Four contestants were eliminated after the first week of Workshop Stage of GMA-7's Philippine franchise of the world's most popular singing search, Pinoy Idol. From 24, the remaining Idol hopefuls are now down to 20. Dio Paulo, Elliot Andal, Drizzle Muniz, and Bev Ejercito ended their journey earlier tonight, May 25.
The sad news came abruptly for these four Pinoy Idol contestants as host Raymond Gutierrez told them about their elimination in a straightforward manner—sans suspense and drama.
The Top 12 boys performed for the first time last Friday, May 23, and then the Top 12 girls followed last night, May 24. Most of them got favorable comments from Pinoy Idol judges Ogie Alcasid, Jolina Magdangal, and Wyngard Tracy, but their fate is solely determined by text votes.
In the end, Dio, Elliot, Drizzle, and Bev got the lowest number of votes that resulted in their elimination. Dio sang Guy Sebastian's "Angels Brought Me Here," Elliot performed Basil Valdez's "Sana'y Ikaw Na Nga," Drizzle belted out Evanescence's "My Immortal," and Bev did her own version of Patsy Cline's "Crazy."
Among the four who were voted out, Bev's elimination came as a shock to many. She was considered as one of the frontrunners before the first performance night.
With the exit of Dio and Elliot, the only remaining male contestants are Walton Zerrudo, Rye Estrada, Ram Chaves, Kid Camaya, Sherwin Marquez, Daryl Celis, Warren Antig, Toffer Rei, Robby Navarro, and JJ Jr.
After the departure of Drizzle and Bev, the 10 remaining female contestants are Regene Ong, Jayanne Bautista, Sue Ellen, Carol Leus, Penelope, Meryl David, Vren Villaflor, Mae Flores, Jeni Rawolle, and Gretchen Espina.
Those who survived elimination will perform again on Friday (May 30) and Saturday (May 31) before the second elimination on Sunday (June 1).