Another exhilarating gala performance took place in Pinoy
Idol last weekend as the remaining Top 10 contestants battled it out with
live performances of heartfelt songs that represented their own lives. The past
week showcased the Top 10 as they rendered performances symbolic of their
journey from their pre-Idol days to the present.
Audiences saw a different twist in the reality singing competition, with Pinoy Idol Extra host Karylle sharing the limelight with main host Raymond Gutierrez. The young diva looked absolutely striking in a short and colorful ensemble but it wasn't just Karylle who dazzled the SM Mall of Asia audience last week. The Idol hopefuls, too, looked equally stunning in pieces that showcased their respective styles. It seems that the advice given by top experts have certainly paid off.
But more noteworthy than their outward appearance is the remarkable improvement in the performances of the Idol hopefuls.
Toffer Rei and Ram Chaves were standouts last week as the three judges—Ogie Alcasid, Jolina Magdangal and Wyngard Tracy—approved their rock-inspired take on this week's topic featuring theme songs of their lives. Both rockers were particularly edgy-with Toffer singing Bon Jovi's "It's My Life" and Ram with "Yugyugan" by P.O.T.
Jolina was very vocal in saying that she tried to find something wrong in Toffer's cutting-edge performance but didn't find any, and Ogie was also quick to say that the 23-year-old rocker from Marikina was "superb." Ram Chaves also received favorable comments and was told that he was looking better and better every week.
Pinoy Idol diva Penelope was also met with praise by the judges who were very happy with her soulful take on the theme. Penelope sang her version of "This Is My Now" popularized by American Idol Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks, and was told by Wyngard, "ipagpatuloy mo ang laban." Jolina admitted that she considered Penelope as the Pinoy Idol winner already while Ogie complimented the Batangueña's "beautiful angelic voice."
The other Idol performances, however, were not as smooth sailing as the previous three.
Jayann Bautista's rendition of Dianne Reeves' "Better Days" prompted Ogie to call the 21-year-old "a pro" while Wyngard considered it her best performance so far. However, Jolina called it far from perfect.
Ogie didn't like Sue Ellen's version of "Jesus Take The Wheel" from American Idol Season 4 champ Carrie Underwood, and even added that R&B melodies would better suit the 16-year-old singer. Jolina, on the other hand, noticed a show of nerves from the Ilongga.
Daryl Celis, despite not being not openly criticized for his rendition of "Kung Kailangan Mo Ako" by Rey Valera, was still not able to impress Jolina. She even called his number as a "high school" performance while Wyngard observed, "napakasimple ng song [pero] parang pinahirap."
Ogie, however, countered the opinion of his co-judges and quipped, "Saksakan naman ng appeal ang batang ito. Kung high school ako, titili talaga ako, e."
Twenty-four-year-old Kid Camaya sang Gary Valenciano's "Warrior Is A Child," a song that was met with praise from Ogie. "This has been your most soulful performance yet," he said. "You know you sound best when you don't force anything."
Jolina agreed with Ogie and commented, "Swabeng swabe ulit ang pagkakanta ni Kid. Gustong gusto ko ang pagkakanta mo, nakaka-touch." But Wyngard thought otherwise and criticized, "Parang pang-high school and performance mo, di ko ma-feel. Sa akin, it's your worst performance."
Although Wyngard was impressed with Robby Navarro for his heartfelt performance of Whitney Houston‘s "Greatest Love of All," Ogie thought Robby's piece was not as clean as he would have liked, and Jolina was equally disappointed in noticing some stray notes in the song.
Some were praised, some were criticized—but despite the mix of positive and negative comments from the panel, two contestants were still not able to impress any of the judges.
Ogie complimented Gretchen Espina's song choice of Pauline Wilson's "Follow Your Road" but felt Gretchen was not singing it on television. Wyngard, on the other hand, remarked, "hindi nagawan ng justice yung song." Jolina did not like the performance either.
Pinoy Idol rocker Warren Antig sang "Balong Malalim" by Juan dela Cruz Band—a song that failed to impress the panel. Ogie considered Warren's vocals as "dirty"; Wyngard openly criticized the rocker by saying, "nagdedeteriorate ka na"; and Jolina admitted that she did not feel excited at all.
However, despite all the negative comments from the judges, Warren and Gretchen were still fortunate enough to be led onto the safe side during the eliminations. Daryl Celis, Sue Ellen, and Robby Navarro were placed in the Bottom Three but in the end, the 28-year-old Robby had to end his Pinoy Idol journey.
The Top 9 contestants who will battle it out next week are: Daryl Celis, Warren
Antig, Kid Camaya, Toffer Rei, Gretchen Espina, Sue Ellen, Jayann Bautista, Ram
Chaves, and Penelope.
Watch another Pinoy Idol gala weekend next week as Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez shares tips for the remaining nine finalists. Catch Pinoy Idol on GMA-7 on Saturday nights for the performances, and Sunday nights for the eliminations.