The Pinoy Idol stage was pumped up with energy last
week as the remaining eight contenders interpreted Jaya's soulful hits with
their own personal singing style. As a guest judge and mentor, the Queen of
Soul sat alongside judges Ogie Alcasid, Jolina Magdangal, and Wyngard Tracy in
order to give professional advice and tips to the Top 8 finalists.
Also seated in the audience were two certified hit makers Joey Generoso of Side A and 80's balladeer Nonoy Zuñiga.
Last week, viewers were able to see what is in store for the first Pinoy Idol. The ultimate winner will get P1 million, a house and lot, a brand new car, a recording contract with Sony BMG Music Philippines, and a television contract with GMA Network.
For the fifth gala performance, all four judges gave out praise and criticism for the remaining contestants. While several Idol hopefuls were met with appreciation for their own renditions of Jaya's songs, some of them just simply failed to impress.
For instance, 24-year old Kid Camaya was turned down by both Ogie and Wyngard for his rendition of "Kung Wala Na." Ogie pointed out, "I feel like you're slipping away. You were much better before. You were trying to do a Jaya but it didn't come out that way for me," he told Kid. Wyngard agreed and added, "You are deteriorating. If you want to make it, siguro you have to do your homework."
But the Queen of Soul spoke on Kid's behalf and was quick to notice his attempt to flavor the song with a different style. "Ako nahihirapan sa mga kanta ko, in fairness," she justified. "For you to do that and actually come out okay, then that means nagawa mo, nagampanan mo."
Jayann Baustista also failed to make an impression on the judges with her version of "Laging Naroon Ka." Jolina observed, "Napakita mo na sa amin yung range ng boses mo, na malaki talaga. Natatakot lang ako na bumo-border ka na doon sa laging sumisigaw. Yung parang horror na yung dating," she explained.
"Don't put it on the part na hindi kailangan," Jaya seconded. "Basically just sing the song, easy lang."
"I think what Jayann is trying to do is try to do a soulful rendition the song," noticed Ogie. "But it didn't come out that way," he added. "Ang gulo-gulo, e. Di ko tuloy naramadaman yung gusto mong sabihin. Stress on the important words."
It seemed that it wasn't Jayann's night during last week's gala performance as Wyngard was also quick to shed criticism not only on her singing, but also on her fashion. "Mukhang suman," the brutally frank judge told Jayann regarding her shoes that evening.
Rocker Toffer Rei made an unimpressive performance last week for his rendition of "Sometimes You Just Know." The 23-year-old Idol hopeful from Marikina received this comment from Jolina: "Sa pagkakanta mo, parang na-aalangan ako palagi. Parang any moment, meron kang magagawang mali. Hindi ko naramdaman na gusto mo yung ginagawa mo. Mas gusto ko yung performance mo last week."
Ogie agreed with the youngest judge and explained, "I think he was focusing more on trying to make a rock sound rather than sing it from his heart. That's why that happened."
Jaya also gave her share of advice for the 23-year-old finalist from Marikina. "Andun na yung sound mo," she told Toffer. "Just sing, that's all you have to do. Wag mo munang gawing komplikado."
Warren Antig, who was praised two weeks ago for his reggae-inspired take on a Regine Velasquez song, wasn't as impressive this time around. "Except for your last note, it was okay. Nothing extraordinary," said Ogie, referring to Warren's interpretation of "Cool Change." Jolina agreed with Ogie this time.
Wyngard, however, noticed that the Warren's chosen song didn't match the rocker image he is trying to project. "Next time, ingatan mo ang pagpili ng kantang gagawin mo," he advised.
Jaya added, "Tip lang, ingat lang ng konti sa mga notes, yung pagtapon."
But not all Idol hopefuls were severely criticized for their performances. Gretchen Espina was lauded for her version of "You Lift Me Up," for which Jaya won as Best Interpreter at the Asia's Song Festival in 1997.
"You look fabulous! Singer na singer na yung hitsura," observed Jaya. "The only thing you really need to do is have a little bit more confidence. You sounded great. Hinga ka lang. Think of this as your playground, because it is," she advised.
Darl Celis who sang a ballad in the song "Ikaw Lamang" also garnered praise from the judges. "That was very, very good. Ramdam na ramdam mo yung song," commended Wyngard. "Kinanata mo siya as is. Napaka-simple. It was so good."
Except for a few constructive pointers from the judges, Daryl gave an altogether good performance. "Don't close your eyes too much kasi ang pogi-pogi mo," joked Ogie. "As far as your singing was concerned, it wasn't very clean, but I felt the way you were singing. I enjoyed it."
Jaya was also happy with Daryl's performance. "He did exactly what I asked him to do. Magaling kang pumick-up," she told Daryl. "You did a great job."
Unlike the rest, 25-year-old Ram Chaves has always been consistent in his performances. Since he stepped into the Top 12, he has been garnering a lot of praise not only from the audience but from the judges, as well. He gave a rock-inspired version of "Honestly."
Though Wyngard was very vocal in saying he didn't like Ram's performance, the rest of the judges still appreciated his rock interpretation.
"Very good. I like it," commented Jolina. Ogie added, "I loved the way you attacked your notes. Great job." Jaya, who was last to comment, said, "You listened, you did your job, and you did it very well."
For this gala performance, 16-year-old Penelope was the only finalist able to clinch all four judges' seal of approval. "That's what I'm talking about! That's what I call singing, honey!" Jaya happily commented. "As far as singing is concerned, you can basically record an album now. That's how great you are."
Ogie added, "Penelope, you're back. Last week you were tentative. Walang kadating-dating. This time, wow, you nailed it!"
Wyngard and Jolina also liked the youngest finalist's performance. "As far as singing is concerned, ang galing-galing mo tonight," said Wyngard, in which Jolina interjected, "Nakuha mo na naman ang boto ko. Congratulations."
By the end of the results night the following night, Toffer Rei was booted out of the competition. He was placed on the Bottom Group along with Daryl Celis and Ram Chaves.
The contestants who are still in the running for the Pinoy Idol prizes are: Penelope, Ram Chaves, Gretchen Espina, Kid Camaya, Daryl Celis, Warren Antig, and Jayann Baustista.
Catch another Pinoy Idol gala performance next week as the Top 7 finalists go for the rock genre with songs from 6Cyclemind, Cueshe, Itchyworms, Brownman Revival, Pupil, Freestyle, and South Border. Watch the performances on Saturday, and the results on Sunday, only on GMA-7.