Last June 18, family members and fans of the Pinoy Idol
Top 12 lined up at the Music Museum to see their favorite
Idol contestant perform for a press conference that doubled as a mini-concert. The opening number, however, was marred by technical and wardrobe problems.
When the male and female Idol hopefuls sang Rihanna's hit "Don't Stop the
Music," their microphones were not working but just like true professionals,
they kept on performing even when the audience could not hear them sing.
Halfway through their performance, the audio system started working and the
audience was able at last to hear them sing "Irreplaceable."
The Top 12 finalists were then divided into four batches: Sue Ellen, Mae
Flores, and Penelope were the first group; Warren Antig, Ram Chaves, and Toffer
Rei comprised the second group; Jayann Bautista, Gretchen Espina, and Jeni
Rawolle performed third; Robby Navarro, Kid Camaya, and Daryl Celis were slated
to go last.
After the group performances, each Idol hopeful was given his/her turn under
the spotlight. Family members and fans of the Top 12 brought along their own
banners and wore a particular color for their bet. Supporters of Warren wore
violet, Kid Camaya's fans opted for red outfits, and Jayann's friends brought
along white balloons.
According to Ms. Fotini Paraskakis, director of Production
(Fremantle Asia), the Philippines is one of their key markets. "It's going well
so far. The next stage, the gala stage, is going to be the most important stage
so far. We're trying to make it as big a show as possible in the Philippines.
For us, the Philippines has always been in our market because Filipinos singers
are very strong and very, very talented. That's why we would like to see the
Idol franchise develop here in the Philippines."
How would she compare GMA-7's Pinoy Idol with ABC-5's Philippine Idol?
"It's a different channel, it's a different show so it's a different market. I
think the winner Mau Marcelo was very, very strong and she's very, very
talented. But these contestants also have their own qualities and I think it's
going to be a really strong show."
Will the Pinoy Idol winner be able to join Asian Idol this year?
"There won't be an Asian Idol this year. It will probably be in 2009 because
it's quite difficult for us to organize countries here in Asia. It takes a very
long time and we want to make sure that we get the best songs, the best
talents. It's a real celebration of music and we want to bring Asia together
and that takes time to organize."
Will the winner this year be able to join next year's Asian Idol?
"That's a strong possibility, yes," says Ms. Paraskakis. She handles the Idol
franchises of the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, and
Malaysia. They will soon have a Thailand edition as well.