making it hard for her was the thought that being a good singer was not enough. We all know of her bitter experiences when she was younger about her dark looks but she has grown used to that and is confident about herself. In fact, her motto is “black is beautiful.” So she was just preparing herself for the worst when it was only her and Suey left onstage and she commented that Philippine Idol is a singing competition and not a beauty contest. Suey ended up comforting a teary Mau who really had no cause for disappointment because it was she who was moving on to the finals and not Suey. Only goes to show that Philippine Idol is not predictable and one should always expect the unexpected.

Next week, Philippine Idol goes back to some memorable moments during the first round of auditions. Remember Jeffrey Santos and our green haired Anime girl? Idol fans get to see the highlights of these one of a kind performances once again.

Saturday wildcard live performance

It’s make or break for the ten wildcard performers who get another chance at getting into the Idol finals. They’ve been rehearsing the whole week and are out to show that they have what it takes to be the first Philippine IDOL.

Aussie girl Stef Lazaro started the night on a high note with her top caliber performance of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” which was readily acknowledged by the judges Francis M, Pilita and Ryan Cayabyab. Kiko though, thought that her delivery was too emotional while Mamita suggested that she lose some weight should she get on further into the competition.

Gian Magdanagal, an early favorite to get into the finals, delivered a performance that went beyond what was expected of him when he sang his version of Stevie Wonder’s “Lately.” Kiko said that Gian was born to be a performer and Mamita added that aside from his being a great singer and dancer, Gian also had enough good looks to make a good Philippine Idol. Mr. C meanwhile said that Gian’s performance was the best overall male performance in the competition so far and that he should be in the finals.

Completely “made over” in a sexy red dress, Davaoeña med rep Ting Otero sang “Sana'y Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan.” But for all her charm and talent, our lady in red did not quite connect with the judges. She was ready for any comment that would come her way when she said to Ryan Agoncillo, “fire away.” Kiko could not exactly place the reason why but he felt that there was something missing in Ting’s performance. Mamita clarified her position on her being misquoted as saying that there was no talent to be found in Davao and gave an OK for Ting’s performance. Mr. C was able to nail down the missing link when he said that the song should have been delivered with more lyricism and that Ting sang it in too choppy a manner. We wonder if its because Ting has not had that sort of experience in her personal life that she wasn’t able to extract that emotion from the song. The maestro added that there should have been more longing and caress in her voice when she sang the song. Ting gracefully accepted the judges critiques but is still optimistic that her kababayans from the south will pull through and vote for her.

Most improved on the night’s performance was Onyx Culala who has slowly overcome his shyness. The judges very much appreciated his version of “Wildflower” but Mr. C was worried that despite Onyx’ blooming performance it might be too late in the competition. Onyx is just thankful that his efforts are being appreciated and is still hopeful that it is not too late and that idol fans will give him enough votes.

Classy girl Ira Marasigan gave a tearful plea during her vtr before singing that night. The judges appreciated her sexy moves and MR. C added that there’s nothing wrong with being well educated and intelligent and it was something to flaunt. In fact, he said that the Philippine music industry needed more of her type but the other side to this polished look is that the warmth is lost because she is so well studied. She needs to put in more spontaneity in her performance and Mr. C wished that she would be in the top 12. Our idol voters will be the judge of that come results show this Sunday night.

Joseph Astor has risen above the hardships of poverty to reach the semi-finals of Philippine IDOL. He is prepared to do whatever he can to reach his dream of stardom and success. He may seem as if he were a politician on a campaign trail but that only goes to show how earnest this Pampangeno is in achieving his goal. Joseph wants to be known for his own talents and not just be labeled as a Piolo/Sam Milby look a like who sounds like Gary V. During the past week’s rehearsals, Mel Villena, said that Joseph was the only one among the wildcard boys who could pull off a Santana song and Joseph did a very good rendition Saturday night. Joseph’s macho dancing moves was not lost on Mamita and Mr. C said, “mahirap talaga magtrabaho...” referring to Joseph’s grinding dance moves, “...keep it up,” Mr. C added.

Dedication to his craft cannot be denied of Ken Dingle who had to be rushed to the hospital sometime during the week because of his high fever. But tonight Ken was in high spirits. He is just thankful at this second chance to serenade us all. In his vtr we learn that he is the only from his family here in Manila and that he quit his job in Australia to join Philipine Idol. Singing “House is not a Home,” had a very personal meaning for Ken who but despite his efforts, the judges expected more from him. Maybe fellow Baguio boy Ramirr would fare better with them.
Missing for a brief time during rehearsals because he made a visit to his fiancee Faye up north, Ramirr Grepo performed Saturday night determined to prove that he still wanted the idol plum just like any of the other contestants. He chose to stick to what he was good at and gave a smashing performance of the “I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing.” But the judges also expected more from this Baguio lad, something “new.” Ramirr should have gone out of his comfort zone of singing rock ballads and showed he can also do well outside of his rocker mold. If he gets into the finals, then he will definitely do just that.

Marawi girl Suey Medina proved that she was more than just a band vocalist with her engaging performance of “Best of My Love" which she dedicated to her late mom. Though Mr. C said that so many others have sang her song Suey got away with it because she was charming and had good projection. Last but not the least to perform that night was Mau Marcelo who sang an exceptional rendition of Ella May Saison’s “Till My Heartaches End.” Like Suey, Mau is singing this for her mom. Mau again came dressed to the nines with a diva black gowny number which suits her. Kiko says that he will be calling Sony BMG to give this gal an album. Mamita is happy about Mau’s elegant transformation. All Mr. C could add was that her performance was “world class.”

Its now the idols fans turn to make things happen for these ten wildcard performers. Will the voters listen to the judges? Or will they go with their personal picks? We can’t wait to find out tonight on Sunday’s results show!