Later on, each contestant sang a song belonging to the music genre that they opted to sing. While some wowed the media audience, the others did not really make a mark on the spectators.
THE HOPEFUL. During their individual presentation, the members of the press already picked out their favorites. In fact, the crowd favorites became quite obvious by the applause and the cheers.
For example, JJ Jr., a 17-year-old student from Bataan, got loud screams and clapping from the audience not just because of his good looks and the ballad he performed. As a theater artist, JJ was able to connect with the audience during his moment. He was also game in answering all the questions that came from the media, unlike others who were nervous during the Q&A.
Another scene-stealer last night was Sue Ellen from Iloilo, also 17, who got nervous every time a reporter called her name for a question. When she was first asked to stay in front along with the other three members of the group, she started to cry even before she could answer the reporter's question.
Gretchen Espina, a 20-year-old student of the University of the Philippines, also caught the attention of a reporter after learning that she is a daughter of the governor of Biliran. The reporter asked, "Why did you join Pinoy Idol when you can ask for your dad's help to have an album?" Gretchen replied, she wanted to prove to herself that she really has the talent for singing.
Regene Ong, 20, of Quezon City, impressed the audience when she effortlessly sang Sarah Mclachlan's "In the Arms of the Angel," matched with a '50s outfit.
The media were also surprised to see Mae Flores, who once competed head-to-head with Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo in the talent
search program called Star for Night. After her stint in the said show, Mae said that she went back to school to finish her studies.
Warren Antig, 25-year-old from Baguio, can best be remembered as the "pasaway" during the elimination round. Judges Ogie Alcasid,
Wyngard Tracy, and Jolina Magdangal got mad at him when he caused too much delay during a taping.
Ram Chaves, 25, of Cagayan de Oro, is one of the four rockers in the group. He's not only a singer but also a songwriter. In fact, he performed his own composition last night.
Other Idol hopefuls who also sang rock music were Warren, Toffer Rei, 23, and Rye Estrada, 28. Toffer and Rye are both natives of
Iloilo.
Kid Camaya, 24, a bank employee, also amazed the audience when it was revealed that he lost 50 lbs. Kid wanted to join talent shows such as Pinoy Idol long before, but he was not confident enough because of his weight problem.
Robby Navarro is a second-time Idol hopeful. He once joined the Philippine Idol in ABC-5 last 2006. He made it to the Top 80.
Like Robby, Vren Villaflor, 17, of Quezon City, also joined several singing contests including Ang Batang Kampeon and Pinoy Pop Superstar. She was not able to continue the contest because she had to set priority on her studies. At that time she was a fourth year high school student.
Jayann Bautista, on the other hand, once joined GMA-7's Search for a Star, which was co-produced by Viva Entertainment. Later on, she
became a talent of Viva Entertainment and had a taste of recording of her own album under Viva Records.
Walton Zerrudo, 25, from Laguna, is one of the three fathers in the group, along with Warren Antig and Ram Chaves. He said one of his
inspirations is his son, whom he misses very much.
The other Pinoy Idol hopefuls are Batangueño Elliot Andal, 24; RnB/ballad fan Meryl David, 23, from Bicol; pop singer Carol Leus, 17, from Batangas; 28-year-old Quezon City resident Drizzle Muniz; jazz enthusiast Jeni Rawolle, 20, from Iloilo; Bev Ejercito, 18, from Davao; Daryl Celis, 21, from Rizal; Sherwin Marquez, 26, of Dagupan City; and Dio Paulo, 24, from Iloilo.
To end their mini-concert, the 24 hopefuls sang a part of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's "Ain't no Mountain High Enough." The popular choreographer Geleen Eugenio choreographed the group's dance moves.
THE BIG TRANSFORMATION. Aside from showing off their singing talent, the hopefuls will also be given a chance to have a total makeover.
In fact, Pinoy Idol program manager Hazel Abonita told the media, "From nobody, we are now turning them into a star right before your very eyes."
To achieve this, Ms. Abonita said that, "When we chose the Top 24, we made sure that they will be handled by the best of the best in the Philippine showbiz industry. "That's why sila po ay dumaan sa masusing supervision, dumaan po sila kay Direk Floy Quintos, dumaan din po sila kay Ms. Geleen Eugenio, nagkaroon din po sila ng session kay Mother Ricky Reyes, ang ating beauty Guru."
They also had a session with some stylists for their wardrobe during the workshop period.
Ms. Abonita added, "Sila po ay hinawakan ng apat sa pinakamagagaling na stylist natin ngayon sa industriya, mga stylist po ang fashion editor, lahat po iyan ay dinaanan ng ating mga contestants.
"Sila po ay dumaan sa kamay nina Donna Pita, creative director ng Summit Publishing; Kat Cruz, fashion editor ng Chalk magazine, Anne
Bella, fashion editor ng Preview magazine."
PINOY IDOL EXTRA. Ms. Abonita also invited the press to watch the daily update on Pinoy Idol every day.
Hosted by Rhian Ramos and Karylle, Ms. Abonita said that in Pinoy Idol Extra, the audience will be able to see "all the drama, all the story behind the scene."
She further explained, "Lahat po ng mga kuwento, lahat ng pawis, lahat ng mga hirap na dinadaanan ng ating mga contestants ay hindi
kakasya sa Pinoy Idol main program. That's why GMA Network Inc. thought of a program that will give you the side stories.
"Lahat ng mga chismis, lahat ng mga iyakan, walkout, ay mapapanood niyo sa programang tinatawag namin na Pinoy Idol Extra."
Pinoy Idol Extra will be shown on Sundays, starting May 25, after SOP, and Mondays to Thursdays after The Legend on GMA Telebabad.
Meanwhile, catch the drama during the announcement of Top 24 in Pinoy Idol on Saturday, May 24, right after Pinoy Records.
...from an email source: PEP.PH
