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."